Ellwood City Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Protecting the Rights of Injured Workers

Being injured on the job can be an incredibly stressful experience. Not only are you dealing with the pain and trauma of the accident, but you may also be facing mounting medical bills and lost wages from time off work. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, meaning you are likely eligible to receive certain benefits to help you recover.

Unfortunately, many workers' compensation claims are wrongfully denied, leaving injured employees struggling to make ends meet. That’s where we come in. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C., we have been helping injured workers in the Ellwood City area obtain the benefits they are owed for over 80 years. Our firm is committed to helping you navigate the claims process and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Call our firm today at (724) 576-8855 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Ellwood City workers' compensation attorneys.

What Is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides financial benefits to employees who are injured on the job. The program is designed to protect both employers and employees. When workers are injured, workers' compensation provides them with certain benefits, such as medical coverage and wage replacement, while simultaneously protecting employers from lawsuits.

Under Pennsylvania law, most employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. There are a few exceptions, however, including:

• Businesses that employ agricultural laborers who work fewer than 30 days per year or make less than $1,200 in wages a year
• Businesses that employ people who are covered by other workers' compensation acts such as: federal workers, railroad workers, longshoremen, harbor workers, or other maritime workers

If you are unsure whether your employer is required to carry workers' compensation insurance, our Ellwood City workers' compensation lawyers can help you determine your legal options. Call us today at (724) 576-8855 to get started.

What Are the Different Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits?

Workers' compensation benefits come in many different forms. The specific benefits you may be eligible for depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. In general, however, injured workers in Pennsylvania are eligible to receive the following types of benefits:

• Medical Benefits: Workers' compensation should cover the cost of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including hospital stays, doctor's visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and more.
• Wage Loss Benefits: If you are unable to work for at least a week due to your work injury, you are eligible to receive wage loss benefits. The amount of these benefits is generally equal to about two-thirds of your average weekly wages. If you are unable to return to work at all, you may be entitled to total disability benefits. If you are able to return to work but can only perform light-duty work or have to work fewer hours, you may be entitled to partial disability benefits.
• Specific Loss Benefits: If you have lost the use of a specific body part, such as a finger, hand, arm, leg, foot, or eye, you may be eligible to receive specific loss benefits. These benefits are paid as a lump sum and are in addition to any other workers' compensation benefits you may be entitled to.
• Death Benefits: If a loved one has died as a result of a work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible to receive death benefits to help cover funeral expenses and lost wages. In most cases, these benefits are paid to the surviving spouse and children. If there is no surviving spouse or children, death benefits may be paid to other dependents.

It’s important to note that workers' compensation benefits are typically only available for economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. In other words, you are not eligible to receive benefits for pain and suffering.