What If My Employer Refuses to Report My Workers’ Compensation Injury in Pennsylvania?  

Getting hurt at work is stressful enough. You’re worried about healing, paying bills, and keeping your job. But what if your employer makes things worse by refusing to report your injury to their workers’ compensation insurance company?

Unfortunately, this happens more often than you might think. Employers sometimes downplay injuries, delay reporting, or outright refuse to acknowledge a worker’s claim. The good news is: in Pennsylvania, you have rights – and your case doesn’t end just because your employer won’t cooperate.

Your Employer’s Duty to Report Injuries

Under Pennsylvania law, you have up to 120 days to notify your employer about a work-related injury. After your employer is notified, they must report it to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within 21 days.

Employers sometimes resist this step because:

• They worry their insurance premiums will rise.
• They don’t think the injury is “serious enough.”
• They hope the worker will use sick time or health insurance instead of filing a claim.
• They simply don’t understand the law.

Whatever the reason, failing to report your injury is not just unfair – it can jeopardize your right to timely benefits.

What You Can Do if Your Employer Refuses

If your employer won’t report your injury, you are not out of options. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system is designed to protect the rights of injured workers. Pennsylvania gives workers multiple ways to move forward:

1. File the Report Yourself
   • You can report your injury directly to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by filing a Claim Petition. While this is more involved than having your employer file, it ensures your case gets on record.

2. Seek Medical Treatment Anyway
   • Even if your employer hasn’t reported your injury, you should still see a doctor. Be clear that your injury happened at work. Medical records are some of the strongest evidence in a workers’ compensation case, and they can help prove your claim later.

3. Document Everything
   • Write down when and how you reported your injury to your employer, who you spoke with, and what their response was. Keep copies of any texts, emails, or notes that show you gave notice. This documentation can protect you if your employer later claims you never reported the injury.

4. Contact the Attorneys at Stern & Cohen
   • At Stern & Cohen, we are dedicated to helping you get the benefits you deserve. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can step in quickly, file petitions on your behalf, and deal directly with the insurance company and the Bureau. With our legal help, your employer can’t keep your case from moving forward.

Common Tactics Employers Use

After you report your injury, your employer might discourage you from filing by saying things like:

• “You weren’t really hurt at work.”
• “Just use your sick days or health insurance.”
• “We don’t need to file unless you miss work.”
• “We’ll handle it later.”

None of these excuses change your rights under Pennsylvania law. If you suffered a work injury and reported it, your employer is obligated to take action. You may be entitled to benefits under the law.  

The Bottom Line 

If your employer refuses to report your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation injury, don’t give up. You still have the right to file a claim, get medical treatment, and receive benefits for lost wages and medical care. 

Employers may try to block or delay the process, but the law is on your side. With the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you can take control of your case and make sure your injury doesn’t go ignored. 

If this has happened to you, call Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and step in to make sure your employer’s refusal doesn’t cost you the benefits you deserve.