What is the employer liable to pay in workers compensation?
Introduction to Workers Compensation
Imagine juggling responsibilities at work, and suddenly a workplace injury throws you off balance. Workers’ compensation is like a safety net waiting to catch you.
What is Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is insurance employers are required to have in Pennsylvania. It covers employees if they're injured or become ill due to their job.
Understanding Workers Compensation: Meaning & Importance
The purpose of workers compensation is to safeguard both employers and employees if an accident occurs. It offers financial support and medical coverage for the work injury to the employees and limits the employer’s liability.
The Spectrum of Employer’s Liabilities
Imagine the employer’s liabilities as a spectrum; there’s a variety of costs that they may be responsible for.
Medical Expenses
When an injury occurs at work, who foots the bill for your medical expenses? The employer’s workers compensation insurance. This employer’s insurance carrier should cover all medical expenses that are related to the work injury.
Lost Wages and Compensation Payments
Worker’s compensation weekly wage loss benefits in most cases will pay 66% of your gross pay.
Navigating Through Workers Compensation Laws
If you are hired to work in Pennsylvania and you are injured regardless of where the injury occurs Pennsylvania law will apply to your case.
Workers Compensation Lawyers to the Rescue
Worker’s compensation cases can get overwhelming quickly, a workers compensation attorney will provide guidance and protection of your rights during this difficult time. Hiring a lawyer who focuses his practice on work injury cases can make a difference in your case.
Time Limits and Caps
Knowing the time limits to file for workers compensation is vital.
Special Cases and Compensation Claims
Special cases require special attention. Be it an occupational illness or a permanent injury, it’s important to understand the nuances.
Occupational Illness-Repetitive Trauma Injury
Occupational illnesses from exposure to toxic substances or conditions such as carpal tunnel as a result of repetitive trauma are both covered under The Pennsylvania Worker’s Compensation Act. If you're facing a challenge with your claim a lawyer who focuses his practice on work injury cases is the wise choice when establishing the work-relatedness of these types of injuries.
Permanent Injuries
Permanent injuries often come with additional compensation. These types of specific loss claims are based on the body part involved. Again, hiring a lawyer who focuses his practice on work injury cases is important to make sure all levels of compensation are pursued in your case.
Disputing a Claim
Sometimes an employer and employee don't see eye to eye. Employers can dispute a claim. It is important to seek guidance from an attorney who handles work injury cases if your employer is denying that your injury is work-related.
Conclusion
Sailing through the stormy seas of workers compensation law can be daunting, but knowledge is your compass. Employers are liable for medical expenses for your work injury and lost wages. Hiring an experienced lawyer who handles work injury cases is a smart move to protect your family and the work injury job through these difficult situations.