The way you report your injury can make or break your workers’ comp claim. It sounds simple, but a late or vague report is one of the most common reasons insurers deny benefits. The good news is that it’s easy to get right if you know what to do. Philly Injury Lawyer helps injured workers across Philadelphia start their claims the right way.
Step 1: Get Medical Care
Your health comes first. For an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room. For non-emergencies, check whether your employer has a posted list of doctors. See Do I Have to See the Company Doctor?
Tell every doctor that you were hurt at work and how it happened.
Step 2: Tell Your Employer in Writing
Tell your supervisor or manager as soon as you can, and follow up in writing, by email or text if that’s how your workplace communicates. Include:
- Your name and job
- The date, time and place of the injury
- What happened and what part of your body was hurt
- Any witnesses
Keep a copy. A spoken report counts, but a written one is much harder to dispute.
The Deadlines
- Within 21 days: report within 21 days and your benefits can be paid back to the first day of disability.
- After 21 days but within 120 days: you can still get benefits, but only from the date you reported.
- After 120 days: you generally lose the right to benefits for that injury.
For injuries that develop over time, like carpal tunnel or hearing loss, the clock usually starts when you knew, or should have known, the condition was caused by your job.
Step 3: Make Sure Your Employer Reports It
Your employer must report the injury to its insurance company. The insurer then has 21 days to accept or deny your claim. If you don’t hear anything, follow up and call us.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to “see if it gets better”
- Telling a doctor it happened at home or “not sure how”
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurer before getting advice
- Posting about your injury or activities on social media
Just Got Hurt? Call Us Today
Call (215) 735-4800 for free advice on your report. We Win or It’s Free®.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to fill out a form to report a work injury?
No special form is required from you. A clear notice to your employer is enough. Your employer is the one who files the official report with its insurer.
What if my employer won’t take my report?
Put it in writing anyway and keep proof you sent it. Then call us. An employer can’t block your claim by refusing to accept your report.
What if I didn’t realize I was hurt right away?
That’s common. Report as soon as you realize the injury is related to your job. The 120-day clock usually starts then.
Pennsylvania Law in Plain English
The Workers’ Compensation Act requires notice to your employer within 120 days, and notice within 21 days protects benefits from the first day. The Department of Labor & Industry explains what employers must do once they’ve been told.
