Filing an Erie Workers’ Comp Claim
Workers’ compensation claims are different from any other type of insurance claim — they’re time-sensitive, regulated, and they need to be reported by the employer, not the agent. This page walks you through exactly what to do and what you’ll need to have ready.
Need help preparing before you call? Reach out to McGowan Insurance — we’ll walk you through what to expect, what Erie will ask, and how to gather the right information so the call goes smoothly.
📞 McGowan Insurance: (717) 786-2011 (call or text)
✉️ Email: claims@trustmcgowan.com
🕐 Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 AM – 5 PM | Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM
Why These Claims Work Differently
The Employer Must Report
Unlike auto or property claims — where we can file on your behalf — workers’ compensation claims must be reported directly by the employer. This isn’t a technicality. It’s a regulatory and timing requirement that actually protects you and your business.
Reporting the injury yourself creates a clean, time-stamped record of when the incident was reported to the carrier. That record matters legally, and it protects you in the event of any future dispute over notice or timing.
Report Fast — It Matters
The faster a workers’ comp claim is reported, the better the outcome for everyone involved. Fast reporting:
- Speeds medical care for the injured employee
- Reduces the overall cost of the claim — and over time, helps protect your experience modifier
- Demonstrates good faith in any dispute or audit
- Keeps you in compliance with state reporting requirements
Bottom line: as soon as you know about an injury, report it.
How to File
Erie Workers’ Compensation Claim Numbers
📞 During Business Hours: (855) 492-3665 — Monday–Friday, 7 AM – 5:30 PM
📞 After Business Hours: (800) 367-3743
Per Erie’s site: ‘If you have questions about your claim, contact us at (855) 492-3665 during business hours (7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) or at (800) 367-3743 after business hours.’
File Online
You can also start the claim through Erie’s website:
What You’ll Need
Information Required to File
Have this ready before you call — it will significantly speed up the process. We strongly recommend keeping this checklist printed and posted somewhere accessible to your management team (near a first aid kit is a good spot).
About the Injured Employee
- Full name, address, phone number
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Occupation and current position
- Hire date
- Wage information
About the Injury
- Date and time of the injury
- When the accident was reported to you, and by whom
- Type of injury (laceration, fracture, strain, etc.)
- Part of the body injured
- Cause of the accident
- Where the injury occurred (specific location on premises)
- Where the injured employee was treated (urgent care, ER, doctor’s office)
What Happens Next
After You File
Once the claim is filed, an Erie claims adjuster will reach out to:
- You (the employer)
- The injured worker
- The medical provider
Erie also files all required reports with the state workers’ compensation agencies on your behalf — in both Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Stay in Touch With Your Employee
One of the most effective things you can do after a workers’ comp claim is stay in regular communication with the injured employee. Make it clear that you care about their recovery, you want them back when they’re ready, and that you’ll support modified duty if it helps speed the return.
This sounds simple, but it’s one of the most under-appreciated drivers of claim outcomes.
Return-to-Work Programs
Bringing employees back to work in a modified, temporary, or full-capacity role as soon as they’re medically cleared:
- Shortens claim duration
- Improves outcomes for the employee
- Reduces lost-wage exposure
- Can meaningfully improve your experience modifier over time
If you don’t already have a written return-to-work program, we can help you build one. Just give us a call.
Prevention
Erie’s Risk Control Resources
Erie offers risk control services to help business owners identify workplace hazards before injuries happen — including safety assessments, training resources, and industry-specific guidance.
If you’d like to take advantage of these resources, reach out to us and we’ll connect you with the right Erie representative.
Need to Talk Through a Claim Before You File?
We’re here for that. Call or text McGowan Insurance and we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, what Erie will ask, and how to gather the information you need. We can’t make the call for you — but we can make sure you’re ready when you do.
📞 Call or Text: (717) 786-2011
✉️ Email: claims@trustmcgowan.com
