Suffering an injury that interferes with your life and ability to work is painful and frightening. Obtaining medical and financial help is important if you are partially or totally unable to perform your job. Gaining access to workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania after an injury is not automatic ¾ there are important steps you need to take.

Inform your supervisor or employer as soon as possible about your injury and when you were injured. Failing to inform your employer about your injury in a timely way can cause your claim to be denied.

After injury, getting medical help is important. When you were hired, your employer may have asked you to review and sign a notice of medical treatment in the event you were injured on the job.

The notice outlines your rights and responsibilities following an injury. In the notice, many employers include the name and contact information of local health care providers you may choose to treat your injury in the first 90 days following your injury. After 90 days, you have the right to receive medical treatment from the health care provider of your choice paid for by your employer for your work-related injury.

After notification by you, your employer notifies their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and your claim is processed. The insurance company decides whether to accept liability for the injury or deny your claim.

If your claim is denied by your employer or their insurance carrier, you will be informed within 21 days after notifying your employer of your injury. Denial is common and you can appeal your claim to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for hearing and further handling.

When appealing, be sure to get experienced legal advice. A workers’ compensation attorney provides specific information, guidance and representation to help you obtain benefits after work injuries in Philadelphia or elsewhere in Pennsylvania.