Are there workers’ compensation deadlines in Wilkes-Barre?

Don’t Wait on Your Workers’ Comp Claim: Why Timing Matters for Injured Workers in Wilkes-Barre, PA

When you’re hurt on the job, the last thing you want to worry about is paperwork or legal deadlines. But in Pennsylvania—especially for workers in Wilkes-Barre and across Luzerne County—timing can make all the difference in whether you receive the benefits you deserve.

Workers’ compensation cases are strictly enforced, and deadlines often land quietly. Many injured workers don’t realize they’re running out of time until it’s too late. Understanding these time limits is essential to protecting your rights.

At O’Donnell Law Offices, our Workers’ Compensation team—including certified specialists—helps Wilkes-Barre workers navigate these deadlines every day. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Workers’ Compensation Deadlines Matter in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law sets strict timelines for reporting workplace injuries and filing claims. Missing a deadline can prevent you from receiving wage-loss benefits, medical coverage, and other protections you may be entitled to.

1. You Must Report a Work Injury Quickly

In Pennsylvania, you typically have 120 days to report a work-related injury to your employer. Many workers put this off hoping they’ll recover—but delaying can jeopardize your claim.

However, unless the employer has knowledge of the injury—or the employee gives notice of the injury within 21 days—no compensation is owed until notice is given.

For workers in industries common around Wilkes-Barre—such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and construction—slow-building injuries are common. Back injuries, repetitive-motion injuries, and strain-related conditions often worsen over time, and workers sometimes wait too long to notify their employer.

2. Filing a Claim Petition Has a Deadline

If your employer or insurer denies your claim or refuses to pay benefits, you usually have three years from the date of injury to file a formal Claim Petition. That clock doesn’t pause for holidays, slow HR departments, or ongoing treatment.

This deadline can easily fall near the end of the year if your injury occurred in November or December of a prior year.

3. Appeal Deadlines Are Even Shorter

If you received a denial letter or a notice modifying, suspending, or terminating your benefits, you may have as little as 20 or 30 days to challenge the decision.

Appeal windows often overlap with:

scheduled days off or office/facility closures
year-end staffing shortages
delayed mail delivery
workers simply trying to get through the season

That’s why so many people unintentionally miss their opportunity to respond.

Attorney Michael O’Donnell explains it this way:

“We see too many hardworking people lose their workers’ compensation rights simply because they waited too long to get help. The deadlines in Pennsylvania are unforgiving. The sooner we can step in, the better we can protect the benefits you’re entitled to.”

- Attorney Michael O'Donnell

How Our Wilkes-Barre Workers’ Compensation Team Helps

O’Donnell Law Offices is proud to represent workers throughout Wilkes-Barre, Plains, Hanover Township, Kingston, and the entire Wyoming Valley. Our Workers’ Compensation team includes two certified specialists—Attorneys Neil O’Donnell and Michael O’Donnell. Their combined experience allows us to provide knowledgeable, strategic guidance to injured workers facing complex or time-sensitive claims.

We help injured workers by:

Ensuring the injury is properly documented and reported
Challenging denied or delayed claims
Securing medical benefits and wage-loss payments
Handling appeals when insurers try to stop or reduce benefits
Guiding clients through every step of the workers’ comp system

And at O’Donnell Law Offices, there is never a cost until we win your case.

If You Were Hurt at Work in Wilkes-Barre, Don’t Wait

Whether your injury happened yesterday—or months ago—acting quickly is the best way to protect your claim. If your workers’ compensation case is approaching a deadline, even a few days can matter.

Our team is here to help you understand your rights, review your situation, and give you a clear path forward.

Contact O’Donnell Law Offices today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Wilkes-Barre and all surrounding communities in Luzerne County.