Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania

When you suffer an injury at work, that is only the first step of what may potentially be a confusing, difficult process as you seek to gain workers ‘ compensation. You may be wondering, “What do I do now?” There are important deadlines to meet and actions to take so that you can receive the compensation to which you are entitled, and failure to do so may cost you the right – except in special cases – to payments under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.

Upon suffering an injury, you have 21 days to report the injury to your employer. If 120 days elapse from the date of your injury or the date that you became aware that you had a work-related illness, then there is no compensation allowed under the Act.

Your employer then has to inform its insurance provider of the incident and to file a First Report of Injury with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation within 7 days (that is reduced to 48 hours if there is a fatality).

If the insurer denies the claim, you will receive a Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial within 21 days, and that will conclude the process. Should you wish to pursue the matter at that point, it is advisable that you contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., to discuss the appropriateness of litigation.

However, if the insurer evaluates the claim and determines that the employer is liable, within 21 days you will receive a Notice of Compensation Payable, an Agreement for Compensation, and a copy of the Statement of Wages that the employer files with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Beyond this point, you will continue to receive compensation until The Final Receipt — which constitutes the Agreement to Stop Weekly Payments — is filed with the bureau.

If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related injury or illness, contact Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys, Lowenthal & Abrams, at 215-238-1130.