How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania

Hurt on the job in Delaware County or elsewhere in Southeast Pennsylvania? You must take immediate action to protect your rights and your interests. At Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio, we help injured workers get their full and fair benefits. Our workers’ compensation lawyers guide you on filing a claim in Delaware County (Delco) and throughout Pennsylvania.

The Starting Point: Get Medical Care and Report Your Accident

Workers’ comp claims are time sensitive. You need to get immediate medical care. Your health and safety are the highest priority. You must also tell your employer through your supervisor or the HR department as soon as possible. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industryexplains that you must report the injury within 21 days to receive full benefits. If you wait more than 120 days, you may completely lose your right to workers’ comp. Do not wait to get started.

Confirm That Your Employer Files a Workers’ Comp Report

Your employer must file the proper report after you notify them of your job-related accident. Indeed, your employer should file a First Report of Injury with their workers’ compensation insurance. You can and should ask for a copy of this report. Be sure to follow up to make sure it was submitted. If your employer refuses to report the injury, they are breaking the law. Contact a Delaware County workers’ comp lawyer right away.

File a Workers’ Comp Claim and Wait for a Decision

You need to file an official workers’ comp claim. Telling your employer and confirming they submitted the First Report of Injury paperwork is insufficient. Make sure you file a workers’ comp claim promptly. If you have questions, an attorney can help.

From there, you should wait for a decision. The workers’ comp insurance company has 21 days to approve or deny your claim. If approved, you will start receiving benefits. If denied, they must send you a Notice of Denial. You should keep all the paperwork if your claim is rejected.

Appeal of Workers’ Comp Denial (If Your Claim is Rejected)

As frustrating as it is to get a workers’ comp denial from the insurance company, it is by no means the end of the road in your case. You have the right to challenge a denial. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision by petitioning the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Office. Our Delaware County workers’ comp lawyers can help you gather evidence, request a hearing, and fight for benefits. Appeals are complicated. Professional legal representation is a must.

Speak to Our County Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Delco Today

At Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio, our workers’ compensation attorneys stand by, ready to protect your rights and interests. If you have any questions about how to file a workers’ comp claim, we are here to help. Contact us right away for a free, no-obligation case review. We provide workers’ comp representation throughout Delaware County, including Chester, Upper Darby Township, Drexel Hill, Radnor Township, and Ridley Township.