Kentucky’s Department of Workers’ Claims runs a modern electronic system — LMS filing, a free public coverage lookup, and a two-year claim window. Here’s the map.

Official Kentucky resources

• KY Department of Workers’ Claims — the state agency
• Verify an employer’s coverage — Kentucky’s free public coverage lookup
• Official forms — the Department’s forms library
• LMS — Kentucky’s online claims system

Key employer forms

Kentucky’s First Report of Injury (IA-1) is filed electronically through the LMS system — required within one week of a lost-time injury. Employee claims (Form 101) also file through LMS. The Department’s coverage lookup is free and public — useful for checking any Kentucky business you hire.

What to do when an employee is injured

1. Get the employee medical care — Kentucky employees may choose their treating physician (managed-care rules can apply)
2. Notify your carrier immediately
3. Ensure the IA-1 first report is filed via LMS within one week of a lost-time injury
4. Document the incident and preserve wage records for benefit calculations
5. Calendar the two-year window on disputed claims

Deadlines that matter

Employees must give notice “as soon as practicable” after the accident; claims (Form 101) must be filed within two years of the injury or the last voluntary income benefit payment. Employers file the IA-1 within one week of lost-time injuries.

For rate context, see Kentucky workers’ comp rates, or start with our full Kentucky coverage guide. Need proof of coverage for a contract? We issue same-day certificates.

Kentucky forms FAQs

How do I verify a Kentucky employer’s workers’ comp coverage?

Use the Department of Workers’ Claims free coverage lookup (kyworkersclaims.lms.ky.gov) — public, searchable by employer name.

What is the IA-1 in Kentucky?

The First Report of Injury, filed electronically through Kentucky’s LMS system within one week of a lost-time injury — typically by your carrier once you report.

How long does a Kentucky worker have to file a claim?

Two years from the date of injury or from the last voluntary payment of income benefits, whichever is later — filed as a Form 101 through LMS.