How Much Will I Be Paid for Lost Wages?

As Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers, we often find that one of the most common problems related to workers’ comp is how little people know about it. If you’ve never been hurt at work before, the claims process can be confusing. You’ll probably have lots of questions about how and when you can recover your lost wages.

One of the most common ones is: How much will I be paid for my lost wages?

If you suffer an injury on the job that prevents you from being able to work, workers’ compensation insurance exists to cover your medical bills and your wages until you can work again. In this way, workers can recover their losses without resorting to a lawsuit. Just how much you will receive, however, can vary.

Typically, you’ll receive compensation benefits for 2/3 (or 66.6%) of your average weekly wage. However, the Workers’ Compensation Act provides minimums and maximums to the benefit rate. The maximum weekly compensation rate, based on a statewide average, changes each year. As of 2017, in Pennsylvania, the maximum weekly rate = $995.00.

Alternatively, if your weekly wage is much lower than the average (for 2017, that threshold = $552.77 per week, or less), you may receive 90% of your wages, or 50% of the statewide average, whichever is lower.

When do you need a workers’ compensation lawyer?

Much of the time, workers’ compensation insurance will cover your medical treatment and your wages from the time you miss from work. However, if workers’ compensation denies your claim, you may need legal representation in order to get the compensation you need. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, a workers’ compensation lawyer will answer all of your questions and handle the legal process on your behalf. The initial consult is free, and we don’t take a fee unless we recover benefits for you. If you’ve run into trouble after a work injury, call Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.