For those who experience an accident at work, they likely are confused and unsure on what to next. They may not be sure about how workers’ compensation works in Massachusetts. These injured workers’ have questions, and we have answers. Here are some answers to some common Boston workers’ compensation FAQs.

Who pays workers’ comp to injured workers?

These benefits are paid by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. The employer’s premiums to its insurance company provides these benefits to injured workers.

What can be collected?

Some benefits include payment for medical bills as well as weekly payments for missed time from work, due to the work injury.

What if my employer does not have insurance?

All employers in Massachusetts must have workers’ comp I insurance. If there is no insurance, the injured worker must file a claim with the Trust Fund found at the Department of Industrial Accidents.

What accidents are covered?

Generally any injury that occurs to an employee during the course and scope of employment should be covered and compensable under Massachusetts workers’ compensation law.

What injured are covered?

Any personal injury or psychological injury can be claimed under workers’ comp. As long as a doctor says the injury claimed by the employer arise out of and during the course and scope employment, then it should be covered.

What are third-party claims?

These typically happen with car accident cases, as well as construction accident cases. These happen when the work injury is caused not by the employee’s employer, but by a third-party.

Who is covered under workers’ compensation?

Employees who are injured during the course and scope of their employment. Workers’ comp does not apply to independent contractors.

Which court hears these disputes?

The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents is the court that hears and decides these cases. The court has five different branches located in Boston, Lawrence, Fall River, Worcester and Springfield.

What is the statute of limitations?

Unlike with personal injury cases that have three year statute of limitations, workers’ compensation accident cases have four statutes of limitations.

How can a lawyer help?

A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the benefits you are entitled to. Frequently workers’ compensation insurance companies deny valid and legitimate claims brought by injured workers. When that happens, it is important to have a work injury attorney that can help if you receive any type of workers’ comp denial from an insurance company.