You have spent the past 20 years working on the assembly line without incident, but accidents do happen. Moving parts on machinery and heavy equipment can cause serious injuries. If you are injured on the job, you will likely be concerned about how you will continue to earn your normal wages. Fortunately, you can pursue workers’ compensation benefits to make ends meet when your workplace injury puts you in a tight financial bind.
Extent of disability
Workers’ compensation can include benefits for lost wages. How much you will receive depends on whether you are “totally disabled” meaning you are no longer able to work at all or “partially disabled,” meaning you can work but you are not making as much as you were before being injured.
Workers’ compensation can also include benefits that cover the loss of a specific body part. For example, if you lose a digit or a limb, if you are rendered deaf or blind, or if you are permanently disfigured you could receive “specific loss” benefits.
Workers’ compensation can also be used to cover your medical care incurred due to a workplace injury or illness. This includes coverage for surgical procedures, medical care provided by a doctor and medical supplies. However, as discussed in a previous post, you may be required to choose between six medical providers approved by your employer for your initial medical care.
Make sure you understand how benefits work in Pennsylvania
It is important to make sure you understand how workers’ compensation works in Pennsylvania. Even if you are not injured now, you could be injured on-the-job in the future. Knowing your rights is the first step in advocating for your best interests.