Pennsylvania Warehouse Workers’ Compensation Attorney
SEVEN is the magic number. As in SEVEN days. Seven is the number of days one must be disabled from work in order to collect workers’ compensation wage loss benefits in Pennsylvania. For example, let’s look at the Case of Donald. Donald works at a large distribution center in Luzerne County. Donald injured his back at work on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Donald reported the injury to his supervisor who sent Donald to the medical clinic posted on the employer’s panel physician list. The doctor at the medical clinic examined Donald, diagnosed a back strain, and gave Donald a slip excusing him from work until his next doctor’s appointment which is scheduled for Monday, January 11. Donald returned to the doctor on Monday and was feeling much better. The doctor released Donald to go back to full duty work and Donald returned to work on the afternoon of Monday, January 11. In Donald’s case, he would not be entitled to any wage loss benefits as his disability was less than 7 days.
Then we have Ed. Ed also injured his back while filling orders at the distribution center on the same day as Donald- Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Ed reported his injury to his boss and was sent to see the panel doctor. The doctor who examined Ed and gave Ed a “no work” slip excusing Ed from work until his next doctor’s appointment on Friday, January 8. While Ed’s condition did improve, he still had symptoms and limitations as a result of his January 6 work injury. So the doctor gave Ed a slip keeping Ed out of work for at least another week until his next appointment on Monday, January 18. Thankfully, Ed was feeling much better on January 18, and the doctor released Ed to full duty work for the following day, January 19. In Ed’s case, he would not be entitled to receive wage loss benefits for the first seven days of disability – January 6 through January 12; but Ed would be entitled to receive workers compensation wage loss benefits six (6) days- January 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. If disability extends beyond seven (7) days but less than fourteen (14) days, wage loss compensation is paid for each particular day of disability extending from day 8 to day 13.
Finally, we have Sidney. Sidney likewise injured his knee while operating a forklift at the distribution center on January 6, 2021. Sidney’s injury was quite severe and he was taken by ambulance from the distribution center to the hospital. Sidney’s injury required surgery which was performed on January 8th. This surgery will prevent Sidney from working for three to six months. So Sidney’s disability will be lengthy. In Pennsylvania workers compensation cases, if disability extends to 14 days or more, wage loss compensation benefits are payable retroactive to day 1. Barring a miraculous recovery, Sidney’s claim will be accepted and his wage loss benefits will commence as of January 6, 2021, the day he was injured. And Sidney’s wage loss benefits will continue to be paid until such time as Sidney has either fully recovered from his work injury or until such time as he condition improves to the point that he could return to work in some capacity.
Workers’ Compensation for Warehouse Workers.
If you’ve suffered a work injury and have questions about your claim, contact me at tcummings@dlplaw.com or call (570) 347-1011 for a free consultation.
