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If you were hurt at work, the waiting can feel just as stressful as the injury itself. How soon will income start coming in? Who is paying for medical care right now? What happens if the insurance company delays or says no? In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation follows a specific timeline, and knowing what to expect can help you plan and avoid costly mistakes.
Below is a clear breakdown of how the process works and when benefits typically begin, based on Massachusetts workers’ compensation law.
After a work-related injury, your first responsibility is to notify your employer. This should be done as soon as possible. While Massachusetts allows some flexibility, reporting the injury promptly helps prevent delays and disputes later.
Once your employer is notified, they are required to report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and to the Department of Industrial Accidents. This report starts the formal claim process.
If your employer does not file the report, or if there is confusion about what was submitted, speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your rights early on.
After the insurance company receives notice of the injury, it has a limited window to act.
In most cases, the insurer has up to fourteen days to either begin paying benefits or formally deny the claim. During this period, the insurer reviews medical records, wage information, and details about how the injury occurred.
If the claim is accepted, benefit payments usually begin shortly after this review period ends.
Once benefits are approved, payments are typically issued on a weekly basis. The amount is based on your average weekly wage prior to the injury and is calculated according to Massachusetts law.
Medical treatment related to the injury should also be covered, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and necessary therapy.
If payments do not begin when expected, or if the amount seems incorrect, that is often a sign that legal guidance may be helpful.
Denials are not uncommon in Massachusetts workers’ compensation cases. A denial does not mean the case is over. It means the insurance company has chosen to dispute responsibility.
When a claim is denied, you have the right to challenge that decision through the Department of Industrial Accidents. This process can involve conferences, hearings, and additional medical evidence. While it takes time, many injured workers ultimately receive benefits after appealing a denial.
Depending on the injury and your ability to work, benefits may include:
Each benefit category has its own requirements and payment structure. Timing often depends on medical documentation and work status.
Delays in treatment, gaps in reporting, or missed deadlines can affect both the speed and value of a workers’ compensation claim. Insurance companies often use timing issues to question whether an injury is work-related or as serious as reported.
Understanding the timeline helps injured workers avoid mistakes that can slow down benefits or put them at risk.
If you were injured on the job in Franklin or anywhere in Massachusetts and have questions about when benefits should start, the Law Office of James F. White can help. Getting clear answers early can make a meaningful difference for your income, medical care, and peace of mind. Reach out to start a conversation about your situation and learn what steps make sense next.
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