Workplace accidents are unfortunately common across Massachusetts, especially in cities like Boston, Framingham, Worcester, and surrounding areas where industries such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing employ thousands of workers.
If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but many employees aren’t sure how long the process takes or what steps must happen first. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how and when you may begin receiving disability benefits after a work-related injury in Massachusetts.
Steps to Getting Paid After a Work Injury in Massachusetts
1. You must miss five or more days of work (full or partial).
To qualify for disability benefits under Massachusetts workers’ compensation law, you must be unable to earn full wages for five (5) or more full or partial calendar days due to a job-related injury. These days do not have to be consecutive.
2. Your employer has seven days to report your injury.
Once you’ve missed five days, your employer has seven (7) calendar days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, to file a First Report of Injury with their workers’ compensation insurance company.
3. The insurance company has fourteen days to respond.
After receiving the injury report, the insurer has fourteen (14) calendar days to either:
- Mail you your first disability check, or
- Send you a denial of compensation letter.
If the insurer denies your claim, you still have options.
If Your Worker's Comp Claim is Denied or Ignored, You Can Take Action!
Has your workers’ compensation claim been denied, delayed, or ignored? You have the legal right to take legal action and file a claim for benefits. Don’t face the insurance company alone. Turn to experienced Massachusetts work injury attorney Chuck Pappas for the aggressive representation you deserve. He’ll thoroughly evaluate your case, take swift legal action with the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, and fight to secure the full benefits you’re entitled to. Delays and denials can threaten your health and financial stability—take control of your recovery today.
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.