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What’s The Time Limit For Seeking Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Like most other legal claims, there is a time limit for seeking workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. According to the statute of limitations, a person who wants to obtain workers’ compensation benefits needs to meet strict deadlines in order to be eligible and stay eligible for benefits.

Our team of lawyers at AlpernSchubert, P.C., has more than 100 combined years of experience assisting our clients in western Pennsylvania with their legal concerns related to workers’ compensation. Time is vital when it comes to defending your rights. Consult one of our compassionate and skilled lawyers to learn your options. We offer free consultations and do not charge you a fee unless we recover benefits for you.

Workers’ Comp Time Limits

There are multiple time limits to be aware of when seeking workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. First, if you are injured at work, you have 120 days from the date of your injury to notify your employer that you were injured on the job. Preferably, this notice should be given in writing. If you do not notify your employer within 21 days, benefits will not start until you do provide notice of your injury.

Next, the statute of limitations for disputing denied workers’ compensation claims is three years from the date of your work injury if an insurer has refused to pay medical or lost wage benefits.

Other time limits apply to workers’ compensation claims involving occupational diseases, terminated benefits and suspended benefits, as follows:

  • An occupational disease must have developed and been diagnosed within 300 weeks of the last time an employee was exposed to a hazard on the job to qualify for compensation. A petition for this compensation must be filed within three years from the date of the injury or disability which is when you know that you are suffering from the occupational disease, and it is work-related.
  • If your workers’ compensation provider terminated your benefits, you have three years from the date of your last benefit check to file a claim for reinstatement of benefits.
  • If the insurer suspended benefits, you can file a petition for reinstatement no later than 500 weeks after the suspension.

At AlpernSchubert, P.C., our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys will help ensure that you meet every deadline and maximize your benefits.

Early Legal Action Can Be The Key To Defending Your Rights

Let our attorneys evaluate your case in a free initial consultation. We are strong advocates for our clients and will strive to get you the highest payout, according to your circumstances. Call 412-506-9561 or fill out our online intake form to schedule an appointment. From our office in Pittsburgh, we proudly help clients throughout Allegheny County and the surrounding communities.