Pisciottano bill aims to improve workers’ comp for permanent scarring, disfigurement
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that private industry employers reported 115,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Pennsylvania in 2023.
State Sen. Pisciottano, D-West Mifflin, announced last week that he’s introduced a bill that would strengthen protections for Pennsylvania workers suffering permanent scarring or disfigurement as a result of workplace injuries.
Pisciottano’s bill aims to improve Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law by ensuring that employees who sustain permanent disfigurement are eligible for the benefits they require. The Senate bill has companion legislation in the state House, which state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Philadelphia, sponsored.
The state House approved Dawkins’ legislation in April.
“Permanent scarring or disfigurement from a workplace injury is devastating,” Pisciottano said. “Our workers’ compens ation system shouldn’t deny someone support because their injury occurred on the wrong part of their body. This legislation brings our laws in line with common sense and basic fairness.”
According to a statement from Pisciottano, under current Pennsylvania law, workers can only receive disfigurement benefits for injuries to the head, neck, or face. Senate Bill 1094 would expand workers’ compensation for permanent disfigurement to include the entire body.
The bill would also increase the duration of benefits from 275 weeks to 400 weeks. Pisciottano’s statement said that the bill would clarify that workers can receive disfigurement benefits concurrently with total or partial disability payments, instead of choosing between them.
“These updates will give workers the stability they need while recovering from life-altering injuries,” Pisciottano said. “If you’re hurt on the job, especially if your injury is permanent, you should be able to provide for your family and receive fair compensation for your injury.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that private industry employers reported 115,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Pennsylvania in 2023.
In the state Senate, another bill has been introduced by state Sen. Daniel Laughlin, R-Erie, to enhance workers’ compensation for occupational diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, which result from asbestos exposure.
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, workers’ compensation can vary depending on the state. Some states like West Virginia, Florida, and Kentucky, don’t have statutes for disfigurement benefits.
Pisciottano’s bill was referred to the Senate committee on labor and industry. In the House, the companion bill passed with a 118-85 vote, receiving bipartisan support.
Pisciottano
