Workers in Massachusetts have a four-year window to file a formal workers’ compensation claim, either with their employer’s insurer or directly with the Department of Industrial Accidents, or DIA.
Understanding the Timeline
The starting point for this four-year period depends on the nature of the injury. For injuries resulting from a specific accident—such as a construction worker in Worcester falling from scaffolding—the clock begins on the date of the accident.
However, conditions that develop over time, like repetitive stress injuries, have a different timeline. In these cases, the four-year period begins when the worker becomes aware that their condition is connected to their job. A manufacturing worker in Lowell developing respiratory issues due to workplace exposure, for example, would have four years from the date they made that connection to file a claim.
What Happens During a Claim?
The standard four-year deadline isn’t always rigid. If an employer’s insurer accepts a claim and begins providing compensation or medical benefits, the deadline is “tolled,” meaning it’s paused.
This means that even if more than four years have passed since the initial injury, a worker may still be able to file a claim if a dispute emerges after the insurer has begun providing benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the four-year period begin for an accidental injury?
The four-year period typically begins on the date of the accident.
What about injuries that develop over time?
For conditions like repetitive stress injuries, the clock starts when you realize your injury is linked to your job.
Can the deadline be paused?
Yes, the deadline is “tolled,” or paused, when the employer’s insurer accepts your claim and agrees to pay compensation or medical benefits for your injuries.
How might these regulations impact workers considering filing a claim, and what steps should they take to ensure they meet the necessary deadlines?
