Working in construction is a dangerous job. You deal with heavy equipment, power tools, and job sites filled with hazards. Even when you try to be careful, accidents happen. Now that you have been injured, you may be wondering how long your workers’ compensation benefits will last, or maybe your benefits have ended, and you are still not able to return to work. There are options for continuing to receive the support you need.
Workers’ compensation benefits
For workers’ compensation benefits, you receive two-thirds of your average weekly pay in Pennsylvania. Typically, your wages are assessed by looking at the previous year’s pay. You should also be entitled to compensation for your medical care.
Social Security disability benefits
In addition to workers’ compensation, you may also be able to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. This depends on whether your injury qualifies you as disabled. According to the Social Security Administration, you are disabled if you cannot participate in substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental impairment that may case your death or is expected to continue for 12 months or more. You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits in a social security office, online, by phone, or by sending a letter.
Partial disability payments
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be receiving partial disability payments or total disability payments. Partial disability payments mean you can work, but not in the same capacity as you did prior to the accident. These disability payments help compensate the difference in your salary. Partial disability payments last for a maximum of 500 weeks.
Total disability payments
Total disability payments are awarded when your injury is severe enough to prevent you from doing your job, but the injury is not deemed permanent. These payments can go on indefinitely. After you have received benefits for 104 weeks, you will have to see a doctor and undergo an evaluation. If your impairment is evaluated as under 50 percent, you will put on partial disability and may need to return to work. Again, partial disability payments can continue for up to 500 weeks. However, if your impairment is judged as more than 50 percent, you may continue to receive total disability payments.
If you feel like your workers’ compensation benefits were cut off prematurely, it might be time to contact an attorney. An attorney can assess your case and advise you of possible options. Most workers’ compensation attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. That means the attorney only receives payment when you receive payment.