A workplace injury can disrupt your life significantly. Between the pain, the uncertainty about work and the worry about what comes next, it can be hard to know where to start. Taking a few key steps in the first 48 hours can make a real difference in protecting your health and your rights under Massachusetts law.
Report your injury to your employer right away
As soon as you are able, let your employer know what happened. Tell your supervisor directly and follow up in writing if you can. Even a simple email or text creates a record. Some workers hesitate because they think the injury is minor or worry about how it will be received.
However, your ability to receive benefits depends on your employer being notified. Under Massachusetts law, your employer cannot fire you, demote you or retaliate against you in any way for reporting a workplace injury.
Seek medical attention
Your health comes first. If something does not feel right, do not wait. When you see a doctor, make sure to tell them the injury happened at work. Under Massachusetts law, healthcare providers generally cannot bill you directly for treatment related to a compensable work injury.
Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer is responsible for covering reasonable and necessary medical costs. Ask for copies of all records and keep them somewhere safe.
Document everything you can
While the details are fresh, write down what happened. Note the time, location, what you were doing, and who may have witnessed it. Take photos of the area if you can. Keep a log of your symptoms, doctor visits, and how the injury is affecting your daily life. This documentation can be important if your claim is ever disputed.
Understanding your rights before signing anything
When a workplace injury results in lost wages spanning five or more days, Massachusetts law requires your employer to electronically file Form 101 with the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) within seven days of receiving notice and provide you with a copy.
If your employer refuses or the insurer denies benefits, you have the right to submit Form 110 or Employee’s Claim directly to the DIA yourself. In those first 48 hours, the insurance company may also reach out asking for a recorded statement or offering a quick settlement. Before you agree to anything, you may want to consult a workers’ compensation attorney.
Early settlements often do not reflect the full value of a claim, especially when the extent of your injury is not yet clear. You have the right to legal representation throughout this process, and you do not have to handle this alone.
