If you were injured at work, you should know that you only have a limited amount of time to report your injury to your employer. If you don’t report your injury in time, your workers’ compensation benefits could be denied—or you could lose your right to benefits altogether.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, no compensation is due unless your employer knows about your injury. You must give notice, preferably in writing, to your supervisor or manager at work within 21 days of your accident or whatever incident caused you harm. If you wait more than 120 days to inform your employer, you’ll lose your right to workers’ comp benefits.
There are other time limits that apply to workers’ compensation claims in Pennsylvania:
- For occupational diseases, you have three years to file a claim petition for workers’ comp benefits.
- If your request for workers’ compensation was denied by your employer or by their insurance company, you must file an appeal within three years. This three-year limit also applies if your benefits were terminated.
- For suspended benefits, you have 500 weeks from the date of suspension to file a petition to have them reinstated.
After any type of work accident or injury, it’s important to observe the above time limits, keep records of all your medical treatment and communication with your employer and their insurance provider, and follow your doctor’s orders regarding your treatment. If you do all these things, you’ll give yourself a better opportunity of having your claim approved, so you receive the benefits you need.
Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Get Your Benefits Back
You can take it a step further by involving an experienced attorney to help with your workers’ compensation claim. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, we have a century-long history of advocating for injured workers in Pennsylvania. We know that the workers’ compensation system too often favors employers and insurance companies. We level the playing field to fight for the benefits injured workers need.
Our firm considers if you have grounds for a lawsuit against a third party, someone other than your employer or a co-worker, which would open the door to compensation for all of your lost earnings, medical care, and emotional trauma. This is more than what workers’ comp would typically cover, giving you more options for financial stability and lifelong recovery.
If you’re ready to take the next step and find out what we can do to help with your claim, call (888) 498-3023 or fill out our online contact form. Your consultation is free!