How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim in Kentucky
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Kentucky · Last updated 2026-09-07
In Kentucky, a workers' compensation claim is how an employee hurt on the job, or made ill by work, gets medical care and wage-replacement benefits from the employer's insurer, without having to prove the employer was at fault, under a system administered by the Department of Workers' Claims within the Education and Labor Cabinet, where disputed claims are decided by administrative law judges, with appeals heard by the Workers' Compensation Board. Two deadlines are critical. You must give your employer notice of the accident as soon as practicable after it happens (KRS 342.185), and you generally have two years from the date of the accident, or from the suspension of any voluntary temporary total disability payments, to file your claim (KRS 342.185). You open a formal claim by filing Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, with the Department of Workers' Claims, either online through its Litigation Management System or on paper if you represent yourself. Attorney review of your claim is available through DocDraft.
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Where are you after your work injury?
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How do I file a workers' compensation claim in Kentucky?
First, report your injury to your employer as soon as practicable after the accident (KRS 342.185). If benefits are denied, delayed, or disputed, file Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, with the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims to open a formal claim.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in Kentucky?
Two deadlines matter. You must tell your employer as soon as practicable after the accident (KRS 342.185). Separately, you generally have two years from the date of the accident, or from your last temporary total disability payment, to file your claim with the Department. Missing either can bar benefits.
What is Form 101 in Kentucky?
Form 101 is Kentucky's Application for Resolution of Injury Claim. You file it with the Department of Workers' Claims to formally open a workers' compensation claim when benefits are denied, delayed, or disputed. A self-represented worker can file it online through the Litigation Management System or on paper.
Who handles workers' compensation claims in Kentucky?
Kentucky workers' compensation is administered by the Department of Workers' Claims, within the Education and Labor Cabinet. Your employer's insurer decides voluntary benefits day to day. If a claim is disputed, an administrative law judge decides it after you file Form 101, and the Workers' Compensation Board hears appeals.
Kentucky workers' compensation claim law at a glance
In Kentucky, workers' compensation gives an employee who is injured on the job medical care and wage-replacement benefits from the employer's insurer, regardless of fault. The system is run by the Department of Workers' Claims, within the Education and Labor Cabinet. You must give your employer notice of the accident as soon as practicable after it happens (KRS 342.185). If benefits are denied, delayed, or disputed, you file Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, with the Department. You generally have two years from the date of the accident, or from your last temporary total disability payment, to file (KRS 342.185). An administrative law judge then decides the claim, and appeals go to the Workers' Compensation Board.
Filing a Kentucky workers' compensation claim after an underground mine roof fall
Suppose you work as a coal miner in eastern Kentucky and hurt your back when rock falls from the roof of an underground mine. You tell your supervisor the same day and follow up in writing, giving notice as soon as practicable after the accident (KRS 342.185). The insurer starts paying medical and temporary total disability benefits, then stops and disputes how much you are owed. Because you generally have two years from the accident, or from your last temporary total disability payment, to act (KRS 342.185), you file Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, with the Department of Workers' Claims. An administrative law judge will decide the claim. Attorney review of your claim is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
KRS 342.185 (notice as soon as practicable; two-year filing period)
Provides that no proceeding for compensation may be maintained unless notice of the accident is given to the employer as soon as practicable after it happens and an application for adjustment of claim is made with the department within two years after the date of the accident, or, where voluntary income benefits were paid, within two years following their suspension.
KRS 342.200 (want of notice or delay not a bar in some cases)
Provides that want of notice, or delay in giving notice, is not a bar to proceedings if it is shown that the employer, agent, or representative had knowledge of the injury, or that the delay or failure to give notice was occasioned by mistake or other reasonable cause.
Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims, Employee Frequently Asked Questions
The Department's employee FAQ advises injured workers to report the injury or occupational disease to the employer as soon as possible, explains the two-year statute of limitations running from the date of injury or the last temporary total disability payment, and describes filing Form 101, the Application for Resolution of a Claim.
Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims, How to File a Claim
The Department's filing guidance explains that a self-represented employee may file Form 101 electronically through the Litigation Management System (LMS) or on a paper form, while employees and employers represented by an attorney must file electronically.
