How Much Money Can You Get in a Workers’ Compensation Settlement in Pennsylvania?

Many employees who suffer on-the-job injuries incur lost income because they are prevented from working during their recoveries. Moreover, the medical expenses related to their injuries can add to their financial strain. These parties often understand that they are entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits, but they question how much their settlements are truly worth.

Workers’ Compensation benefits will cover 100% of your medical expenses. Further, these benefits typically cover 2/3 of your lost income, up to a certain limit. Support from our attorneys can be invaluable when determining whether or not a settlement offer is appropriate. We can assess your claim and identify which benefits you are entitled to recover.

Get support from our Certified Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Cardamone Law by dialing (267) 651-7945.

Benefits Available to Workers’ Compensation Claimants in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are various benefits that individuals injured in the workplace can recover. Our experienced Bucks County Workers’ Compensation lawyers can assess the specifics of your case to determine which of the following may be recovered:

Lost Wage Benefits

If you are unable to work because of an on-the-job injury, then you can recover wage-loss benefits. These benefits are available for injuries that are totally disabling as well as partial disabilities. They are intended to address your injury’s impact on your earning capacity.

Coverage for Medical Expenses

Workers’ Compensation can also cover the costs of necessary medical care for your workplace injury. There are a wide range of medical expenses that may be covered like prescription medications, therapy, and orthopedic devices.

Specific Loss Benefits

In cases of lost limbs, lost function, or significant disfigurement, “specific loss” benefits may be available. These benefits are designed to compensate for permanent effects on specific body parts by paying benefits for a set number of weeks.

Death Benefits

Finally, if a workplace accident tragically leads to the loss of an employee’s life, then their dependents may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits aim to provide economic support to surviving family members who relied on the deceased for their financial well-being.

How Much Can You Recover for Lost Wages in a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation cases, wage-loss benefits typically amount to around two-thirds of your average weekly wage, capped at a maximum weekly limit. However, under certain circumstances, you may able to recover up to 90% of your pre-injury income.

These benefits may be adjusted depending on various factors such as Social Security benefits, severance pay, or any other earnings received by the employee. Notably, there is no provision for a cost-of-living adjustment.

Maximum Weekly Compensation Rates for Wage-Loss Benefits in Pennsylvania

The Workers’ Compensation Act sets forth maximum weekly compensation rates for wage-loss benefits. These limits are derived from the Department of Labor and Industry’s assessment of the statewide average weekly income. In 2024, the maximum compensation rate stands at $1,325 per week.

Various compensation blocks are established to determine the benefit rate based on an employee’s average weekly wage. If their average weekly wage falls at or between $1,987.50 and $993.76, the compensation rate is set at 2/3 of the employee’s average weekly income.

Should the average weekly wage fall at or between $993.75 and $736.11, the weekly compensation rate is fixed at $662.50 per week.

Lastly, if the employee’s average weekly wage amounts to $736.10 or less, the compensation rate is set at 90%of their average weekly wage.

What Medical Expenses Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?

You may recover payment for any reasonable medical expenses stemming from your workplace illness or injury. These expenses may include the cost of emergency treatment, surgical procedures, prescribed medications, hospital treatments, orthopedic devices, and physical therapy sessions.

In order to obtain the payment you deserve, it is crucial that you follow your doctor’s orders after being hurt at work. Your employer or their insurance company may halt benefits if you fail to adhere to your treatment plan. A failure to follow medical advice could involve neglecting prescribed treatments, therapies, or medical appointments that are essential for recovery. By prioritizing your doctor’s instructions and keeping all appointments, you may demonstrate a commitment to recovery and improve your claim’s chances of success.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Recover the Maximum Workers’ Compensation Settlement in Pennsylvania

Workers’ Compensation settlements are often referred to as “global settlements” because they cover both medical expenses and wage-loss benefits. They are usually paid as a lump sum. However, you may be able to receive a lump sum payment for wage loss benefits while continuing to receive benefits for ongoing medical expenses.

Determining the appropriate settlement amount for your Workers’ Compensation claim can be highly complicated task. Thankfully, our lawyers can help meticulously gather and analyze all pertinent information related to your case. This may include details about your injury, medical treatment received, ongoing medical needs, and projected future medical care. In turn, we will be able to anticipate the medical expenses and lost income you may incur in the future and ensure that your settlement amount adequately covers these anticipated costs.

After determining the value of your claim, our attorneys will work to secure an acceptable settlement offer and, overall, work tirelessly for you to recover the full range of benefits you deserve.

Do You Need to Prove Fault to Recover a Workers’ Compensation Settlement in Pennsylvania?

No, you do not need to prove fault to recover a Workers’ Compensation settlement. Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide financial assistance to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of who is to blame for their accidents.

This means that even if your workplace injury was caused by your own mistake or negligence, you are still eligible for benefits. The primary requirement to recover a settlement is that the injury or illness occurred while you were performing job-related duties.

Our Attorneys Can Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Settlement in Pennsylvania

Seek assistance from our Certified Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation lawyers today by calling Cardamone Law at (267) 651-7945.