Glossary · PA Workers' Comp

Specific Loss Benefits

Scheduled benefit payments for permanent loss of or loss of use of a specific body part under Pennsylvania workers' comp law.

Definition

Specific loss benefits are scheduled payments made to injured workers who suffer permanent loss of, or permanent loss of use of, a specific body part listed in Pennsylvania's workers' compensation schedule.

Pennsylvania's Specific Loss Schedule: What Body Parts Are Covered and For How Long

Pennsylvania's workers' comp statute sets specific benefit periods (in weeks) for each body part. For example, the loss of an arm is compensated at 410 weeks of benefits; loss of a hand at 335 weeks; loss of a thumb at 100 weeks. These are paid at the total disability rate (2/3 AWW).

Specific loss benefits are paid in addition to any wage replacement benefits already received and are not reduced by a return-to-work scenario. They represent compensation for the permanent nature of the loss.

Specific loss benefits can be one of the most significant components of serious injury claims. An amputation or permanent loss of vision can trigger specific loss benefits worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.