If you contract an illness or receive an injury because of your work, workers’ compensation can help cover your medical costs and possible wage losses. The good news is, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Workers’ Compensation Act covers almost every worker in the state in one way or another.
While you are most likely entitled to WC, what are the benefits of WC and what does it cover?
What are coverage and benefits?
WC covers illnesses, disease, injury or death if they are causally related to your work and not a result of self-infliction or illegal activity. If you qualify for WC, here are some of the benefits you might receive.
- Medical expenses – WC may cover your medical expenses including surgical procedures, hospital and physician treatment, medicine, orthopedic and prosthetic devices and other medical services. WC should cover these expenses for as long as you need them.
- Lost wages benefit – If your injury resulted in full or partial disability, you may be eligible for lost wages benefits. The amount of wage-loss compensation you can receive will depend on the extent of your disability and whether or not you are able to work.
- Death benefits – If a workplace injury or illness results in death, WC may cover benefits for dependents.
- Specific loss benefits – If a workplace injury caused you to lose the function of all or part of any of your limbs, appendages, sight or hearing or if you have a serious disfigurement on your face, head or neck, you may be eligible for specific loss compensation.
How do I get my benefits?
It is important to report any illness or injury to your employer as soon as you can. If your employer denies your claim, you can file a claim petition for a hearing before a WC judge.