How To File A Workers Comp Claim In PA With Liberty Bell Workers Compensation
First Steps After A Work Injury
Report the incident to your supervisor right away, even if symptoms seem minor. Note the date, time, location, and witnesses, and seek medical care as soon as possible. Tell the provider your injury is work related so records reflect the connection. Keep copies of discharge instructions and work restrictions, and let your employer know about any limits before returning to duty. These early actions protect benefits and set up a clearer path for treatment and wage loss.
Notifying Your Employer And The Insurer
Pennsylvania law gives you up to 120 days to report, but waiting risks disputes and delays. After you notify your employer, they must alert their insurer and a decision should follow within 21 days. During any panel treatment period, we help coordinate appointments and ensure bills route correctly. If you receive confusing paperwork, contact our office so we can explain each form and confirm deadlines.
When A Claim Petition Becomes Necessary
If the insurer refuses to accept your claim or stops paying after temporary acceptance, a formal petition may be required to secure benefits. Liberty Bell Workers Compensation drafts filings, gathers medical evidence, and prepares you for hearings before a Workers’ Compensation Judge. If the insurer schedules an IME, we review what to expect and plan follow-up with your treating doctor to address any disputed opinions. If your checks stop or a denial arrives, read our guidance on a denied workers’ comp claim and contact us for immediate help.
Benefits You May Receive
Depending on medical support and disability status, benefits can include payment of reasonable medical treatment, wage loss checks based on your average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for amputations or loss of use. In some cases, settlement discussions may be appropriate after your condition stabilizes. We will explain how each decision affects medical rights, weekly pay, and your ability to return to work.
Mistakes That Slow Or Sink Claims
Common pitfalls include late reporting, gaps in treatment, recorded statements without counsel, and ignoring modified duty instructions. Another risk is missing a vocational interview or misunderstanding a return-to-work offer. If you receive paperwork labeled petition to terminate, petition to suspend, or petition to modify, call us right away so we can respond and protect wage loss. Early advice prevents small missteps from becoming expensive problems.
How A Lawyer Makes The Process Easier
From forms and medical records to hearings and negotiation, having counsel saves time and reduces stress. Our team coordinates communications, organizes evidence, tracks deadlines, and prepares you for each milestone. If you want to speak with a person who will listen and lay out a clear plan, contact our attorneys for a no-pressure case review.
FAQs
Quick Answers For Common Questions
When should I file a claim after reporting my injury?
Report to your employer right away, then move quickly on the claim. You have up to 120 days to give notice, but don’t wait to start the claim process—early filings help establish medical evidence, wage records, and a clearer injury timeline.
Do I need specific forms to start a Pennsylvania claim?
Your employer or its insurer typically files the initial paperwork, but you should document notice in writing and keep copies of any incident reports. If the insurer doesn’t accept the claim, your lawyer can file a Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to seek benefits formally.
What evidence makes a first-time claim stronger?
Consistent medical records that tie symptoms to work, prompt injury reporting, witness names, photos where relevant, and pay stubs from all jobs held at the time of injury. Ask your doctor to include precise restrictions and how they affect job duties.
How long until I receive benefits on a new claim?
Insurers generally issue a decision within 21 days of notice. They may accept, deny, or temporarily pay under a Temporary Notice of Compensation Payable (TNCP) while they investigate for up to 90 days.
What if I made a mistake early on—can it be fixed?
Often yes. Late reporting, gaps in treatment, or unclear forms can be addressed with supplemental medical opinions, corrected filings, and sworn statements. The sooner you flag the issue, the easier it is to repair the record and keep the claim on track.