What To Do After An Accident At Work
A workplace accident can change everything in seconds, leaving you hurt, worried about your job, and uncertain about what to do next. Understanding what to do after an accident at work helps protect your health, rights, and financial stability. Start by getting medical care right away, notifying your employer, and gathering evidence such as photos and witness names. Then, file a workers’ compensation claim, learn your protections under Pennsylvania law, and consider consulting an attorney to ensure your case is handled correctly.
At Munley Law, we help injured employees throughout Allentown pursue the full benefits available under the state’s Workers’ Compensation system. Whether your injury happened on a construction site, in a warehouse, hospital, or office, our Allentown workers’ compensation lawyers are here to guide you through every stage of your recovery and claim process.
Contact an Allentown Personal Injury Attorney
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Notify Your Employer Immediately After a Work Injury
Under Pennsylvania law, workers must immediately report any on-the-job injury or illness to their employer, including minor injuries that may worsen, providing date, time, and location.
If you delay notification, benefits may be delayed or denied. Once you miss work, your employer must report your injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by filing a First Report of Injury. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania emphasizes that timely notice is essential for processing claims and protecting your right to benefits.
When in doubt, provide written notice, keep a copy for your records, and include the date and signature of the person receiving it, as proper documentation helps avoid disputes.
Get Medical Attention Right Away After a Workplace Injury
Seek medical care immediately, as injuries like concussions, back strains, or repetitive motion injuries can worsen if untreated. Tell your doctor your injury happened at work so the visit and treatment are documented for your workers’ compensation claim.
You may need to choose from your employer’s designated list of approved physicians or medical providers for initial evaluation, as failing to do so could affect your eligibility for benefits.
Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and doctors’ notes throughout your treatment. These serve as important evidence proving the extent of your injury and the needed treatment.
Follow Your Treatment Plans
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, employees have a limited choice of doctors during the first 90 days. If your employer posts a list of at least six approved providers, you must choose one for initial care and remain with a listed provider during that period.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania emphasizes the importance of adhering to your treatment plan and attending every appointment. Skipping visits or disregarding medical recommendations could let your employer’s insurer argue your condition has improved or you no longer qualify for benefits.
For those learning what to do after an accident at work, maintaining consistency with the doctor’s orders, physical therapy, and medication supports your recovery and safeguards your workers’ compensation claim.
How to Submit a Workers’ Comp Claim After an Injury
Once notified, your employer must report the injury to their insurance company. In Pennsylvania, you have 120 days from the accident date to report your injury to your employer and three years to file a claim petition if benefits are denied.
After receiving the report, your employer’s insurance carrier will investigate the claim. If they accept it, you’ll receive a Notice of Compensation Payable confirming your wage-loss and medical benefits eligibility. If they deny it, you’ll receive a Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial explaining why your claim was rejected.
Whether accepted or disputed, the claims process involves completing required forms, gathering evidence, and possibly attending hearings. An experienced attorney from Munley Law can help ensure each stage is handled accurately and on time.
Why You Should Obtain Your Workplace Incident Report
Your incident report is among the most critical documents in your case. It details how and when the accident occurred, identifies witnesses, and lists reported injuries. This serves as key evidence in your claim and any appeal.
Review it carefully to confirm accuracy. If you notice errors, request corrections in writing. Keep copies of all related documents, including witness statements and photos, as these details strengthen your claim and help resolve disputes.
How Munley Law Can Help With Your Case
When a workplace injury disrupts your income and recovery, the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation process can feel overwhelming. At Munley Law, we know what to do after an accident at work and handle every part of your claim, including filing paperwork and dealing with insurers, so you can focus on healing.
If benefits are delayed, denied, or reduced, our team will work to secure the compensation you deserve under Pennsylvania law. Call (610) 857-7424 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Allentown
609 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424
Uber is a third-party service. Munley Law is not affiliated with or endorsed by Uber.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
Posted in Workers' Compensation.
