After a workplace injury in Pennsylvania, you may be receiving workers’ compensation benefits. While this financial and medical support can provide much-needed relief during a difficult time, these benefits don’t last indefinitely.
So, when does workers’ comp end? Depending on the circumstances, your payments may stop due to medical improvement, settlement agreements, or challenges from your employer. Understanding when and why your benefits might end allows you to prepare for potential changes and make informed decisions about your next steps.
When Can You Lose Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania can end for several reasons. According to PA workman’s comp rules, payments may stop if an employer or insurer proves that you’ve fully recovered and can return to work. For example, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company may request an independent medical examination, which they might use to justify stopping payments if the exam reveals you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. They must provide timely notification before terminating your benefits. Additionally, your payments may be reduced or stopped if you return to a job with equal or lower wages, making you eligible for partial disability benefits. These benefits last for a maximum of 500 weeks.
Workers’ comp may also stop paying wage loss benefits if you reach a settlement agreement with your employer or their insurer. This agreement, known as a compromise and release, effectively closes your workers’ comp claim and relieves your employer and their insurer of further obligation.
How Will I Know That My Benefits Might End?
Pennsylvania employers must provide notice before terminating, reducing, or otherwise modifying an employee’s workers’ compensation benefits. This notification will indicate the employer’s or insurer’s justification for the action, such as the determination that you’ve fully recovered. It should also provide evidence supporting the decision, such as the results of your independent medical examination.
Can I Get Them Back?
You have the right to challenge the termination of your workers’ compensation benefits. Start by reviewing any documents you receive, such as a notice of suspension, termination, or modification. If you disagree with the decision, you can file a petition with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board.
You may also request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge to present medical evidence supporting your ongoing disability. It’s important to act quickly because various deadlines may limit your time to file an appeal. A Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer can help by reviewing your case, gathering medical records, and representing you in hearings to seek benefit reinstatement.
Talk to a Hershey Workers’ Comp Attorney to Learn More
Receiving notice that your workers’ comp benefits are ending can be a stressful and confusing time, especially when you disagree with your employer or their insurer and believe you’re still entitled to benefits. The Hershey workers’ comp attorneys at Calhoon & Kaminsky have guided injured workers through the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system for over 20 years and can give you the support and advice you need. Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation.
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For more than 20 years, our attorneys have been helping injured workers navigate the complex Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. We empower workers with the information and the representation they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families’ future.
