If you’ve been injured on the job in Massachusetts — whether in Boston, Framingham, Worcester, or anywhere in the Metrowest area — one of the most important steps you can take to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits is to clearly report your work accident as job-related when seeking medical treatment. That means telling the emergency room, urgent care center, or primary care provider that your injury happened at work.
Far too often, injured workers are pressured by their employers to report the injury as “not work-related.” As an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney, I’ve seen this happen time and again. Employees are sometimes told not to mention that the injuries happened on the job when at the hospital or clinic and are reassured that their employer will take care of the medical bills and lost wages. But here’s the truth: once the costs of treatment and time off work start to add up, many employers backpedal — leaving the worker with no documented injury report and a potentially denied or delayed workers’ comp claim – and worst of all – no income or benefits.
The Importance of Reporting Your Work Injury as Job-Related
When you seek treatment for a workplace injury, your initial medical records are key. Insurance companies and the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) rely heavily on that first documentation. If your report doesn’t say the injury was caused by your job, the insurance company may argue your injury had nothing to do with work — giving them an excuse to deny your workers’ compensation claim.
Don't assume your employer has your best interests in mind. Employers sometimes downplay the seriousness of the injury or offer to “handle it internally” because they want to avoid a claim on their insurance. But your right to workers’ comp – including medical coverage, disability benefits for lost wage replacement – depends on you making the right choices, starting on day one.
What to Say at the Doctor’s Office After a Work Accident in Massachusetts
Be clear and specific when describing how your injury happened:
- “I hurt my back while lifting a box at work.”
- “I slipped and fell in the warehouse during my shift.”
- “I twisted my knee coming down the ladder at the construction site.”
Make sure the intake paperwork reflects that your injury occurred at work. This creates a paper trail that supports your workers’ comp claim and protects your eligibility for disability benefits under Massachusetts law and substantiates your claim right from the beginning.
If workers’ comp denies or delays your claim and you need to file a claim at the DIA, you are going to need these medical records or notes that state your injuries occurred on the job.
Don’t Be Intimidated or Pressured – Know Your Rights
If your employer tries to persuade you not to report your work accident as job-related, remember:
✔ You have a legal right to file a workers’ compensation claim.
✔ You are protected against retaliation under Massachusetts law.
✔ You deserve access to the benefits and medical care the law provides.
Framingham workers’ comp attorney Chuck Pappas represents injured workers throughout Massachusetts, including Boston, Framingham, Worcester, and the entire Metrowest area. He’s helped countless clients who were misled by their employer and nearly lost their rights to compensation and benefits.
Get Help from an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured on the job and have questions about your rights, don’t wait. Contact Attorney Pappas today to schedule a free consultation. He’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get the workers’ comp benefits you’re entitled to under Massachusetts law.
Protect yourself. Tell the truth at the doctor’s office. And don’t let anyone pressure you into giving up your rights.
📞 Call Attorney Pappas today at (508) 879-3500 or fill out our online contact form to speak with an attorney who puts injured workers first.
A work accident isn't something most think about often until it happens to them. This is why injured workers typically have many questions and concerns after being seriously injured on the job. If you were hurt at work, you should have a good understanding of the workers’ compensation process and benefits available in Massachusetts. Experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, Chuck Pappas is here to help you during this difficult time.