How to Report a Work Injury in Pennsylvania (and the Deadlines You Can't Miss)
A Complete Guide
Who do I report a work injury to?
Tell your employer — usually your supervisor, manager or human resources department. Reporting it in writing is best, even if you also tell someone in person. Include the date, time, location, how the injury happened, and the body parts affected. Keep a copy or take a photo of what you submitted.
How soon do I have to report it?
Under Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act, timing matters in two ways. If you give notice within 21 days of the injury, benefits can be paid back to the date of injury. If you give notice after 21 days, benefits generally begin only from the date notice was given. And if notice is not given within 120 days, the claim can be barred entirely. For injuries that develop over time, the clock generally runs from when you knew, or should have known, the condition was related to your work.
What if my injury didn't seem serious at first?
Report it anyway. Many back, shoulder and head injuries feel minor for a day or two and then worsen. A short written report costs you nothing and protects your rights if the injury turns out to be more serious than it first appeared.
Do I have to see the company doctor?
Possibly. If your employer has properly posted a list of designated health care providers, you are generally required to treat with a provider from that list for the first 90 days for the work injury. Emergency treatment is an exception. After 90 days, you can usually choose your own doctor, though you may need to notify your employer.
What happens after I report it?
Your employer should report the injury to its workers' compensation insurer. The insurer generally has 21 days to accept the claim, deny it, or accept it temporarily while it investigates. You should receive paperwork explaining its decision. Wage-loss benefits are not paid for the first seven days of disability unless the disability lasts 14 days or more.
What if my claim is denied?
A denial is not the final word. You can file a Claim Petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation, and the case is decided by a workers' compensation judge. Claim Petitions generally must be filed within three years of the injury.
Common mistakes to avoid
Only mentioning the injury verbally to a coworker or supervisor
Waiting to see if the pain goes away before reporting
Signing a written description of the incident that is inaccurate or incomplete
Not telling medical providers that the injury happened at work
Missing follow-up appointments or ignoring work restrictions
Could someone besides my employer be responsible?
If a third party caused the injury — like a negligent driver, another contractor, or a defective machine — you may have a separate claim beyond workers' comp. Learn more in workers' comp vs. a third-party claim.
Talk it through with someone local. If you have questions about your own situation, the attorneys at Joyce, Carmody & Moran can review what happened and explain your options — no cost for the first conversation, and no obligation. We are based in Pittston and handle injury matters throughout Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Related: Fired or Retaliated Against After a Work Injury in Pennsylvania
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