In the state of Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation provides benefits for workers who sustain injuries or illnesses on the job. These benefits include wage loss compensation, medical care and specific loss benefits. But a common question among employees is whether they can receive workers’ compensation if they can still perform some work.
This question arises because you might not be completely unable to work following a workplace injury. You could have an injury that prevents you from performing your regular duties but not from doing lighter tasks or working fewer hours. In such situations, how does the workers’ compensation system in Pennsylvania respond?
Understanding partial disability benefits
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law recognizes that an injured worker might still be capable of performing some work. In such cases, you could be eligible for partial disability benefits. Partial disability benefits apply if your injury forces you into a job that pays less than your pre-injury job.
Calculating partial disability benefits
The amount of partial disability benefits you receive hinges on the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages. Pennsylvania law stipulates that you will receive two-thirds of the difference between these wages. However, there is a maximum limit to the weekly benefits that you can receive, which the state updates annually.
Duration of partial disability benefits
You should note that partial disability benefits in Pennsylvania have a limit in duration. You can receive these benefits for up to 500 weeks. If your disability persists beyond this period, you can apply for total disability status.
Seeking medical evaluation
When you have suffered a workplace injury but can still perform some work, the key to receiving partial disability benefits lies in your medical evaluation. The evaluation should clearly state the extent of your injury and the work limitations it imposes. This evaluation will help determine your eligibility for partial disability benefits.
Whether you can still work after a workplace injury or not, the bottom line is that you should not have to bear the financial burden of a workplace injury alone. Understanding the provisions of Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law for partial disability benefits can help ensure that you receive the financial support you need while you recover or adjust to your new working conditions.
