I think I Suffered an Illness Because of My Work: What Should I Do?

Were you made ill while on the job in Gettysburg or elsewhere in Adams County? You have the right to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger, P.C., we are proud to be on the side of workers, not big insurance companies. Here, our Gettysburg workers’ compensation attorney explains what you should do if you suffer an illness while at work in Pennsylvania.

Step #1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention (Tell Your Doctor it is a Work Injury)

Your first priority is getting medical care. Work-related illnesses can worsen quickly, and early treatment creates the medical documentation your claim will rely on. In Pennsylvania, you may need to see an employer-listed panel physician for the first 90 days if your employer has properly posted and complied with panel-provider rules under Commonwealth law.

Tip: Tell every medical provider that your condition may be work-related. The wording matters. If your medical records do not link the illness to work exposure, insurers will use that omission to dispute the claim.

Step #2: Notify Your Employer as Soon as Possible

Pennsylvania law requires timely notice. Under 77 P.S. § 631, an employee must report a work-related illness to the employer within 120 days of when they knew, or should have known, that the illness was connected to their job. Many occupational illnesses develop gradually, so the “date of injury” is often the date of diagnosis or the date you first became aware of the work connection. If you do not tell your employer, you may not be able to get workers’ comp benefits.

Step #3: File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

You have the right to file for workers’ comp benefits for an illness. Reporting the illness is not the same as filing a claim. Your employer must notify the insurance carrier, and the carrier must accept or deny the claim within 21 days under Commonwealth law. If the insurer disputes the claim, you must file a Claim Petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Step #4: Document Exposure and Gather Supporting Evidence

To get workers’ compensation for an illness, you will need to prove that the illness is work-related. Illness claims are more complex than sudden injury cases. You must demonstrate a link between your disease and workplace conditions. Evidence may include job duties, chemical exposure records, ventilation reports, protective-equipment policies, witness statements, and prior complaints. For illnesses such as respiratory conditions, repetitive toxic exposures, or chemical sensitivities, documentation helps prove that work conditions created or contributed to the illness.

Step #5: Speak to a Top Gettysburg Work Illness Lawyer

Workers’ comp claims can be complicated, especially so for cases involving workplace illnesses. You do not have to take on the claims process alone. A top-rated Gettysburg, PA workers’ comp lawyer can help you take action to get the maximum available benefits.

Contact Our Gettysburg Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Gettysburg workers’ comp attorney is committed to protecting the rights of injured and ill workers. We have the experience to handle workplace illness cases. Contact us today for a completely confidential, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Gettysburg, our firm handles workplace illness cases throughout the region.