Work-Related Disfigurement and Permanent Injuries
We Help Maximize Workers’ Comp Benefits for Amputation, Loss of Use and Scarring
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation pays additional benefits for certain permanent injuries, even if you are able to return to your job. These are known as specific loss claims because a specific dollar value is assigned to each part of the body that is lost or maimed.
If your workplace accident resulted in loss of limb, permanent impairment or visible disfigurement, the Hazleton legal team of Laputka, Bayless, Ecker & Cohn, PC, can make sure that you receive all available compensation. Do not sign any settlements or releases without talking to an attorney. We represent seriously injured employees in Luzerne County, Carbon County, Schuylkill County, Lackawanna County and across northeastern Pennsylvania.
Calculating Benefits and Settlements for Specific Loss Claims
Specific loss payments apply to:
- Loss of limb, partial amputation or loss of use of a part of the body — arms or legs, hands or feet, fingers or toes, ears or eyes
- Disfigurement or scarring of the head, face or neck — burns, lacerations, nerve damage
For loss of use, the statute assigns values to different parts of the body. Loss of a thumb is compensated higher than other fingers, for example. The actual amount is based on the employee’s average wage. Loss of use is not based on degree of disability — it is a yes-or-no determination. The employee or employer can appeal the decision to award or deny specific loss benefits.
For scarring or disfigurement, the award for specific loss can vary, based on the extent and the location of the injury. A denial or the level of benefits can be appealed.
Put an Experienced Hazleton and Scranton Area Workplace Injury Attorney on Your Side
Our Attorneys have practiced workers’ compensation for more than 30 years, after first gaining invaluable experience defending insurance carriers. They keep track of what different judges award for specific loss and which cases are upheld on appeal. This enables our attorneys to demand full value for your injury and confidently represent you in the claims and appeals process.
Specific loss claims are eligible for lump-sum settlement under a recent change in the law. Our lawyers will weigh the merits of settling your case and waiving your right to ongoing benefits and future medical care. Your best interest is their sole concern.
Call 570-861-5905 or email our Pennsylvania lawyer for disfigurement injury claims to schedule your free consultation. We will also be glad to rush you a free information packet on workers’ compensation.