There is really only one way people in Pennsylvania are able to pay for their monthly expenses and that is with money. In order to obtain the money needed to pay for these things most people need to have a job and earn an income. There are many different types of jobs that people have and many different ways to earn that income, but people need their jobs. However, in order to be able to work their jobs and earn their paychecks, they must be healthy.
That is why workplace injuries can be so devastating. These injuries can be very severe and result in significant medical treatment, which as people know can be very expensive even if the person has health insurance. Not being able to work also means that the person will not be earning an income and meeting their monthly obligations can become very difficult. However, people who are injured at work may also be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help pay for these financial hardships.
These benefits are available to anyone who was injured while in the course of their employment and that occurred in a situation related to that employment with a few exceptions. Those exceptions are: if the employee intentionally inflicted the injury on him or herself; if the employee was intoxicated at the time and the injury resulted because of the intoxication; if the worker was injured by another person intending to injure the worker due to personal animosity and not related to their employment; and if the injury occurred in a work vehicle, but not during a time when they were working.
People in Pennsylvania work many different types of jobs. Some are more dangerous than others, but people can be injured in any workplace setting. Most workers injured while working may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can be very valuable as the injured workers recover from their injuries. Experienced Western Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys understand the importance of these benefits and can help ensure you receive what you deserve. If you’ve been injured at work, contact Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. today at (724) 658-8535 for a free consultation and dedicated legal assistance.
What Are Specific Loss Benefits and When Can You Claim Them?
Specific loss benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act are intended to compensate workers for the permanent loss of function in certain body parts, such as limbs, fingers, and toes, as well as for the loss of hearing or sight. These benefits are also applicable in cases of serious and permanent disfigurement of the head, face, or neck.
To claim specific loss benefits, the injury must directly result in the permanent loss or permanent loss of use of the body part specified. This includes situations where the body part has been amputated or where its function is permanently impaired, even if other body parts compensate for the loss. The key criterion is that the loss must be definitive and recognized by medical assessments as permanent.
The claim for specific loss benefits can be initiated as soon as the nature and extent of the permanent injury are medically confirmed. In Pennsylvania, these benefits are calculated based on a pre-determined schedule that specifies the amount of compensation for the loss of each specific body part. These payments are made regardless of the injured worker’s ability to return to work and are in addition to any other workers’ compensation benefits the worker may be receiving for related medical treatment or wage loss.
Workers who have sustained permanent injuries should file their claims promptly to avoid delays that could affect the timeliness of benefits and complicate the claims process. Timely filing is crucial, as medical evidence confirming the permanency of the injury plays a key role in securing specific loss benefits. Seeking legal guidance can be beneficial in meeting all procedural requirements and managing the claim effectively
Specific Loss Benefits are separate from wage-loss benefits and medical benefits. They are awarded regardless of whether the worker loses time from work. If you believe you qualify for these benefits, it is important to file a claim within the time limits set by Pennsylvania law, which is typically within three years from the date of the injury. Contact Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. today at (724) 658-8535 for guidance in navigating the claims process.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Benefits for the permanent loss of function in certain body parts, such as limbs, fingers, toes, hearing, or sight. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Permanent loss or loss of use of the specified body part, confirmed by medical assessment. |
| Calculation Method | Based on a pre-determined schedule under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. |
| Additional Benefits | Paid regardless of the ability to return to work and in addition to wage-loss or medical benefits. |
| Filing Deadline | Claims must be filed within three years from the date of injury. |
| Key Requirement | Medical evidence confirming the permanency of the injury is crucial for filing a claim. |
