Lancaster PA Workers' Compensation Attorneys Aggressively Pursue Maximum Compensation for Specific Loss Benefits
A specific loss benefit is a type of workers’ compensation designation for workers who have experienced a loss of a body part or limb, the loss of the use of a body part, a loss of hearing, or who has experienced scarring or disfigurement due to any injury on the job.
A Worker Claiming a Specific Loss Benefit Under Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Must:
- Prove the injury happened while performing their specific job duty during employment
- Notify their employer of their injury within 120 days of the incident
- Submit their claim within three years from the date of the injury
In a case of an amputation of a specific body part, the judgement for benefits is often easily proven. The loss of use of a body part can be more difficult to prove. It is the job of a workers’ compensation judge to determine if the body part is indeed useless, specifically in relation to the employee’s work. The judge will also determine to what degree the employee suffered if the body part was not amputated.
Testimony from doctors, employers, physical therapists, co-workers, family members and friends impacts the judge’s decision. Once eligibility for benefits is determined, the amount paid out is calculated by multiplying the benefit wage (two-thirds of the worker’s salary), by a pre-determined number of weeks for each body part. There is also a specified healing period an employee is entitled to as part of the specific loss benefit.
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act Recognizes the Following Number of Weeks per Body Part
| Body Part | Weeks of Compensation Benefits | Weeks Allowed for Healing Period |
|---|---|---|
| Hand | 335 | 20 |
| Forearm | 370 | 20 |
| Arm | 410 | 20 |
| Foot | 250 | 25 |
| Lower Leg | 350 | 25 |
| Leg | 410 | 25 |
| Eye | 275 | 10 |
| Thumb | 100 | 10 |
| Index Finger | 50 | 6 |
| Middle Finger | 40 | 6 |
| Ring Finger | 30 | 6 |
| Little Finger | 28 | 6 |
| Great Toe | 40 | 12 |
| Any Other Toe | 16 | 6 |
| Disfigurement of Face, Head, or Neck | Maximum of 275 | None |
Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side, will ensure you are getting the maximum compensation for your injuries. We have won more than 99% of our cases and secured more than $117,000,000.00 in settlements for our clients—and we can help you too!
Call GLS Injury Law at 717-394-3004 for a FREE CASE REVIEW today!
