In bustling Philadelphia, workplace injuries can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving victims and their loved ones grappling with the physical, emotional, financial, and occupational fallout. Whether it’s a construction site mishap, a slip and fall accident, or a repetitive stress injury, workers’ compensation benefits provide an essential safety net for financial support and medical benefits for employees who suffer an injury on the job.
However, employers and the insurance companies behind these benefits don’t make it easy to collect, let alone maximize your disability benefits. In fact, they’ve been known to fight back, undervaluing your claim, minimizing your claim, and picking apart your medical history for even the smallest indicia of a pre-existing condition. And that’s where the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney becomes vital.
If you or a loved one suffered a workplace injury in Upper Darby, Chester, Media, or beyond, trust the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello to fight aggressively to maximize your disability benefits. You deserve to see the full extent of the benefits you’re legally entitled to, and our skilled, seasoned, and dedicated team won’t settle for even a penny less.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Disability Benefits in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws, disability benefits are in place to provide medical coverage and wage replacement to workers who are unable to return to work as a result of a work-related illness or injury. These benefits generally fall into one of four designations:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): When a worker is completely unable to work for a temporary period due to their injury, TTD generally provides two-thirds of their average pay for their recovery period.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If a worker can return to work in a reduced capacity or with limitations while temporarily recovering their injury, TPD benefits aim to provide the difference between their pre-injury and post-injury pay.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): In situations where a worker is entirely unable to work for the foreseeable future as a result of their injury, they may be eligible for PTD benefits, which provide ongoing compensation at two-thirds of the worker’s pre-injury pay for the duration of the disability.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): In cases where an injury results in permanent impairment but does not prevent the worker from returning to work in a reduced or limited capacity, they may be entitled to PPD benefits, which are calculated based on the degree of impairment.
How to Maximize Your Benefits
While the workers’ compensation system is intended to provide support for injured workers, fair compensation isn’t so easy to come by. Employers and insurance companies have hurdles in place, and may undervalue or outright deny your claim for the littlest reasons – even a technicality. After all, they’re in the business of making money, and maximizing payouts is a threat to their profits. That’s why it’s essential to follow the letter of the law to ensure you remain eligible for fair compensation under a workers’ compensation benefits policy. Important steps to take include:
- Reporting your injury immediately
- Seeking prompt medical attention
- Documenting everything, especially any medical treatment, expenses incurred, and communication with your employer, insurer, or workers’ compensation agency
- Following your doctor’s treatment plan closely
- Consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney
- Advocating for vocational rehabilitation
- Appealing, if necessary
Where Social Security Disability Insurance Can Help
In addition to the benefits provided under an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy, individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, whether work-related or otherwise, may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, if you qualify for both workers’ compensation benefits and SSDI benefits, your SSDI entitlements may be reduced accordingly. Regardless, SSDI benefits can provide valuable financial support, especially for individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities. An experienced Pennsylvania SSDI attorney can help you better understand your rights to and eligibility for SSDI benefits, fighting relentlessly so you see the maximum compensation you’re owed.
The Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello: Helping Injured Workers Understand Their Rights
Suffering a workplace injury can be a challenging experience, leaving victims and their families with an uncertain future ahead. However, between workers’ compensation benefits and SSDI benefits, understanding your legal rights to fair compensation can ease this tremendous burden. By taking proactive steps and advocating for your rights, you can maximize your disability benefits, ensuring you’re fairly compensated for the harms you have suffered. And you don’t have to navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system alone: the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello is ready to stand by you as an unwavering ally.
Our team has dedicated a practice to fighting for the rights of injured workers, ensuring they receive the maximum workers’ compensation benefits they’re legally and rightfully entitled to. We pride ourselves on offering reasonable rates and fees, including taking workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you see just compensation. Contact us today or call us at (610)-892-4940 for a free consultation.
