Easton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
In Pennsylvania, employees who are hurt on the job are entitled to benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation system. Benefits include coverage of all medical costs, as well as compensation for a portion of the injured worker’s lost wages. Employees who are permanently disabled could also qualify for additional benefits, while the surviving family members of a deceased employee could be entitled to death benefits. To learn more about the workers’ compensation program in Pennsylvania and whether you could qualify for benefits, reach out to our dedicated Easton workers’ compensation lawyer today.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a mandatory, employer-financed, no-fault insurance that provides employees who are injured on the job with compensation for lost wages and medical treatment. Workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy, which means that employees who sustain work-related injuries cannot also attempt to hold the employer liable by filing a civil lawsuit in court.
To begin the process of obtaining workers’ comp benefits in Pennsylvania, an injured claimant will need to report his or her injuries within 21 days of the accident. At this point, the employer must send a report of the injury to its insurer, which will then begin investigating the claim. The employer then has three weeks to either accept the claim, deny it, or notify the employee of an extended investigation.
Calculating Wage Loss Benefits
Employees who are hurt on the job and who properly report their injuries before the deadline are entitled to employer-paid medical treatment and, if the person must take at least seven consecutive days off from work, wage loss benefits as well. Typically, wage loss benefits will commence within 21 days of when the employer received notice of the injury, unless the claim is denied.
How much a person can receive in wage loss benefits will depend on his or her pre-injury weekly wage. For instance, a claimant would receive 66 and two-thirds percent of his or her average weekly wage if his or her usual paycheck amount falls between $1,807.50 and $903.76. If an employee’s average weekly wage, however, falls between $903.75 and $669.44, then his or her weekly compensation rate would be $602.50. An employee who earns $669.43 or less will be entitled to 90 percent of his or her average weekly wage. Finally, no claimant can receive more than $1,205 per week in workers’ comp wage loss benefits.
Were You Hurt at Work?
Being hurt at work can have significant repercussions for an injured worker and his or her family. Fortunately, injured parties need not attempt to get through this time on their own, but can apply for workers’ comp benefits that will cover medical treatment and wage loss. To learn more about Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system, for assistance requesting benefits, or for help filing an appeal, reach out to the dedicated Easton workers’ compensation lawyer at O’Donnell Law Offices. Initial consultations are offered free of charge, so don’t hesitate to call 570-821-5717 or send us an online message today.
