The workers’ compensation benefits system can be confusing and frustrating. The legislation governing this issue is not easy to understand. At Solomon, Berschler, Campbell & Thomas, P.C., in Montgomery County, PA, we pride ourselves on our knowledge and experience when it comes to determining the amount of workers’ comp benefits and helping clients maximize the amount of compensation they are entitled to for these types of claims.

What are the Four Types of Worker’s Compensation?

Our legal team can help you calculate and apply for the following types of benefits:

• Wage loss benefits – The formula used to calculate this standard income benefit is to take the average of the highest three of the four quarters of pay before the injury occurred. This figure is called your average weekly wage (AWW). Two-thirds of the average is the benefit rate that you are eligible to receive. There are minimums and maximums defined by law for this calculation, and the insurance company may try to use an alternative method to arrive at this amount or may miscalculate the average weekly wage, which is why it is beneficial to have an attorney who can help you calculate the amount correctly.
• Medical expenses – You must be able to prove that the medical expenses you ask to be reimbursed are reasonable, necessary and causally related to the accident you sustained at work. In addition, if your employer’s workers’ comp insurer denies a medical bill benefit that would ordinarily be covered under your health insurance, your health insurance must pay that claim. Our lawyers can make sure you submit these claims properly to ensure payment.
• Specific loss – This includes the loss of use or amputation of an appendage, such as fingers, hands, arms, toes, legs appendages. You are entitled to a specific number of weeks for each type of appendage by law, but once the statutory benefit runs out, you cannot apply for continued compensation. Specific loss also applies to loss of hearing or vision as well as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck.
• Death benefits – Your family can receive modest funeral expenses. In addition, a widow can receive 50 percent of their spouse’s wages. Furthermore, the dependent children of the deceased are entitled to benefits as well.