After sustaining a work injury, employees have a right to receive Workers’ Compensation. However, you have to file a claim before you can obtain benefits.

You will file your claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. The petition should include details about the injury, its date, and information on wages and lost income. Using the Workers’ Compensation Automated and Integrated System. If you engage an attorney, they will assist with filing the claim, so you are not on your own.

The attorneys at Quatrini Law Group provide you with comprehensive assistance through the entire process, all the way from filing your workers’ comp claim to assisting even after you receive your benefits.

Steps You Should Take After a Workplace Injury

Follow these steps if you are injured on the job. They will help as you file your claim.

  1. Document the scene of the accident: If you can, keep the scene of the accident as it was. Take pictures, record the details, and collect statements from co-workers who witnessed the accident.
  2. Get medical attention immediately: In many cases, work accidents lead to severe injuries that require emergency treatment. Your well-being is important, so seeking medical attention is the most important step.
  3. Report your injury to your employer: In Pennsylvania, you have 120 days to inform your employer of the accident and your injuries.
  4. Follow your employer’s instructions: After you report the accident to your employer, they will instruct you to see one of their insurance company’s doctors. They will also tell you to file a claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania

A workers’ compensation claim petition is filed by the injured worker with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The petition should include details about the injury, its date, and information on wages and lost income. You can include any supporting documentation. Ideally, Workers’ Compensation should cover actual costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, and medicines.

What Happens After Filing Your Claim

After you have filed, the insurance carrier has 21 days to accept or deny your claim. If your claim is accepted, you must treat for the first 90 days with a company approved physician. If your claim is denied, you have the opportunity to file a Claim Petition. Your case will be assigned to a Workers’ Compensation Judge and a hearing will be held.

Workers’ Compensation Claim Filing Situations We Help With

Contact the Quatrini Law Group to guide you through this process. It may seem straightforward, but the workers’ comp process can be complex. We will protect your rights while ensuring you get the most out of your claim and recovery.

Filing a New Claim

You must file a new claim within three years, providing you reported the injury or accident within 120 days of the occurrence.

Reopening a Claim

There are times when you may need to reopen a Claim. Perhaps your symptoms have worsened or your health has continued to deteriorate. Reopening a closed workers’ comp case is affected by the kind of settlement you signed. An attorney can help you to evaluate all of your options.

Filing After a Denial

If your Claim is denied, you must file a Claim Petition to formally appeal the decision. If you have not engaged an attorney, yet, this is a good time to speak with one and understand how you can make the most successful appeal.

Filing for Related Conditions

We have often seen instances where work may aggravate or accelerate an existing condition. Typing may make carpal tunnel worse. Lifting may exacerbate an old back injury. There must be convincing testimony that work duties directly contributed to worsening your condition.

How Quatrini Law Group Helps With Filing Workers’ Compensation Claims

Meet Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Claim Filing System

Once you report your injury to your Employer, they will instruct you to see one of their insurance company’s doctors. They will also tell you to file a claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. There are time limits for filing a claim. Our Workers’ Compensation Group can help ensure you meet all deadlines. One of your most important roles is to document and keep track of your injuries. Strong evidence matters should there be any challenges to your claim.

Related Workers’ Compensation Issues We Handle

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

How do I start a workers’ comp claim in Pennsylvania?

Notify your employer in writing as soon as possible. You have 120 days from the date of injury to report it, but sooner is better. Your employer is then required to file a First Report of Injury (FROI) with their insurance carrier within 48 hours for serious injuries, or 10 days for others.

What else should I do when I am hurt at work?

We strongly advise our clients to seek a second opinion from your own doctor or from our trusted network of medical professionals. Keep track of your injuries – minor aches and injuries can add up to a more severe injury in the long term.

What if my Employer disputes my injury?

If you receive a Notice of Denial (or Notice of Temporary Compensation Denial), you have the right to file a Claim Petition, which starts a hearing process before a Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ). It is strongly recommended to engage an attorney to assist you. Quatrini Law Group does not charge any upfront fees.

Talk With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer About Filing Your Claim

Call 888-534-6016 or send us an email to arrange a free consultation at one of our six Western PA locations and discuss the specifics of your case with a lawyer. The Consultation is free!