Coverage of your medical bills and a portion of any lost wages. That is what workers’ compensation is designed to do. When you sustain a workplace injury, you deserve the compensation needed to help you make a full recovery. Here, we want to talk about what happens after you successfully navigate a workers’ compensation claim and win the case.
What “Winning” a Workers’ Comp Case in PA Means
What does it actually mean to win a workers’ compensation case? The answer to that will vary depending on the specific claim. Any type of victory for a work injury case should include a person recovering from their injury or illness and returning to the workplace in the same or similar capacity as they were before the injury occurred.
A victory for a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania could include any of the following (depending on the type of injury and the severity of the injury):
- Complete coverage of emergency medical bills associated with the workplace injury or illness
- Compensation for any ongoing medical expense related to the workplace injury or illness
- Compensation for travel expenses to and from medical visits
- Payment of lost wages if the workplace injury victim is unable to work
- Coverage of employment training or education for a new occupation, if necessary
Not every work injury claim is the same. Some individuals will only need coverage for medical bills, particularly if they are able to continue working. However, other individuals, particularly those who sustained significant injuries or illnesses, may need a range of benefits available through workers’ compensation insurance.
What Happens After You Win?
You collect your compensation and take the time to get better. That’s what is supposed to happen – in theory.
Individuals should receive workers’ compensation benefits within a reasonable amount of time after their claim is submitted. Pennsylvania law requires employers to pay compensation within 21 days after receiving notice of the injury, and if this does not happen, the employer could be on the line for paying interest on the amounts that they owe.
However, if the claim has been appealed or is in litigation, receiving benefits may take a different route. A workers’ compensation judge or panel assigned to the case could determine inappropriate payment amount and payment schedule, and you may receive temporary benefits while the case is ongoing. If you win the case, payments typically arrive shortly after the victory, based on the new or existing schedule.
The total amount of compensation you receive will depend entirely on your unique work injury situation. The factors associated with your claim, such as the type and severity of injury and the impairment rating, will influence the overall settlement amount. Typically, workplace injury victims are allowed to receive disability payments for up to 104 weeks, and these do not have to be consecutive weeks.
Working With an Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has sustained a workplace injury or illness and are having trouble recovering your rightful compensation, we encourage you to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer can examine the facts of your case and help you file an appeal. Your lawyer will investigate the claim, work with trusted medical and economic experts, and fully prepare your case to be heard in front of a judge.