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What are the time limits on a workers’ compensation claim?

On Behalf of | Jun 17, 2022 | Workers' Compensation

When you are injured at work, your priority should be getting the health care and medical support that you need. Also, you need to let your employer know as soon as possible that you got hurt. Notification will protect your right to make a workers’ compensation claim.

If you are a qualified employee and get hurt on the job, you have a right to seek compensation for an injury that happens at work. Whether you were at fault or not, you may be able to get compensation to cover your medical care, a portion of your lost wages and other financial losses that are a result of the accident.

Two years to file a claim; 30 days to report an injury

The maximum amount of time you can wait to make a workers’ compensation claim is two years from the time when you should have known about your workplace injury.

For people who suffer sudden or acute injuries in the workplace, this statute of limitations generally doesn’t matter much, because they know that they have an injury and alert their employer right away. However, for those with repetitive-stress injuries or illnesses that develop over time, it is important to talk to your employer about opening a claim even if you’re not 100% sure about your illness or injury yet.

Generally speaking, when an accident occurs and you are injured, you have 30 days to let your employer know. This could still fall within the two-year statute of limitations because you may not be immediately aware of an injury. Once you do know about it, do not delay in bringing it to your employer’s attention.

How long will you have to wait for workers’ compensation benefits?

Once you make your claim, there is a waiting period after your injury before benefits will be paid. Additionally, you could see retroactive payments.

Workers’ compensation claims have several different timelines and limitations that you need to be familiar with. If in doubt, it is a good idea to report your injury and start your claim immediately while taking time to look into your legal options. If you have questions, contact an attorney who is experienced in workers’ comp law.