Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Claim Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Report Your Injury Immediately

Report your car accident to your employer as soon as possible - ideally within 24 hours. Pennsylvania law requires notice within 21 days for full benefits. After 120 days, you may lose your right to benefits entirely.

• Report in writing if possible (email creates a record)
• Include date, time, location, and how the accident happened
• Describe your injuries, even if you're not sure how serious they are
• Keep a copy of your report

Step 2: Get Medical Treatment

Seek medical attention promptly. For the first 90 days, you may need to use a doctor from your employer's designated panel (if they have one). After 90 days, you can switch to your own doctor.

• Tell the doctor your injury happened at work
• Be thorough describing all symptoms
• Follow all treatment recommendations
• Keep copies of all medical records

Step 3: Your Employer Files the Claim

Your employer is required to report work injuries to their workers' comp insurance carrier. They should provide you with information about the insurance company and your rights.

Step 4: Insurance Company Decision

The insurance company will investigate and either accept or deny your claim. If accepted, benefits should begin. If denied, you have the right to appeal.

Step 5: If Your Claim is Denied

Don't give up. Many legitimate claims are initially denied. You can file a Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation to have a judge decide your case.

Two Claims for Injured Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Claim Process: Steps in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Claim Process: Steps spend much of the workday on the road, which means a crash while working can trigger two separate claims under Pennsylvania law, not just one.

Workers' compensation is no-fault coverage through your employer that pays your medical bills and about two-thirds of your lost wages. Because so much of a pennsylvania workers' comp claim process: step's pay can come from overtime, bonuses, or mileage, calculating your true average weekly wage correctly is critical, and it is an area insurers frequently get wrong.

A third-party personal injury claim against the driver who caused the crash recovers what comp does not: full wage loss and pain and suffering. Together the two claims maximize what an injured pennsylvania workers' comp claim process: step can recover.

How we work: Attorney Michael Cardamone is a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist who handles your workers' comp claim directly, and we coordinate with our heavyweight Personal Injury colleagues on any third-party case so the two work together to maximize your total recovery.