Malcolm L. MacGregor | May 11, 2026 | Personal Injury Blog

Steps To Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim

Being involved in a workplace accident can leave you struggling with a number of difficult consequences all at once, both financially and otherwise. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system exists to help injured workers cover at least some of their losses in these circumstances, but the process has specific steps and deadlines that must be closely followed.

Learning about what to do from the start can help you avoid costly mistakes that could impact your benefits. Here is a breakdown of how the workers’ compensation claims process works in Pennsylvania.

Report Your Injury to Your Employer

The first step is notifying your employer about your injury. You should take this step within 21 days of your injury in order to be eligible for maximum benefits, including those that are retroactive. The absolute time limit is technically 120 days, but you risk losing some of your compensation if you wait longer than the 21-day deadline. 

Seek Medical Treatment Right Away

Receiving medical attention promptly serves two purposes. The first is protecting your health, and the second is creating documentation that connects your injury to your job. Without medical records that support your claim, it becomes much harder to prove that your injury is work-related.

Keep in mind that Pennsylvania has specific rules about which doctors you can see. For the first 90 days of treatment, you are required to choose a provider from your employer’s designated list, if one exists. After that 90-day window, you are generally free to see the doctor of your choosing. 

Determine the Benefits Available to You

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation can provide several types of benefits depending on your situation. These may include:

  • Full coverage of reasonable medical expenses related to your injury
  • Wage loss benefits if you cannot work or can only work in a limited capacity
  • Specific loss benefits for permanent injuries, such as the loss of a limb

The duration of your benefits depends on the nature and severity of your condition. Some injured workers receive benefits for a set period, while others may qualify for long-term support.

Know What Happens After You Report Your Injury

Once your employer is notified, the responsibility shifts to them. Your employer is required to report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The insurer then reviews the claim and decides whether to accept or deny it.

If the claim is accepted, you should begin receiving wage loss benefits and coverage for your medical expenses. Alternatively, if the insurer denies your claim, that is not necessarily the end of the road. You have the right to challenge the denial by filing a claim petition.

Consider Filing a Claim Petition if Benefits Are Denied

If your claim is denied, you can file a claim petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. This petition initiates a formal legal process before a workers’ compensation judge. 

Some of the most commonly disputed issues in cases that reach this stage include:

  • Whether the injury actually occurred at work
  • The severity of the injury and how long you will need treatment
  • The types of benefits you are eligible for
  • Whether you are able to return to work in any capacity
  • The amount of wage loss benefits you are entitled to receive

It can be especially important to ensure you’re represented by a lawyer at this stage. Your attorney can advocate for your interests and level the playing field with the insurance company. 

Contact McDonald & MacGregor, LLC To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Scranton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem. Without experienced legal guidance, you risk accepting less than what your case may be worth under state law.

If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to understand your rights and options from the start. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process and help protect your interests every step of the way.

Contact McDonald & MacGregor, LLC today to schedule a free consultation with a Scranton workers’ compensation lawyer.

We proudly serve Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, and surrounding areas.

McDonald & MacGregor, LLC
220 Penn Ave Suite 320, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 209-7062