Were you left with permanent scarring or disfigurement after a workplace injury in Hershey, Pennsylvania? You could be entitled to compensation for the effect of these scarring and disfigurement injuries on your life.
At Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., we have a strong background in handling workers’ compensation claims for injuries like yours. Our team of knowledgeable lawyers can guide you through the claim process and get you the benefits you need to manage your condition and move forward.
Don’t wait to start your claim. Contact Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., today for a free initial consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward securing your future.
Understanding Scarring and Disfigurement Benefits
Scarring and disfigurement benefits provide financial support to workers in Pennsylvania who have suffered permanent marks or changes in appearance due to occupational injuries. If you have scars, burns, or other visible and permanent marks from a work injury, you might qualify for these benefits.
Current law in Pennsylvania specifies that only workers with injuries that affect the head, neck, or face are eligible. However, legislators have introduced a bill that would allow workers with scarring or disfigurement on any part of the body to qualify.
To receive scarring and disfigurement benefits as an injured worker, which are separate from other workers’ comp payments, you must show that your injury is permanent and that it affects your appearance. Typically, an assessment takes place after the injury has fully healed, usually around six months after the incident. You can seek legal guidance to understand your rights and the steps necessary to claim these benefits.
How Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., Can Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve
At Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., we are dedicated to helping workers who have suffered scarring and disfigurement from workplace injuries in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our firm focuses exclusively on workers’ compensation claims and has recovered more than $221 million in benefits for workers like you.
If you have permanent scars or disfigurement from a work-related injury — such as loss of dominant hand disability — our team of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers can help you claim the benefits you deserve. We know how to handle the complex workers’ compensation claims process to maximize your results.
We do not charge any fees unless we win your disfigurement-at-work case. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you receive your compensation. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Scarring and Disfigurement
You must meet certain criteria to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for scarring and disfigurement, according to Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law. First, the scar or disfigurement must result from a workplace injury. This means the injury must have occurred while you were doing your job or performing work-related duties.
Furthermore, the law only covers scars and disfigurements that are visible and on the head, neck, or face since injuries here are more likely to affect your daily interactions. The scarring or disfigurement must also be permanent. Benefits are not available for temporary marks or injuries that might heal over time.
You will need to wait until your injury has fully healed before your provider can evaluate it, which typically means waiting around six months after the injury. During this evaluation, your provider will make a determination about the permanence and visibility of the injury.
Additional Benefits for Permanent Loss of Function, Scarring, and Disfigurement
In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation offers several types of benefits in addition to those for scarring and disfigurement following workplace accidents. For instance, if you suffer a permanent loss of function due to a workplace injury, you could be eligible for specific benefits.
Permanent loss of function occurs when injuries permanently limit or eliminate your ability to move or use parts of your body as you did before the injury. This could include losing the use of an arm, leg, finger, or even loss of mobility or strength. The compensation available for a permanent scar, disfigurement, or related types of injuries depends on how the injury affects your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Alongside benefits for loss of function, you can also receive medical benefits that cover the costs of necessary treatments, medications, and medical devices. Wage loss benefits are also available if your injury prevents you from working or forces you to take a lower-paying job.
Common Causes of Workplace Scarring and Disfigurement
Workplace injuries that lead to scarring and disfigurement can vary widely depending on the job and work environment, but some common causes of these injuries include:
- Burns from Fires or Explosions – Workers can suffer burns if exposed to open flames or explosions, especially in industries like manufacturing or construction.
- Chemical Exposure – Handling strong acids or other hazardous chemicals without proper protective gear can result in chemical burns.
- Machinery Accidents – Employees working with or around heavy machinery can get caught in the equipment and sustain deep cuts or tears in the skin.
- Cuts from Tools or Materials – Using sharp tools or handling rough materials can lead to significant cuts or lacerations that leave visible scars.
- Electrical Burns – Electricians and other workers dealing with electrical systems can suffer electrical burns if exposed to high voltage.
How Much Your Injury Might Be Worth
The value of your injury claim from being permanently disfigured at work will depend on several factors. These include the severity of your injury, how it affects your ability to work, and the specific benefits you are eligible for.
Scarring and disfigurement benefits are calculated based on the visibility and location of the scar. If the scarring or disfigurement is particularly visible or significantly changes your appearance, it might be valued higher because of its impact on your social interactions and psychological well-being.
To get a precise estimate of what your injury claim might be worth, you should speak with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney who can assess your specific situation.
Contact Our Hershey Workers’ Comp Lawyers for Help with Permanent Scars and Disfigurement
Are you struggling with the aftermath of a work-related injury that caused permanent scars or disfigurement? Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. is here to help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us take the worry off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
