If you are hurt on the job, your first step should be to seek medical treatment. However, you should not delay filing for Workers Compensation in Lansing MI, as there is a statue of limitations to consider. Depending on your situation, your injury and your location, you may have as little as two years from the date of the workplace injury (or the date you first learned of it). Time is not on your side if you get hurt or get sick at work–below are some examples of how states’ statutes of limitations vary.
California’s statute of limitations is one year from the date of an injury or awareness of an injury.
The state of Florida allows workers to make a claim within two years of the injury (or becoming aware of an injury).
Texas employees have one year after an injury, or one year after they know that an injury or disease is work-related.
Pennsylvania has a three-year statute of limitations on worker’s comp claims.
State laws vary, but courts and extenuating circumstances can extend the deadline for claims. For instance, if you don’t know your state’s worker’s compensation laws, or if your employer has misled you about the law, you may have more time to file. Consult a lawyer for advice specific to your case.
Why Does the Statute of Limitations Differ in Every State?
Worker’s compensation programs are developed and run by the individual states. Each state in the US (and each US territory) has enacted regulations and rules on worker’s compensation administration and benefits. These rules can be changed by the states at any time, and the best way to get updated information concerning your state’s statute of limitations is to consult the appropriate labor department in your area.
Are State Deadlines Strict or Flexible?
In limited circumstances, extensions and exceptions can be granted regarding worker’s compensation claim filing. If you have been injured or fallen ill on the job, time is certainly of the essence. Before you run out of time, we recommend that you call a worker’s compensation attorney to discuss your case and the laws in your state.
