Retail Worker Injured in Pennsylvania?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Pennsylvania DWC regulations
Reviewed by: James R. Holloway, Esq.
Workers' Compensation Attorney · CA Bar #248701 · 14 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your burn injury claim is worth. Pennsylvania workers typically receive $11,000–$85,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$11,000
Avg low
$85,000
Avg high
3 years
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $533/week
67%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,325
max weekly benefit
20%
typical attorney fee
3
filing deadline
Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act of 1915 (77 P.S. § 1 et seq.)
TTD rate: 67% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,325
Statute of limitations: 3 years from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 21 days
Key features of Pennsylvania's system:
- ✓ Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) can convert TTD to partial
- ✓ Act 111 of 2018 reformed IRE to AMA 6th Edition
- ✓ Notice of Compensation Payable (NCP) or Notice of Denial within 21 days
Pennsylvania's workers' compensation system is administered by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation under the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. Pennsylvania's system includes a significant Utilization Review (UR) process for medical disputes and an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) that can convert total disability to partial disability status. The 2018 Protz decision significantly limited IRE use until legislative reform.
What to Expect with Burn Injury in Pennsylvania
20%
Average impairment rating
$55,000
Average medical costs
Workplace burn injuries range from minor contact burns (first-degree) to catastrophic full-thickness burns covering large body surface areas. Burns are classified by depth (first through fourth degree) and surface area using the "rule of nines." Even moderate second-degree burns covering 10–15% of body surface area require hospitalization, surgical debridement, and skin grafting. Burn victims in industrial settings (chemical plant explosions, electrical arc flash, foundry operations) often suffer inhalation injury simultaneously, which is a life-threatening complication. Scar formation and contractures after significant burns frequently lead to permanent functional limitations, cosmetic disfigurement claims, and the need for reconstructive surgery over many years. These factors substantially increase claim value.
Common treatments
- ✓ Fluid resuscitation and wound care in a burn center
- ✓ Surgical debridement and skin grafting
- ✓ Negative pressure wound therapy (VAC)
- ✓ Physical therapy for contracture prevention
- ✓ Reconstructive and plastic surgery
- ✓ Compression garments and scar management
Documentation needed
- ✓ Burn center admission and treatment records
- ✓ Percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned
- ✓ Incident report and fire investigation report
- ✓ OSHA 300 log entry
- ✓ Photographs of the burn site and injuries
- ✓ Long-term care plan including future reconstructive surgeries
Frequently asked questions
How is burn injury compensation calculated in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, your weekly benefit is 67% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,325. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average burn injury settlement in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania workers with burn injury typically settle between $11,000 and $85,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Pennsylvania?
3 years from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Pennsylvania?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 20% of settlement.
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.