Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Frequently Asked Questions

You should tell your employer as soon as possible. Pennsylvania gives up to 120 days from the date of injury, but delays can complicate proof and slow benefits. Report the injury in writing, keep a copy, and note who received it. For an overview of benefits and timelines, see Workers’ Compensation to understand how reporting fits into the larger process.

After your employer is notified, the insurer should accept, deny, or issue a temporary acceptance within 21 days. If you hear nothing or checks start and stop, your claim may be stalled. You have tools to push action, including a petition and potential penalties for unreasonable delay.

If your employer properly posted a panel list and you signed the acknowledgment documents, you may need to treat with listed providers for the first 90 days. After that, or if no valid list exists, you can select your own doctor. Keep every appointment, follow restrictions, and save mileage and pharmacy receipts.

Covered benefits include medical treatment related to the work injury, wage loss (generally a percentage of your average weekly wage up to a cap), specific loss benefits for amputations or permanent loss of function, disfigurement for certain scarring, and death benefits for dependents. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering are not paid in comp, but may be available if a third party caused the harm.

Wages are based on pre-injury earnings, often using the 52 weeks before injury, divided into quarters or another statutory formula for newer employees or seasonal work. Include overtime, bonuses, and second jobs when allowed. Mistakes here can shortchange weekly checks, so we audit pay records and correct the rate if needed.

Yes, you generally must attend a reasonable IME or risk benefit issues. Bring a list of current medications, restrictions, and recent imaging. The exam is usually brief and not for treatment. If the IME says you are fully recovered, call us right away to prepare medical rebuttal and testimony.

A denial is not the end. You can file a Claim Petition and present medical and lay evidence to a judge. Keep treating through your health insurance if possible and save bills and explanations of benefits. See Filing a Claim for the steps that help a petition succeed, from clean accident reports to strong doctor opinions.

Late checks can stem from missing paperwork, a billing dispute, or a shift to temporary acceptance. If a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable stops at 90 days, payments may pause unless the claim is formally accepted. We push the insurer for answers and file to restore or continue benefits when warranted.

Yes, if light duty pays less than your pre-injury wage, partial disability benefits can make up part of the difference. Get a written job offer, confirm the duties with your doctor, and keep copies of paystubs. If the job is beyond your restrictions, document why and contact us to protect your status.

These petitions try to end, pause, or reduce wage loss benefits. Terminate claims full recovery, Suspend argues you can return to work at the same pay, and Modify says you have earning power based on a vocational evaluation. Each has defenses. Fast action with treating doctor support and wage proof is key.

Sometimes. A Compromise and Release can trade weekly checks for a single payment that reflects future wage loss, medical costs, and case risks. Timing matters if a petition is pending or treatment is ongoing. Read about lump sum settlements before you sign anything, then decide with full information.

Yes, if a third party caused your injury, such as a negligent driver or a subcontractor on a jobsite. A personal injury claim can seek pain and suffering and other damages that comp does not cover. We coordinate both cases so liens and offsets are handled correctly.

Pennsylvania’s Uninsured Employer Guaranty Fund can step in to provide benefits when an employer is uninsured. These claims have strict notice and filing rules. We document employment status, wages, and medical evidence to pursue recovery through the fund.

There can be offsets when you receive both. We structure benefits and settlements with SSDI in mind to reduce the impact and keep your net recovery as strong as possible. Early planning helps avoid surprises.

Wage loss benefits under workers’ comp are generally not taxable under federal or Pennsylvania law. If you also receive other benefits, coordination rules may apply. We can walk through your situation with your tax advisor if needed.

Acceptance can happen within weeks. Litigation on a denial or petition often takes months. We keep cases moving with timely filings, organized medical proof, and prompt hearing preparation. Along the way, we explore smart resolution options without sacrificing value.

Bring incident and claim numbers, letters from the insurer, photos, witness names, a list of doctors, and recent paystubs. If treatment happened at a panel provider, bring that list. The more we see early, the faster we can steady your case.

We serve clients statewide from Philadelphia to the Lehigh Valley, Berks, Lancaster, York, and Luzerne Counties, with virtual meetings and in-person appearances as needed. Liberty Bell Workers Compensation meets you where you are and handles the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on recovery.