According to the National Safety Council, work injuries affected over 4 million workers United States in 2021. When you experience a work-related injury or illness in Pennsylvania, one of the most important steps is to promptly apply for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover medical expenses and provide wage loss compensation.
However, if you delay your workers’ comp application after your accident, you could face several consequences.
Missed deadlines
In Pennsylvania, you have 120 days from the date of the injury to report it to your employer, and three years from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. Failure to adhere to these timelines can result in you losing your right to receive workers’ comp benefits.
Additionally, the longer you wait to report your injury and file your claim, the more likely it is that you may forget critical details about the incident. These details can be vital in the successful processing of your claim.
Questioning the legitimacy of the claim
Delaying your claim may also raise questions about the legitimacy of your injury. If you wait to report your injury, your employer or the insurance company may question whether the injury is work-related. They may argue that you got injured outside work, making it more challenging for you to prove your case.
Delay in receiving benefits
Not reporting your claim right away can also lead to a delay in receiving your benefits. If you are unable to work due to your injury, this delay can put you in a tough financial situation as you wait for your benefits to kick in.
When you get injured at work, it is important to act promptly and report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Then, begin the process of filing your workers’ compensation claim.
