Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Pennsylvania

Report any injury to your employer or supervisor immediately, including the date and place of injury. Unless the employer already knows of the injury or the worker gives notice within 21 days, no compensation is due until notice is given; notice must be given no later than 120 days after the injury for compensation to be allowed.

Claims are barred unless, within three years after the injury (or death), the parties agree on compensation or a petition is filed. If the employer or its insurer denies the claim, the worker has three years from the date of injury to file a claim petition with the Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication. For occupational diseases, the disability must occur within 300 weeks of the last hazardous employment, and the petition must be filed within three years from the date of injury/disability.

Report the injury to your employer, who must file a first report of injury with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation once you lose a day, shift or turn of work. The insurer has 21 days from notice to accept or deny the claim or to pay temporary compensation (for up to 90 days). If the claim is denied or benefits stop, you can file a claim petition with the Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication for a hearing before a workers' compensation judge; forms are available online or through the Claims Information Helpline at 800-482-2383. Mediation is generally scheduled once a petition is filed.

A workers' compensation judge's decision can be appealed to the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board by filing a Notice of Appeal within 20 calendar days of the circulation date of the decision; appeals can be filed electronically through WCAIS or by mail (not fax or email). Board decisions can be appealed to Commonwealth Court.

Report your injury to your employer or supervisor immediately, with the date and place. Once you lose a day, shift or turn of work, your employer must report the injury to the Bureau of Workers' Compensation by filing a first report of injury. The employer or its insurer then accepts or denies the claim; if it is denied (or temporary payments stop after 90 days), you can file a claim petition for a hearing before a workers' compensation judge. Bureau of Workers' Compensation Claims Information Services: 800-482-2383 (in PA) or 717-772-4447, email ra-li-bwc-helpline@pa.gov.