If you’ve been injured on the job, filing workers’ compensation in PA can help you secure benefits. Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act protects employees by ensuring they receive medical treatment and wage replacement benefits for work-related injuries. However, avoidable mistakes can delay or even jeopardize a claim. Knowing your rights can help you navigate the process smoothly and maximize your benefits.
To ensure you receive the injury compensation you deserve, avoid these ten common pitfalls when filing workers’ compensation in PA:
1. Failing to Report Your Injury Immediately
One of the most critical mistakes is waiting too long to report work-related injuries. Under Pennsylvania law, you must notify your employer within 21 days of your injury to receive benefits from the incident date. If you fail to report within 120 days, you could lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits altogether.
What to Do Instead:
- Notify your employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing.
- Keep a copy of your report for your records.
- If your injury develops over time (such as repetitive strain injuries), report it as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
2. Not Seeking Medical Treatment Right Away
Even if your injury seems minor, delaying medical treatment can hurt your work injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injury isn’t serious or wasn’t caused by your job.
What to Do Instead:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.
- Follow all prescribed treatments and attend follow-up appointments.
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills related to your injury.
3. Ignoring Employer-Approved Medical Providers
In Pennsylvania, your employer may provide a list of approved doctors you must see for the first 90 days after your injury. If you see an unapproved doctor during this period, your medical bills may not be covered by workers’ comp insurance in PA.
What to Do Instead:
- Confirm with your employer whether they have a list of designated medical providers.
- If they do, choose a provider from that list.
- After 90 days, you can switch to a doctor of your choice.
4. Not Keeping Accurate Documentation
Failing to keep thorough records can lead to disputes over your workers’ compensation case. Employers and insurance companies may challenge your claim, making documentation critical.
What to Do Instead:
- Keep a journal detailing your symptoms, medical appointments, and how your injury affects your daily life.
- Retain copies of all medical reports, bills, and communications with your employer or workers’ compensation injury lawyers.
- If possible, take photos of your injury and the accident scene.
5. Trusting the Insurance Company’s Wage Calculations Without Question
Your workers’ compensation benefits are based on your average weekly wage, but insurers may miscalculate this amount, leading to lower payments than you deserve.
What to Do Instead:
- Request a detailed breakdown of how your wage was calculated.
- Compare it to your pay stubs, overtime records, and bonuses.
- Consult a workers’ compensation injury attorney if you suspect an error.
6. Relying Solely on the Insurance Company’s Doctor
While you may be required to see an employer-approved doctor initially, some company doctors downplay injuries to minimize employer liability.
What to Do Instead:
- After 90 days, get a second opinion from a doctor of your choice.
- If the employer’s doctor prematurely clears you to return to work, consult an independent physician.
- Keep track of any discrepancies between medical evaluations.
7. Returning to Work Too Soon
Going back to work before you’ve fully recovered can worsen your injury and jeopardize your claim. Employers and insurance companies may use your return as evidence that you no longer need benefits.
What to Do Instead:
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding when to return to work.
- If you feel pressured to return too soon, consult a workers’ compensation injury attorney.
- Request workplace accommodations if needed.
8. Failing to Appeal a Denied Claim
Many workers’ compensation claims are initially denied. Common reasons include missing deadlines, lack of medical evidence, or disputes over whether the injury is work-related.
What to Do Instead:
- Don’t assume a denial is final—you have the right to appeal.
- Gather additional evidence, such as medical records and witness statements.
- Work with a workers’ compensation injury lawyer to strengthen your case.
9. Posting About Your Injury on Social Media
Many injured workers make the mistake of discussing their work injury claim on social media. Insurance companies and employers monitor social media accounts for evidence that can be used to deny or minimize claims. Even innocent posts—such as a picture of you at a family gathering—can be misinterpreted to suggest that you are healthier than you claim.
What to Do Instead:
- Avoid posting anything about your injury, medical treatment, or case.
- Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts.
- Ask family and friends not to tag you in posts or photos related to physical activity.
- If unsure whether something could harm your case, consult a workers’ compensation injury attorney before posting.
10. Handling the Claim Without Legal Help
Workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania are complex. Filing a worker’s compensation claim without legal guidance can lead to delays, denials, or reduced benefits.
What to Do Instead:
- If your claim is denied or delayed, consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
- Legal experts can negotiate settlements, challenge denials, and protect your rights.
- A lawyer can also ensure you maximize your benefits and avoid costly mistakes.
By avoiding these top 10 mistakes, you can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Partnering with Our Local Workers’ Compensation Legal Team
As a multigenerational, locally owned law firm, we proudly serve injured workers throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, including Montgomery, Lehigh, and Bucks County. Unlike large corporate firms, we focus on building personal connections with our clients, providing trusted and compassionate legal guidance from a team that understands local workers’ challenges.
From investigating your case and handling legal filings to negotiating aggressively on your behalf, we are committed to securing the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. If you’re looking for a law firm that puts people before profits, start your free case evaluation today, and let us fight for your rights.