Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp (2025): Statute, Deadlines & Appeals
If you’re hurt at work in Pennsylvania, timing rules decide whether benefits are paid. Within 21 days of employer notice, a carrier must accept/deny or start temporary benefits, and missing the 120-day notice window can bar a claim altogether.
This 2025 guide covers notice windows & filing timelines, medical-proof rules (including the 90-day provider list), wage-loss math (e.g., $1,347 maximum weekly rate in 2025), the appeals ladder, and common mistakes to avoid.
Notice windows
- Report ASAP: Tell your employer as soon as you suspect a work-related injury.
- 21 days: Report within 21 days to preserve retroactive pay from the injury date.
- 120 days: Notice after 120 days generally bars compensation.
Filing timelines
The Claim Petition deadline is 3 years from the injury date (Section 315). For occupational disease: disability must occur within 300 weeks of last exposure and the petition must be filed within 3 years of disability.
| Deadline | Meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 21 days | Notice to employer preserves retro benefits. | PA DLI |
| 120 days | Late notice = claim barred. | PA DLI |
| 3 years | Limit to file Claim Petition. | Section 315 |
Medical proof
The employer may post a List of Designated Providers. If properly posted, you must treat with a listed provider for the first 90 days. After that, you may choose any provider.
Wage benefits (2025)
Total disability = 66⅔% of AWW (max $1,347/week for 2025). Benefits start day 8; if 14+ days off, retro pay from day 1.
Appeals path
- WC Judge (WCOA): Claim Petition → hearing.
- WCAB: Appeal to the Board.
- Commonwealth Court → Supreme Court: Further legal review.
Common mistakes
- Late notice (120-day rule).
- Ignoring the 90-day provider rule.
- Missing the 3-year petition deadline.
- Incorrect wage calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I report an injury?
Within 21 days to preserve retroactive pay; reporting after 120 days generally bars the claim.
Can I pick my own doctor?
Only after 90 days if the employer’s designated provider list was properly posted and acknowledged.
Key Takeaways
- 21- and 120-day notice deadlines control eligibility.
- 3-year petition limit sets the litigation window (Section 315).
- 2025 max weekly benefit: $1,347.
- Appeals: WCJ → WCAB → Commonwealth Court → Supreme Court.
References