What Is The Workers’ Compensation Process?

To get workers’ compensation after a job-related injury, you must follow the procedures in the law. Otherwise, your claim will be denied, no matter how strong the evidence is. At Belt Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys have practiced Pennsylvania workers’ comp law for more than 40 years combined. We have guided thousands of workers through applications and appeals, and we know the process thoroughly.

Every workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania must start with informing your employer. In fact, you have 21 days from the date you suffered or discovered your injury to let your employer know about it and still get full benefits. If you report after 21 days have passed (but before 120 days), you can still get approved, but only for benefits going forward from the date you reported, not retroactive to the date of injury. You can make the report orally or in writing, as long as it is to a manager, supervisor or someone else in a superior position at your job.

Once your employer receives your notice, it must report it to its workers’ comp insurance provider. The insurance company has 21 days to accept or deny your claim or request a 90-day extension to investigate further. If your claim is denied, you can appeal any time within three years from the date of your injury.

Your Options For Medical Care

At this point, you should begin treatment. Your employer is supposed to provide a list of at least six health care providers, at least three of whom must be physicians, and they must all be reasonably close by. If the list meets the legal requirements, you must go to one of them to treat your work injuries for at least the first 90 days they occurred. There are exceptions to this rule, such as when one of the approved providers refers you to a nonapproved provider, or you need a specialist of a type the employer’s list does not include.

You Don’t Have To Struggle With Workers’ Comp Alone

Our attorneys have both practiced workers’ compensation for more than 40 years. They are prepared to guide you through the workers’ comp process to help you fight for the benefits you need and deserve. For a free consultation, call Belt Law Firm, P.C., at 570-431-9455 or use our online form. We represent workers in Wilkes-Barre, Kingston and Hazelton.