Whether it's the loss of a pinky finger or a leg, an amputation is nothing to take lightly. You may be facing medical and surgical procedures, long-term rehabilitation, the installation of a prosthetic device and costly medical bills. During this time, it may be difficult to earn a paycheck and make ends meet. To make matters worse, you may never be able to perform the same job function again, even if you return to work after your recovery.
Amputations often occur in construction, warehousing, food services and manufacturing. They are usually linked to accidents with heavy machinery, equipment and sharp tools. Here are some examples of how amputations can occur on the job:
- Machinery isn't properly turned off and tagged out when not in use. A serious accident can occur when a worker attempts to clean a machine that is supposed to be turned off.
- Caught in or between heavy objects and equipment. This is common with heavy falling objects or transportation incidents.
- Accidents involving sharp tools, such as cutting knives and saws.
- Injuries involving heavy objects. For example, a worker may drop a heavy object on his or her foot and crush or amputate a toe.
Workers' compensation benefits for amputations in Pennsylvania
If you suffered a loss of a body part on the job in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits for missed time at work for sixty-six and two-thirds percent of your average wages for a calculated period of time.
The number of weeks you are eligible for compensation depends on which body part was amputated. Here are the figures:
- Hand — 335 weeks
- Forearm — 370 weeks
- Arm — 410 weeks
- Foot — 250 weeks
- Lower leg — 350 weeks
- Leg — 410 weeks
- Eye — 270 weeks
- Thumb — 100 weeks
- Index finger — 50 weeks
- Middle finger — 40 weeks
- Ring finger — 30 weeks
- Little finger — 28 weeks
- Big toe — 40 weeks
- Other toe — 16 weeks
How can an attorney help me get the benefits I need?
Getting and keeping workers' compensation benefits for a long-term or permanent injury isn't easy. Any error in the process can lead to your benefits being delayed or declined. That's why you need a strong legal advocate on your side who knows how the workers' compensation system works.
Philadelphia attorney Richard A. Jaffe has more than 30 years of legal experience handling workers' compensation claims and has helped more than 1,000 clients get compensated to the fullest extent.
The Law Offices Of Richard A. Jaffe, LLC operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case. In addition, our legal consultations are confidential and free of charge. If you were hurt on the job, contact us online to find out how we can help you.