Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania provides two core categories of benefits: wage loss payments and coverage for medical treatment. Workers’ compensation attorney Robert Munley III walks through how those benefits are calculated, what the 66 and 2/3 percent wage replacement means in practice, and what typically triggers injured workers to contact a lawyer.
If you’ve been injured at work in Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation provides two core benefits: a portion of your lost wages and coverage for your medical treatment. Here’s what that actually looks like in practice.
Lost Wage Benefits
Your benefit is based on your average weekly wage — your typical earnings before the injury. Pennsylvania law sets the replacement rate at 66 and 2/3 percent of that figure, paid tax-free while you’re unable to work. Workers’ comp is designed to be a financial lifeline while you recover, not a full income replacement.
If you return to light-duty work at reduced hours or pay, your benefit amount adjusts to reflect the difference between what you’re earning and what you were earning before the injury.
Medical Benefits
Your employer’s workers’ comp insurer is responsible for paying reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. That includes doctor visits, specialist referrals, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescriptions. Initially, you may be required to treat with a provider from your employer’s approved list.
When to Call a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The most common trigger is when a doctor hired by the insurance company disputes the injury or clears you to return to work before you feel ready. At that point, having an attorney becomes important. The insurance company has a medical expert arguing against you, and you need someone in your corner who knows how to push back.
If your claim has been denied, your benefits have been reduced, or you’re being pressured to return to work before you’ve healed, contact a workers’ comp attorney before making any decisions.
Injured at work in Pennsylvania? Call Munley Law for a free workers’ compensation consultation. No fee unless we win.