Regional Variances
Kentucky workers' compensation claim rules at a glance
Reporting deadline
Notice of the accident must be given to your employer as soon as practicable after it happens, under KRS 342.185. There is no fixed number of days, but delay can jeopardize your claim, so report as soon as possible.
Claim form
Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim. The worker files it with the Department of Workers' Claims to open a formal claim, online through the Litigation Management System or on paper if self-represented.
Filing deadline
Generally two years to file, running from the date of the accident or the suspension of any voluntary temporary total disability payments, whichever is later, under KRS 342.185. Missing it can bar the claim.
Who administers it
The Department of Workers' Claims, within the Education and Labor Cabinet. Administrative law judges decide contested claims, and appeals are heard by the Workers' Compensation Board.
How disputes are decided
By filing Form 101 with the Department when the insurer denies, delays, or underpays benefits. An administrative law judge holds a hearing and issues a decision, which a party may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Board.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Report the injury to your employer
As soon as practicable after the accident days after startingGive your employer notice of the accident as soon as practicable after it happens (KRS 342.185). The Department of Workers' Claims advises reporting as soon as possible. Put it in writing and keep a dated copy so there is a clear record of when you reported.
Get medical care and keep records
Ongoing after the injury days after startingSeek treatment for your injury and keep every medical record, bill, and letter from the insurer. Documenting the diagnosis, treatment dates, and any work restrictions supports your claim if the insurer later disputes benefits or how the injury happened.
Track voluntary benefits and the filing clock
While benefits are being paid days after startingIf the insurer pays medical or temporary total disability benefits voluntarily, track each payment. The two-year filing deadline can run from the date those payments are suspended or from the date of the accident, whichever is later (KRS 342.185). Do not assume voluntary payments open a formal claim.
File Form 101 with the Department if disputed
Within two years of the accident or last payment days after startingIf benefits are denied, delayed, or underpaid, file Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, with the Department of Workers' Claims within two years of the accident or your last temporary total disability payment (KRS 342.185). Attorney review of your claim is available through DocDraft.
Choose your Form 101 filing method
When you file the claim days after startingA self-represented worker may file Form 101 online through the Litigation Management System (LMS) or on a paper form; a represented party must file electronically. Keep a stamped or confirmed copy showing the date you filed to protect your rights.
Prepare for the hearing and any appeal
After Form 101 is filed days after startingOnce you file, an administrative law judge will decide the claim after a hearing. Keep your medical evidence organized and calendar any deadlines the Department sets. A party who disagrees with the decision may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Board.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report the injury to your employer | Give your employer notice of the accident as soon as practicable after it happens (KRS 342.185). The Department of Workers' Claims advises reporting as soon as possible. Put it in writing and keep a dated copy so there is a clear record of when you reported. | - | As soon as practicable after the accident |
| Get medical care and keep records | Seek treatment for your injury and keep every medical record, bill, and letter from the insurer. Documenting the diagnosis, treatment dates, and any work restrictions supports your claim if the insurer later disputes benefits or how the injury happened. | - | Ongoing after the injury |
| Track voluntary benefits and the filing clock | If the insurer pays medical or temporary total disability benefits voluntarily, track each payment. The two-year filing deadline can run from the date those payments are suspended or from the date of the accident, whichever is later (KRS 342.185). Do not assume voluntary payments open a formal claim. | - | While benefits are being paid |
| File Form 101 with the Department if disputed | If benefits are denied, delayed, or underpaid, file Form 101, the Application for Resolution of Injury Claim, with the Department of Workers' Claims within two years of the accident or your last temporary total disability payment (KRS 342.185). Attorney review of your claim is available through DocDraft. | - | Within two years of the accident or last payment |
| Choose your Form 101 filing method | A self-represented worker may file Form 101 online through the Litigation Management System (LMS) or on a paper form; a represented party must file electronically. Keep a stamped or confirmed copy showing the date you filed to protect your rights. | - | When you file the claim |
| Prepare for the hearing and any appeal | Once you file, an administrative law judge will decide the claim after a hearing. Keep your medical evidence organized and calendar any deadlines the Department sets. A party who disagrees with the decision may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Board. | - | After Form 101 is filed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Kentucky guides
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