Hurt At Work In Pennsylvania: What Not To Do
Hurt on the job in Pennsylvania? Your first few decisions can shape the outcome of your case. Injured workers often lose their workers’ comp benefits because of what they did (or didn’t do) after the injury.
Under Pennsylvania law, employers and their insurance company partners work hard to control costs. That means they will actively look for reasons to delay your payments or argue your comp claim. To protect yourself, learn what not to do when injured at work.
Many types of work related injuries exist. From slip-and-falls and lifting accidents to repetitive strains and occupational illnesses, we cover them all. These tips can help you keep your claim on track.
What Early Mistakes Can Lead To A Denied Claim?
Waiting Too Long To Report Your Injury To Your Employer
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law gives you 120 days to tell your employer about a workplace injury. If you report after 120 days, you will receive no benefits. However, you have 21 days to provide notice to receive benefits as of the date of injury. After that, you will only receive benefits starting from the date of notice, as long as you give notice before 120 days.
Once you report the injury, your employer has only 21 days to accept or deny the claim. One of the most common ways a claim is denied results from delayed reporting. It gets easier for your employer or their insurer to say the injury was not work-related, the longer you wait.
What to do instead: Report the work injury immediately—preferably in writing—and start building a record. Use an email, text, or official injury report to confirm the date and nature of the incident.
Failing To Seek Medical Treatment Right Away
No matter how minor your injury seems, always get professional care. Delaying medical treatment creates gaps in your file that the insurance company can exploit. If you wait to file a claim for medical expenses and lost wages, they may argue the injury did not happen at work. They may also say the injury did not require treatment.
In PA, your employer can require you to use their list of approved doctors for the first 90 days. Failure to follow that rule can jeopardize your workers’ comp benefits.
Tip: Request the panel physician list immediately after reporting the injury. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible and follow all medical advice.
Ignoring Your Doctor’s Restrictions Or Return-To-Work Plan
Once a doctor sets restrictions—like light-duty only or no lifting—you must follow them to the letter. If you go back to full duty or ignore orders, you put both your health and your comp claim at risk.
The insurance company may monitor you through surveillance or social media. If they see you doing something outside your restrictions, they might stop your workers’ compensation benefits.
What to do instead: Communicate with your employer about your work limits. If they ask you to do something unsafe, document it. Then, notify your doctor or workers’ compensation lawyer immediately.
How Can The Insurance Company Use My Words And Actions Against Me?
Talking To The Insurance Adjuster Without Legal Advice
Once your employer files a workers’ compensation claim, the insurance company may call you for a recorded statement. These interviews aim to limit your compensation, not to help you.
The insurer will use any poorly phrased answer to reduce or deny your claim. For example, something as simple as “I feel better” can damage your claim.
What to do instead: Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Posting About Your Recovery On Social Media
Social media can destroy your personal injury or workers’ comp case. The insurer may use a photo of you walking, lifting groceries, or at a party to argue you do not have an injury.
Even posts from friends or relatives that tag you can harm your claim.
What to do instead: Go silent on social media during your claim. Ask friends and family to avoid posting anything involving you.
How Can Returning To Work Hurt Your Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Refusing A Light-Duty Job Without Legal Advice
If your employer offers you a light-duty position within your restrictions, try it. Refusing it could lead to the suspension of your lost wages. Pennsylvania law allows employers to provide alternate duties to keep you working.
But, if the new job violates your medical restrictions, accepting it could slow your recovery. It could also allow the insurance company to claim you do not have an injury.
What to do instead: Review the job offer with your doctor and lawyer. If unsafe or unsuitable, document the reasons for refusal and get a medical opinion.
Settling Your Case Too Early
When injured, fast cash can look tempting—especially when missing work or facing medical bills. But early settlements rarely reflect the true cost of recovery. Once you settle, your case closes and resolves. If you need more surgery or long-term care, you must cover those costs yourself.
What to do instead: Let a workers’ comp lawyer review any settlement offers. They can calculate the real value of your case, including future medical bills, therapy, and wage loss.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Workers’ Comp Rights In PA
A work injury causes more than just pain—it triggers legal and financial stress. The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system offers help, but it only works if you avoid common mistakes.
What Not To Do Recap:
- Don’t delay reporting your injury
- Don’t skip medical treatment
- Don’t ignore your doctor’s advice
- Don’t talk to the insurance company without representation
- Don’t accept early settlement offers blindly
- Don’t refuse light-duty work without cause
- Don’t underestimate the impact of social media
If you suffered a work injury, do not risk your claim. Our team helps injured workers across Pennsylvania to get the compensation they deserve for their work related injuries.
Reach out to our offices 24/7 for a free consultation. Contact us today at (215) 609-4183. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers will fight for your rights and give you the help you need.
