Accidents happen all the time. When you are hurt on the job in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim. The monetary award from this claim is meant to cover your treatment costs as well as any other financial implication arising from your injury, such as lost wages.
It is important to understand how workers’ comp is determined in Pennsylvania, so you’ll better understand what to expect to receive as compensation for your work-related injury. To get an idea of what your claim could be worth, here are some of the factors you need to take into account:
Cost of treatment for your injuries
Workers’ compensation, as already mentioned, is meant to pay for reasonable and necessary treatment costs related to the injury you sustained at work. This includes treatment for both past as well as future medical treatments. Depending on the policy and state laws, you may also receive compensation for psychological counseling, pain relief therapy and alternative therapies like rehabilitative therapy.
Lost income
Workers’ comp is also supposed to pay for a portion of your lost income due to missed work. Again, the amount you will receive as compensation for lost income will vary depending on your employer’s policy and state law, but it is usually between 60% and 70% of your salary.
Out-of-pocket expenses
Most workers’ compensation will also factor in out-of-pocket expenses that are directly related to your medical treatment. These may include costs for over-the-counter medications and medical devices that your doctor recommends. Some policies also cover peripheral expenses such as transport to and from your medical appointments and living expenses.
Medicare costs
According to federal law, Medicare cannot pay for treatment costs that are covered under workers’ compensation. However, under specific conditions, it may pay treatment costs when there is a dispute about the workers’ compensation liability. However, you have to reimburse these payments during your appeal. Also, if your settlement includes money for future treatment costs, then you need to ensure that you safeguard Medicare’s financial interests.
Have you been hurt at work? You must understand the factors that will determine your workers’ compensation benefits so you can safeguard your rights during the claims process.