Powell Law helps injured Pennsylvania workers assert their right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. After an on-the-job injury, a worker must meet certain requirements when filing a claim. The Pennsylvania worker’s compensation program allows injured workers to receive reimbursement for lost earnings (indemnity benefits), medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation. One of the first questions asked by a potential claimant for workers’ compensation benefits is “how much will I receive in benefits?”
Based upon the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW), as determined by the Department of Labor & Industry for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, the maximum compensation payable under the Workers’ Compensation Act is $1,025.00 per week for injuries occurring on and after Jan. 1, 2018. To calculate the update to payments for medical treatment rendered on and after Jan. 1, 2018, the percentage increase in the Statewide Average Weekly Wage is 3 percent.
Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, the benefit rate is set using the annual maximum in place at the time of injury based on the Department of Labor and Industry’s calculation of the SAWW. Employees who suffer a work-related injury are entitled to wage-loss or indemnity benefits that are equal to two-thirds of their weekly wage. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act also makes some minimum and maximum adjustments.
The maximum weekly compensation rate for calendar year 2018 is $1,025.00.
*If the average weekly wage falls between $1,537.50 and $768.76, the weekly benefit rate is 66 2/3 percent of the employee’s average weekly wage.
*If the employee’s average weekly wage is between $768.75 and $569.44, the weekly benefits paid are $512.50.
*If a worker’s average weekly wage is $569.43 or less, the weekly benefit paid is 90 percent of the employee’s average weekly wage.
For example, if a worker’s average weekly wage was $1,000, she would receive $666.67 (66 2/3 %) in weekly workers’ compensation benefits. If a worker’s average weekly wage was $750.00, she would receive $512.50 in weekly workers’ compensation benefits. If a worker’s average weekly wage was $500, she would receive $450.00 (90%) in weekly workers’ compensation benefits
Any worker who has any questions about workers’ compensation benefits should contact a workers’ compensation attorney at Powell Law. Remember, you have 120 days to report your work injury! Our decades of experience make us the clear choice for representation in workers’ compensation cases in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas. Since James Powell, Sr., founded Powell Law in 1906, our attorneys have represented all types of workers in workers’ compensation cases. We effectively help our clients throughout the entire workers’ compensation claims process. Contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE!
