Pennsylvania Workers Comp Disfigurement Benefits
Disfigurement benefits are for those who have suffered an injury to the head or neck area, either as the result of a cut or burn at work or as the result of a surgical scar from a work injury. Even if a worker is not disabled, they may be able to collect a cash benefit for the scar or disfigurement.
In order to establish entitlement to a cash scar and disfigurement benefit, it must be determined that the injury causing the scar is related to one's employment. Second, an individual must have given proper notice of their workers' compensation injury within the requirements of the Workers Compensation Act. Third, it must be established that the scarring and/or disfigurement was as a result of the work accident. Finally, it must be determined that the scarring or disfigurement is permanent. An individual who has had a disfigurement or scarring still present after a six-month period from the date of the injury is usually considered to have a permanent scar worthy of benefits.
Employers do not volunteer benefits
An employer will not typically volunteer information to an injured individual who may be entitled to disfigurement benefits. It is usually up to an individual to make a claim for those benefits through the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act.
Benefits for Scars, Burns, Scrapes, Surgical Scars to Neck and Head
Disfigurement claims are only for disfigurement to the neck or head. Although an individual may have significant scarring to other parts of the body, those are not compensable under the current state of the Workers' Compensation Act.
A claim for disfigurement must be filed within three years of the date of injury like any other type of workers' compensation claims. If you have suffered any sort of scarring or disfigurement to your head or neck as the result or a cut, burn, scrape or a surgical scar, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced workers compensation attorney at Caroselli, Beachler, McTiernan & Conboy, L.L.C., to discuss your legal options. An individual is entitled to zero to 275 weeks of compensation for this type of disfigurement depending on the size and severity of the scar.
Contact Us
Contact one of our experienced Pittsburgh or Philadelphia workers compensation lawyers, by calling us at 412-567-1232 in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, 215-792-6153 in Philadelphia or Eastern Pennsylvania or toll free at 866-466-5789. You may also complete our online contact form. Initial consultations are free and confidential.
For your convenience, we are available to come to your home, hospital or union hall to talk with you and your family about your rights under federal and Pennsylvania laws.
