The workers’ compensation program allows workers to file claims and receive benefits after suffering work-related injuries. If you have been injured at work, you need to follow the correct steps carefully if you want to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These steps include reporting your injury, seeking medical care, filing your claim, and speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer. Your lawyer will guide you throughout the entire process, and they will make sure that important deadlines are being met.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we want injured workers to receive the compensation they deserve. You need a legal team that will both help you get your claim filed and represent you if your claim is disputed or denied. Our workers’ compensation lawyers would be happy to discuss your claim today.
What to Do After Being Injured at Work
Following the correct steps after an injury can increase your chances of recovering compensation. Here is what you should do after being injured at work:
Report Your Injury
You must report your workplace injury to the appropriate manager/ human resources representative immediately. Some injuries may not show symptoms for days or weeks, but you must begin the workers’ compensation claims process immediately after the injury. In general, you should report your injury within twenty-one days to be eligible for benefits retroactive to your date of injury. You can still report an injury up to one hundred and twenty days afterward, but if you report after the first twenty-one days, your benefits will only be payable starting from the date you actually gave notice, not retroactive to the date of injury. If you report after one hundred and twenty days, you generally forfeit your right to compensation entirely, unless your employer already had actual knowledge of the injury.
Receive Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after being injured at work. Any delay in receiving medical attention might be used against you. For example, the workers’ compensation insurance company may argue that your injury is not as serious if you waited a long time to go to the doctor. Make sure that you get your doctor’s assessment writing so that you have proof of the extent of your injury. Also, you may have to choose a doctor from a pre-selected list of physicians provided by your employer.
File the Claim
Filing the claim should be handled by your employer. After a workplace injury is reported, your employer is responsible for filing the workers’ compensation claim form with the correct Department of Labor and Industry Bureau. The workers’ compensation insurance company should respond within twenty-one days of the claim being filed. They must approve, deny, or temporarily approve your claim. If your claim is temporarily approved, that means a further investigation must take place over the next ninety days before a final decision can be made.
Contact a Lawyer
You should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney if you have been injured at work. Many workers’ compensation claims are denied, and you may be able to appeal your case. You will need the help of a talented legal team who can help you gather evidence and build a strong case as to why your claim should be approved.
Recovering from a workplace injury is stressful enough. Do not let the additional stress of filing a workers’ compensation claim weigh you down. Let a workers’ compensation attorney handle the burden of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You
Workers’ compensation lawyers can make life much easier for you by handling many of the administrative details. A lawyer acts as a liaison with your employer to ensure they are filing the claim appropriately, notifying you of any updates and ensuring important deadlines are met. Additionally, your lawyer can continue to represent you throughout the entire appeals process if your claim is denied.
In certain circumstances, you may be able to sue your employer for your workplace injury. Legal action can be taken only when an employer intentionally harms an employee or fails to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Your workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to determine if you have a legitimate case against your employer or if you should simply rely on the traditional workers’ compensation program for benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon must I report a workplace injury in Pennsylvania?
You should report your injury within 21 days to be eligible for benefits retroactive to your injury date; you can still report up to 120 days later, but you may lose benefits for the period before you gave notice.
What happens if I wait more than 120 days to report my injury?
You generally forfeit your right to workers’ compensation entirely, unless your employer already had actual knowledge of the injury.
Who is responsible for filing the workers’ compensation claim form?
Your employer is responsible for filing the claim form with the appropriate Department of Labor and Industry Bureau after your injury is reported.
Can I choose my own doctor for a workplace injury?
You may be required to choose from a list of physicians designated by your employer, at least initially, depending on your employer’s workers’ compensation program.
Can I sue my employer directly for a workplace injury?
Generally only in limited circumstances, such as when an employer intentionally caused the injury or failed to carry required workers’ compensation insurance.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., Today to Discuss Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
In Pennsylvania, most employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Injured workers deserve compensation because a workplace injury can mean lost wages, lofty medical bills, and an uncertain future. One of our talented lawyers can walk alongside you as you pursue workers’ compensation benefits after your workplace injury.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our lawyers are prepared to serve you. You can call (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 25, 2026
