Archives

Why Vanasse Law?

See the many reasons Vanasse Law’s dedication, expertise and personal attention makes us THE best choice for injured workers in central Pennsylvania.

Learn More >

Testimonials

“I am so thankful that I was referred to Vanasse Law for my workmans comp claim. Mike & Loraine put me at ease and the outcome was better than I expected…”

More Testimonials >

    Get a Free Case Evaluation
    Same-Day Response Time

    *Required

    I have read the disclaimer.
    Privacy Policy

    Loss of Limb and Workers’ Compensation

    loss of limb

    In the state of Pennsylvania, when you have suffered an injury or illness at work you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation. This benefit provides reimbursement for medical expenses, as well as a portion of the salary that you lose as a result of having to spend time out of work for recuperation and recovery. In some instances, the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act has established very specific compensation amounts based on suffering particular losses. Among these pre-established specific losses, awards are those that have been set aside for the loss of a body part. If you have been injured and work and it has resulted in the loss of a limb, workers’ compensation will not be able to fully reimburse you for your disability: but the state has recognized the change that this type of injury represents, and as a result, it has offered these values so that people will not need to argue or fight the insurance companies. The Lancaster law firm of Vanasse Law has successfully represented many workers who have suffered this type of injury, ensuring that they get the benefits to which they are entitled.

    If you have suffered the loss of a limb or body part, workers’ compensation provides for both a healing period and an additional number of weeks that they will pay benefits. For that time period, you will receive a weekly check that represents a percentage of what your average weekly wage was at the time of the injury. The time periods are shown here:

     

    Body Part Lost                Healing Period (weeks)                    Benefits Paid (weeks)

    Hand                                       20                                                               335

    Forearm                                20                                                                370

    Arm                                         20                                                                410

    Foot                                        25                                                                250

    Lower Leg                            25                                                                350

    Leg                                           25                                                                410

    Thumb                                   10                                                                 100

    First Finger                            6                                                                  50

    Second Finger                       6                                                                 40

    Third Finger                           6                                                                 30

    Fourth Finger                        6                                                                 28

    Big Toe                                    12                                                                40

    Other Toes                             6                                                                  16

    There are both advantages and disadvantages to these pre-established benefits having been created by the state. If you have suffered one of these losses and feel that you have recovered enough to return to your work responsibilities in a time period shorter than the period that the state provides, you are still able to receive the loss of body part benefit, even if you have returned to work. However, by contrast, if you have been severely harmed and do not feel ready to return to work after the compensation period ends, your employer is able to cite the maximum time period and stop making payments.

    Losing a limb can be both physically damaging and emotionally traumatic, and if it has happened to you then you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. You also may be able to pursue other responsible parties beyond your employer. The attorneys at Vanasse Law are experienced, compassionate workers’ compensation lawyers who are able to help you explore all of your options. Contact us today to learn more.