6 Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania employers are required to provide their workers with workers’ compensation benefits. This insurance coverage is there to provide much-needed financial resources to injured workers and their families and is not limited to just one type of benefit. Pennsylvania actually recognizes six different forms of workers’ compensation benefits, as explained by our Lancaster work injury lawyer.   

Temporary Total Disability 

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are typically available to workers whose on-the-job injuries prevent them from performing any type of work in any capacity. Eligibility for TTD benefits begins one week from the date you, the injured worker, were last able to work, and you can receive ⅔ of your weekly wage as TTD benefits up to a predetermined maximum amount. Calculating your wage amount correctly is key to receiving the full amount of benefits you are owed. Included in TTD are:

• Gross wages
• Bonuses
• Annual vacation pay (prorated)
• Federally reported gratuities
• Any payments received from your employer for lodging

While you are able to receive TTD indefinitely, it is not guaranteed. After 104 weeks of receiving TTD, an employer may request that you have an impairment rating evaluation (IRE). Should the IRE determine that your injury has left you with less than 35% impairment, your status may be changed to permanent partial disability.

Common examples of conditions and injuries that qualify for TTD benefits are:

• Severe cuts & lacerations
• Temporary blindness
• Head injuries

Permanent Partial Disability 

Permanent partial disability benefits (PPD) are available to you if you have been injured and are able to work, but in a capacity that is modified from your previous position. Benefits are calculated by finding the difference between the wages earned with your previous position and the wages you will earn in your new position. Whatever the difference is, you will receive ⅔ of that total amount in PPD benefits. These payments may continue for up to 500 weeks when needed. If your physician feels that you are able to return to your previous position, then the PPD benefits will end. 

If at any time while you are receiving the PPD benefits your IRE indicates your level of impairment has met or exceeded the 35% threshold, speak to your Lancaster work injury lawyer as you may qualify for TTD.

Common examples of conditions and injuries that qualify for PPD benefits are:

• Post-concussion injuries
• Trama with ongoing injuries 
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Hearing loss

Medical Expenses

Workers’ compensation insurance is required to cover the costs related to reasonable and necessary medical expenses. This includes:

• Doctor’s visits
• Surgeries
• Necessary treatments
• Over-the-counter medications
• Hospital expenses
• Medical supplies
• Medical devices
• Prescriptions

You may also be able to receive mileage reimbursement for trips taken to and from your medical care appointments. If your new injury aggravated a pre-existing injury, you may be able to receive medical benefits for that condition as well. Your benefits also extend to any necessary renovations that are made to your home or automobile so that they are able to accommodate your injury. There are no time limits established for when you can receive medical care for your injury. 

Coverage may not extend to any medical treatments that the insurer feels are unreasonable, unnecessary, or unusual. 

Specific Loss

Some work injuries are eligible for specific loss benefits. There is a specific number of weeks allowed for each specific loss. The coverage amount is ⅔ of the amount of wages earned prior to the injury multiplied by the specific number of weeks allotted for that loss. Specific loss injuries include:

• Amputation of a body part
• Loss of use of a body part
• Loss of hearing
• Loss of vision
• Permanent or serious disfigurement to head, neck, or face

When dealing with specific loss injuries, you may still receive benefits even if the injury does not cause you to miss any time at work and you are still able to perform your job the same as before the injury occurred. 

Travel Expenses

Some injuries and illnesses require that you travel to receive the care you need. When this happens, the insurance company is responsible for ensuring that you are reimbursed for your travel expenses. If you are unable to find your own transportation, the insurer is also required to provide you with transportation to and from an Independent Medical Examination (IME). A Lancaster work injury lawyer can help you determine when you are eligible for travel expense reimbursement. 

Death Benefits

If you die as a result of a work-related injury, workers’ compensation does provide death benefits to your heirs. Payment includes $3000 for funeral expenses. Family members that may qualify for death benefits include:

• Your spouse (unless & until they remarry)
• Your children will receive payments until they reach the age of 18 or if they are full-time students in an accredited school, the age of 23
• Your children that are physically or mentally disabled no matter their age
• Dependent parents
• Dependent siblings

The amount each person receives depends on how many people qualify for the benefits. Also, death benefits are only available if the death results within 300 weeks from when the injury or exposure that caused the death occurred. 

Bear in mind, for heirs to receive death benefits, the death must not be a result of the employee’s careless or reckless actions. This includes if the employee was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Speak With a Lancaster Work Injury Lawyer at Vanasse Law, LLC

When you have been injured on the job, getting better is the only thing you should have to worry about. Speak with a Lancaster work injury lawyer at Vanasse Law, LLC, to learn more about how we can handle your workers’ compensation claim for you and bring you the peace of mind you need to heal. We may be reached by calling 717-397-1010 or via our contact page.