What is the time frame for an injured employee to claim benefits after a date of injury?

In Hawaii, an injured employee has specific time frames to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. The correct answer indicates that an employee must file within 5 years of the date of injury (DOI) and within 2 years of manifestation in cases of occupational diseases. This means that if the injury or condition doesn't become apparent immediately, the employee has additional time to recognize the illness and file a claim.

This time frame acknowledges the complexities involved in some injuries or occupational diseases, allowing claimants appropriate time to understand and respond to their injuries. It ensures that individuals are not unduly penalized for delays in realization of their condition, which can sometimes take years to manifest, especially with certain types of long-term exposure or repetitive trauma injuries.

Understanding the time frames for filing a claim is crucial for ensuring that injured workers receive the benefits they need without facing unnecessary hurdles related to deadlines.