Professionals hurt at work are usually eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Most Pennsylvania businesses must carry policies to indemnify the organization and protect workers.
If an employee sustains an injury on the job, they can file a claim requesting benefits. Those benefits could help cover their treatment expenses. Workers’ compensation can also replace a portion of a professional’s lost income. In some cases, a worker responds to treatment initially but then plateaus.
What happens when treatment doesn’t lead to a positive changes?
Certain benefits may end when treatment stops working
Workers’ compensation provides full medical coverage for necessary care. However, benefits may change when employees stop responding to treatment.
If a doctor decides that a worker has achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI), which essentially means they are unlikely to see significant changes if they continue treatment, the benefits available to the worker usually change. Once a worker achieves MMI, treatment-related medical coverage usually ends.
The worker may only be eligible to receive medical benefits to manage their ongoing symptoms. Frequently, workers who achieve MMI have permanent symptoms, which means they may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits. Those benefits can help increase their income if they move into a lower-paid profession.
In some cases, a finding of MMI may be premature or inaccurate. Workers may be able to request a review or second opinion to retain their benefits and continue treatment.
Those with employment-related injuries may need help understanding their rights and pursuing benefits to cover their care costs. Working with a lawyer can help workers understand and utilize the benefits in place for their protection. Professionals with injuries that are likely to cause permanent functional changes may face a particularly challenging process, making the act of seeking support especially important.