Don’t let a workplace injury in Allentown, PA, put your life on hold. At Munley Law, we fight for the full workers’ comp benefits you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Allentown, PA
Getting injured on the job is stressful enough, but understanding how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania can feel overwhelming, especially while recovering. Whether you work in a warehouse, hospital, office, or construction site in Allentown, knowing the proper process can protect your rights and help you receive the necessary medical treatment and wage benefits.
At Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injured workers across the Allentown area navigate the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. This guide outlines each step of the filing process so you can act quickly and with confidence.
Find more information on Workers’ Compensation here
The first step in any workers’ comp claim is reporting the injury to your employer. Under Pennsylvania law, you have 120 days from your injury to notify your employer, but you should report it as soon as possible, ideally within 21 days to receive retroactive wage benefits.
When reporting the injury:
Describe how the injury occurred
Identify the date, time, and location
List any witnesses
Explain any symptoms you’re experiencing
Suppose your injury developed over time (such as repetitive stress injuries or exposure-related illnesses). In that case, the reporting deadline typically begins when you first became aware of the condition and its connection to your work.
After you report the injury, your employer is responsible for notifying their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and filing a First Report of Injury with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
You should also receive a list of panel physicians—approved healthcare providers you must use for the first 90 days of treatment, assuming your employer follows the rules. If they don’t provide this list or the posted notice is missing, you may have the right to choose your own doctor from the beginning.
While your employer begins the administrative side, seek medical treatment immediately. This protects your health and creates an official record of your injury. Clearly tell the doctor that your injury happened at work, and describe all symptoms, even if they seem minor.
You’ll need detailed medical records to support your claim and prove that the injury is work-related.
Within 21 days of your employer being notified, the workers’ compensation insurer must accept or deny your claim by issuing one of the following:
Notice of Compensation Payable (NCP): Your claim is accepted, and you will receive wage loss and medical benefits.
Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable (NTCP): You may receive benefits for up to 90 days while the insurer continues to investigate.
Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial: Your claim is denied, and you will not receive benefits unless you file a claim petition.
You should receive this notice by mail. If your claim is accepted, benefits typically begin shortly after approval. If denied, contact Munley Law right away to discuss your appeal options.
A successful claim may provide you with:
Payment of medical bills related to the work injury
Partial wage-loss benefits (about two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
Specific loss benefits (for loss of a body part or loss of use)
Disability benefits (if you’re unable to return to work)
If your injury results in permanent impairment or prevents you from returning to work entirely, you may qualify for additional compensation. It’s crucial to have a skilled attorney review your case to ensure you’re getting the full value of your benefits.
If your claim is denied or disputed, you have the right to file a Claim Petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. This process involves:
Filing the petition within three years of the date of injury
Attending hearings before a workers’ compensation judge
Providing medical evidence, expert testimony, and documentation
Undergoing Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
The appeal process is complex and often adversarial. Insurance companies will have legal teams working to limit your benefits, so having a workers’ compensation attorney on your side is essential.
At Munley Law, we represent injured Allentown workers at every stage of this process—from initial filing to litigation and settlement negotiations.
While you’re receiving benefits, you may be offered light duty work or a return-to-work plan. Your participation must be handled carefully. If the offered job accommodates your physical restrictions, you may need to accept it. If it doesn’t, or if your doctor disagrees, refusing it may be valid.
Discuss any job offer with your treating physician and your lawyer before making a decision. If you return to work and earn less than before your injury, you may be entitled to partial disability payments.
Here are some extra tips to protect your rights during the process:
Keep detailed notes about the injury and your recovery
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all appointments
Save all receipts and documentation related to your care
Avoid giving recorded statements to the insurer without legal advice
Stay off social media, as posts can be used against your claim
At Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped workers across Allentown recover the compensation they’re owed after serious job-related injuries. We understand how confusing and frustrating the system can be—and we know how to get results.
We handle every step of the claim for you, from paperwork to appeals, so you can focus on healing. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Allentown and need help filing your workers’ compensation claim, don’t delay. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation and let us fight for the benefits you’re entitled to.