Depending on the specific circumstances of the work-related injury, there are a variety of types of workers’ compensation benefits:

Medical Care:

Of course, the most important and immediate need is for you to have medical care. Your employer is responsible for advising you in writing of your rights under the workers’ compensation law. This notice is required at the time of injury or as soon afterward as is practicable. Generally, you are entitled to payment of reasonable medical and surgical services provided in Pennsylvania. That includes medicine, supplies, orthopedic appliances and prostheses as well as hospital treatment and services. All of this is without cost to you: if there is a difference between the health care provider’s charge and the amount your employer pays, you are not billed for the balance. Depending on whether your employer provides proper notice of providers, you may be free to choose your own health care provider or you may have to initially seek treatment from a list of providers selected by your employer. Once you begin receiving benefits, your employer or the workers’ compensation insurer has the right to ask you to see a doctor of their choice for an examination every six months. For more information about your employer’s medical care requirements pertaining to your work-related injury, see Section 306(f.1) (1) (i) of the Act.

Lost Wages:

If you are totally disabled and cannot work, or if you are partially disabled and are receiving wages less than your pre-injury earnings, you may be entitled to wage-loss benefits. Generally, these benefits are equal to approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum. Certain time limits, though, may apply.

Death Benefits:

If the injury or illness results in death, surviving dependents may be entitled to benefits.

Specific Loss Benefits:

If you have lost the permanent use of all or part of your thumb, finger, hand, arm, leg, foot, toe, sight, and hearing — or otherwise have a serious and permanent disfigurement on your head, face or neck — you may be entitled to a specific amount of compensation.

Occupational Diseases:

There are special rules for occupational diseases. They are covered if caused, or aggravated, by your employment, so long as the disability occurs within 300 weeks of your last employment in a job where you were exposed to the hazard.