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Workers Impacted by Scarring and Disfigurement
Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania includes benefits for scarring and disfigurement. If you were scarred or disfigured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to medical, lost wages and specific loss benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act).
The compassionate work injury lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. understand how difficult it is for employees who sustain these types of catastrophic work injuries. We will explain all your legal options and fight to obtain the full amount of benefits to which you are entitled.
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Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Advocate for Workers Who Suffered Scarring and Disfigurement Injuries
For the last 40 years, the Philadelphia law firm of Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. has helped injured workers get the benefits they need to start their recovery. If you have questions about your eligibility for workers’ compensation in PA, or if you wish to schedule a free consultation with us, please call 888-PITT-LAW or fill out the contact form for more information about workers’ compensation. Larry Pitt & Associates helps throughout:
Workers’ Compensation Scarring and Disfigurement Benefits
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the scarring or disfigurement must have been to the neck or head; scarring and disfigurement of other parts of the body is not compensable under the Act. You may receive compensation for both the scars directly caused by the accident and the scars left by any reparative surgeries.
According to the Act, the scarring or disfigurement must also be permanent and unsightly. Permanent scars are those that do not fade after at least six months. When determining whether a scar or disfigurement is unsightly, judges will take into consideration the size, shape, and location of the scar, as well as the age of the worker who suffered the injury.
You may also be able to recover for psychological and emotional injuries you developed due to your scarring or disfigurement. This type of claim is called a physical-mental disability claim. Workers who suffer severe injuries such as scarring or disfigurement may also qualify for a lump sum payment specific loss benefits
Causes of Workplace Scarring and Disfigurement
Depending on the workers’ environment and job duties, there are many ways in which they can suffer a disfiguring injury at work. Some common causes of these types of accidents are:
- Car accidents
- Chemical burns
- Electrical burns
- Explosions
- Factory accidents
- Falling objects
- Falls from heights
- Power tools
Requirements to Obtain Benefits for Scarring and Disfigurement
As with any workplace injury, you are required to report your injury to your employer within 120 days. You must be able to show that the injury occurred as a result of the accident and that it is permanent. The statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the injury.
If the injury leaves you permanently disabled, you may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits. The amount of this type of benefit is typically two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage and you may receive wage loss and medical expenses related to your injury for life.
However, if you are simultaneously receiving Social Security disability benefits, your permanent total disability benefits may be decreased, as you may not receive more than 80 percent of your average pre-injury earnings in state and federal benefits.
Compensation Limits
Workers may receive up to 275 weeks of compensation, depending on the severity of the scarring or disfigurement. The more unsightly the scarring or disfigurement, the higher the amount will generally be. The amount you will receive is based on your pre-injury average weekly wage up to a pre-determined cap.
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