After you sustain an injury at work, you could receive workers’ compensation as you recover. There are several different types of benefits you may receive.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry says that your situation usually determines what kind of benefits your employer offers. Your injury may result in the permanent loss of a limb or you may experience hearing or sight loss. Your employer may provide a fixed amount to compensate you in this situation.
Wage-loss benefits
You may be out of work for long periods. Wage-loss benefits provide some income so that you can still support your family while you recover. Employers could provide partial disability benefits. You typically receive them if there is some work you can do while you recover. Your company may provide these benefits for up to 500 weeks.
If you are entirely unable to work, you could receive total disability benefits. Your employer may provide these for up to 104 weeks. After this period, you may need to see your doctor to determine how much your injury has healed. If your level of impairment drops below 35%, your employer may switch you to partial benefits.
Medical benefits
Some of your workers’ compensation benefits may include your medical care. You may need to stay at the hospital or receive regular treatment. Medical benefits cover these visits and your medications and any supplies necessary for your treatment. Your employer can provide these benefits even if you do not need to take time away from work.
You typically need to file a report with your employer to receive these benefits. It may take longer for you to access your benefits if you do not report an injury as soon as it happens.
