Workers' comp claim denied in Pennsylvania: what to do next

Contact your employer or its insurer first. You can call the Bureau's Claims Information Helpline (1-800-482-2383) with questions. If the claim is still denied, file a Claim Petition (LIBC-362) with the Office of Adjudication.

Your employer's insurer, not the state, usually decides first. If they deny or delay, the free help listed here can explain your options.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Deadlines are strict. If you are near one, call the state agency or free help today.

If your claim is denied or delayed in Pennsylvania

Who decides: Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication (workers' compensation judges)
First step: Contact your employer or its insurer first. You can call the Bureau's Claims Information Helpline (1-800-482-2383) with questions. If the claim is still denied, file a Claim Petition (LIBC-362) with the Office of Adjudication. You can also ask for an informal conference (LIBC-753) to try to resolve the issue.
Form: Claim Petition for Workers' Compensation (LIBC-362)
Deadline: A claim petition must be filed within 3 years after the injury (or within 3 years after the most recent compensation payment, if any was paid).
Medical disagreements: Disputes over whether treatment is reasonable or necessary go through utilization review; a party who disagrees with the utilization review determination can file a Petition for Review of Utilization Review Determination (LIBC-603). Once you receive benefits, the insurer can ask you to see a doctor of its choice, and a judge can order you to attend.
: Petition for Review of Utilization Review Determination (LIBC-603)
Notice of Request for an Informal Conference (LIBC-753)
Appealing the decision: Workers' Compensation Appeal Board (within 20 days after the judge's decision is served), then Commonwealth Court.

File a Claim Petition for Workers' Compensation (LIBC-362) through WCAIS or by mail. The case is assigned to a workers' compensation judge.
The judge schedules mediation unless it would be futile. Mediation or a settlement conference can also happen later in the case.
The judge holds hearings, receives evidence (including medical evidence) and issues a written decision.
A party who disagrees can appeal to the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board within 20 days after the decision is served, and then to Commonwealth Court.

Law: 77 P.S. §§ 602 (Act § 315), 853 (Act § 423)

Source: pa.gov

Sources

The official sources for Pennsylvania are listed on the Pennsylvania page.

National rules that may also matter

Not covered by state workers' comp?

These federal programs and laws cover some groups of workers instead of, or in addition to, state workers' compensation. If one of them may apply to you, check its rules and deadlines too. They are different from your state's.

Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA): Civilian employees of the federal government, including Postal Service employees. Official page

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (Longshore Act): Maritime workers such as longshore workers, harbor workers, ship repairers, shipbuilders and ship-breakers, hurt on navigable waters of the United States or on an adjoining pier, wharf, dry dock, terminal or other area used to load, unload, repair or build ships. Some groups are excluded. Official page
Longshore maximum and minimum for October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027 (fiscal year 2027): maximum $2,163.92 a week, minimum $540.98 a week.

Law: 33 U.S.C. 906(b); DOL Longshore NAWW table

Defense Base Act: Civilian employees working outside the United States on U.S. military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or national defense. Claims are handled by the Longshore program. Official page

Federal Black Lung Program: Coal miners who are totally disabled by black lung disease (pneumoconiosis) from coal mine work, and survivors of miners whose deaths were caused by it. Official page

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program: Current or former employees of the U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors and subcontractors, and certain uranium miners, millers and ore transporters, who became ill from toxic exposures such as radiation, beryllium or silica at covered work sites, and their survivors. The program is set up by the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Official page

Railroad workers (Federal Employers' Liability Act): Employees of railroads in interstate commerce. Instead of a workers' compensation claim, a federal law lets an injured railroad worker sue the railroad for damages caused by its negligence.

Seamen (Jones Act): A seaman injured in the course of employment may bring a lawsuit against the employer, with the right to a jury trial, under the same federal rules that apply to railroad workers.

National help

Your state workers' compensation agency answers questions about claims. Many have a free help line, an ombudsman or information officers for injured workers.

The Legal Services Corporation funds 129 nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state, D.C. and the territories. Enter your address on its website to find one near you. You can also look up legal information and free forms at LawHelp.org. Whether a local program handles workers' compensation cases varies.

LawHelp.org