What are the time limits for filing a Workers' Compensation Claim?

Unless an employer has knowledge of the injury or the employee gives notice to the employer within 21 days of the injury, no compensation is due until notice is given. Notice must be given no later than 120 days after the injury for compensation to be allowed. If your request for workers compensation benefits is denied by your employer or your employers insurance carrier, you have three years from the date of injury to file a Claim Petition.

In occupational disease cases, injury/disability must occur within 300 weeks from the date of last employment in an occupation in which you had exposure to a hazard, and a petition must be filed no later than three years from the date of injury/disability.

Failure to file a petition on a timely basis may result in forfeiture of your right to benefits.

If your benefits were terminated, you may file a Petition to Reinstate workers compensation benefits within three years after the date of your most recent workers compensation check.

If your benefits were suspended, you may file a petition to have benefits reinstated. This petition must be filed within 500 weeks from the date of suspension.

Payment of medical benefits by your employer does not mean that your claim has been accepted or reopened.

source: PA Department of Labor and Industry

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