York, PA asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania

Q: My work compensation said thepay wages for six weeks in a fingertip amputation only, and I need follow up surgery?, and

They will not cover wages for lost time.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
Answered
  • Workers' Compensation Lawyer
  • Hazleton, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: This is complicated. If your condition includes a separate and distinct injury from the amputation, you may be eligible for additional benefits. Even if your injury is only the amputation, there are healing periods and distinctions between loss of half of the finger verses loss of the entire finger. Your best option is to contact a local workers' compensation attorney who will be able to review your medical records and advise whether additional benefits are available to you.

Richard Alan Jaffe agrees with this answer

Richard Alan Jaffe
Richard Alan Jaffe
Answered
  • Workers' Compensation Lawyer
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: As noted by Mr. Belt, amputations are covered by the "Specific Loss" provisions of the WC Act, and if your injuries are limited to that amputation, you would only be eligible for the "Healing period" and the number of weeks of disability relating to 1/2 of the affected finger per the schedule of "Specific Loss" benefits, regardless of how long you are out of work.

If you have injuries separate and apart from the amputation that prevents you from working; i.e. other fingers, your hand or wrist, or back etc then you would be elgible for wage loss benefits AND the specific loss benefit.

It is my recommendation that you contact an Attorney who is a Certified Specialist in PA Workers Compensation Law to discuss your rights and remedies.

Timothy Belt agrees with this answer

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