Workplace injuries can have a serious impact on a person’s physical well-being and financial security. In Philadelphia, where many employees work in construction, healthcare, and industrial settings, the risk of job-related injuries is a constant concern. If you’ve been injured on the job in this city, speaking to a workers’ compensation lawyer in Philadelphia can help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the benefits available through workers’ compensation and how they help injured employees.
Medical Benefits
One of the core benefits of workers’ compensation is coverage for medical treatment. This includes hospital visits, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and other necessary care related to the work injury. According to Wapner Newman, these benefits are provided regardless of fault, meaning that even if the worker contributed to their injury, they are still entitled to medical coverage.
In Pennsylvania, an injured worker is generally required to treat with a provider on the employer’s list of approved physicians for the first 90 days after the injury. After that, the employee may choose their own doctor. This helps ensure that workers receive prompt care without worrying about the financial burden.
Wage Loss Benefits
Another critical benefit under workers’ compensation is wage replacement. If a work-related injury prevents you from performing your job duties, you may qualify for wage loss benefits. These benefits are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a certain limit set by state law.
There are two types of wage loss benefits:
- Total Disability Benefits, for when you are completely unable to work.
- Partial Disability Benefits, if you can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than you did before the injury.
Wapner Newman emphasizes that timely legal assistance can be key in ensuring wage benefits are calculated correctly and start promptly.
Specific Loss Benefits
If a worker suffers a permanent loss of use of a body part—such as a hand, foot, eye, or hearing—they may be eligible for specific loss benefits. These are paid even if the individual is able to return to work. Specific loss benefits also apply to cases involving disfigurement, particularly facial scars, burns, or head injuries.
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system includes a schedule that outlines how many weeks of compensation are awarded for the loss of specific body parts. A qualified attorney can help determine the full extent of what may be owed.
Death Benefits
In the unfortunate event that a worker dies as a result of a job-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation offers death benefits to the surviving dependents. This typically includes weekly payments to a spouse and/or dependent children. Additionally, the insurer may cover funeral and burial expenses up to a certain limit.
The attorneys at Wapner Newman understand how devastating this situation can be for a family and work diligently to ensure beneficiaries receive everything they’re entitled to under the law.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In cases where an injured employee cannot return to their previous position, vocational rehabilitation services may be available. These services are designed to help the worker find new employment, possibly in a different field. This might include job training, resume assistance, or even educational support.
Wapner Newman helps injured workers navigate this transition, ensuring that their rights are protected while they attempt to re-enter the workforce.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Although workers’ compensation is meant to protect employees, the process is often complex. Claims can be denied for procedural errors, insufficient evidence, or employer disputes. That’s why having a skilled attorney can make a significant difference.
Wapner Newman’s legal team brings decades of experience representing injured workers in Philadelphia. Their knowledge of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act ensures that clients receive fair treatment and all the benefits to which they are entitled.
Final Thoughts
Workers’ compensation provides essential benefits that help injured employees recover physically and financially. From medical care and wage replacement to death benefits and job retraining, the system is designed to offer support during a challenging time.
If you’ve been hurt on the job in Philadelphia, it’s wise to consult a workers’ compensation lawyer who understands the nuances of state law and can advocate for your rights.
