Are There Benefits if I Can’t Return to Work After an Accident?
A workplace accident can seriously strain an injured employee and their family. Workers’ compensation insurance helps to provide some much-needed protection—including a path to getting benefits. At Schmidt, Kirifides & Rassias, we fight for the rights of injured workers. Our workers’ compensation attorneys provide an overview of the available benefits if you cannot return to work as you did before, after a workplace accident.
Know the Law: Pennsylvania Provides No-Fault Workers’ Comp Coverage to Employees
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry explains that workers’ comp “covers medical expenses and lost wages for workers who are unable to return to work due to a work-related injury or illness.” Notably, the Commonwealth’s workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis. Injured employees can receive benefits regardless of who caused the workplace accident or illness. You are not required to prove negligence on the part of your employer.
An Overview of Benefits You Can Seek Through a Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Claim
To start, injured workers need to get immediate, comprehensive medical care. In Pennsylvania, workers’ comp provides full coverage for necessary medical treatments for your work injury or illness. Along with other types of medical treatment, you can seek coverage for:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Prescription drugs
- Physical therapy
- Specialized care
There are no copayments or deductibles for approved treatments. In other words, injured workers should be able to focus on their recovery without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.
Wage Loss (Two-Thirds Average Weekly Wage)
Workers’ comp provides wage replacement benefits if you cannot work due to a job-related injury or illness. In most cases, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage. However, there are minimum and maximum benefits. The maximum weekly compensation rate for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2024, is $1,325.00.
Vocational Rehabilitation
When an injury limits your ability to perform your previous job, vocational rehabilitation services can assist in transitioning to new employment. These services may offer job counseling, retraining programs, resume assistance, and job placement support.
Death Benefits
Unfortunately, workplace fatalities do happen in Pennsylvania. Our state offers no-fault workers’ comp death benefits to survivors. Eligible dependents may include spouses, children, or relatives who rely on the deceased worker for financial support.
Speak to Our Delaware County Work Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Schmidt, Kirifides & Rassias, our Delaware County workers’ comp lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and interests. If you have any questions about the available benefits in your case, we are here as a resource. Contact our firm right away for a free, no-strings-attached case evaluation. From our law office in Media, we provide legal representation to injured workers in Delaware County and throughout the surrounding region in Southeastern Pennsylvania.