Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Update: Pennsylvania House Passes HB 930

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 930 by a vote of 112-88 to address the current disfigurement benefits available to injured workers under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.  At first glance, HB 930 simply expands the permanent disfigurement benefits from 275 weeks to 400 weeks and allows Claimants to collect both wage loss benefits and disfigurement benefits simultaneously.  However, HB 930 takes leaps, not steps, forward expanding  disfigurement benefits from the traditional head, neck, face region to the entire body without limitation.  This substantial change would create a new and distinct claim for disfigurement benefits arising from every cut, scrap, scar, surgical site related to the work injuries anywhere on the body.  The impact on case value and exposure will be significant due to the broad language.  The bill now moves on to the Senate.