If you have sustained work-related injuries in Massachusetts, you need to know the state's deadlines that apply to workers' compensation. This can be particularly important if your injuries have worsened over time.

How long do you have to file a workers' compensation claim in Massachusetts, and when is it too late? The Massachusetts statute of limitations for filing a work-related injury claim is four years. So you have four years from when you suffered your injuries to launch a worker's comp lawsuit.

If you have suffered a work-related injury in Massachusetts and have not yet launched a compensation claim, we can help you at the Law Office of James F. White, P.C.

What Causes Delayed Filings of Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Claims?

In Massachusetts, you qualify for workers' compensation benefits if your injuries leave you unable to work for five or more partial or full calendar days. These days can sometimes be consecutive. 

During this time, your employer must inform the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) about your injuries. But if you are disabled for five or fewer days, your employer should seek payments for medical costs through a medical-only claim.

You should report all your injuries immediately if you are involved in a workplace accident. Do not wait until you are disabled or your condition worsens before reporting an injury, as this could lead to delays, which might be a reason for a denied claim. 

However, certain circumstances can cause delayed filings of Massachusetts workers' compensation claims. Here are a few scenarios that can make someone bring a workers' comp claim months or years after sustaining an injury:

• You experience increasing symptoms of an occupational injury like carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from continuous movements over an extended period.
• Your medical provider tells you that your current respiratory illness is associated with job-related exposure to harmful substances in previous years.
• You were involved in a minor slip-and-fall accident at work and did not bother to report the accident. After a while, your symptoms deteriorated until you could no longer go to work.

Do I Need a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

No law requires hiring a lawyer for a workers' compensation claim. You can try to handle your case on your own. However, bringing a claim after several days, months, or years after you sustained an injury can complicate your case. So, hiring an experienced and knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney is in your best interests. 

Get in Touch with a Franklin Workers' Compensation Lawyer Today

Jim White is a devoted workers' compensation lawyer equipped and ready to handle your case aggressively and effectively. He serves clients in Franklin, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas and can work with you to ensure you obtain fair workers' compensation benefits for your injuries or illness. Call (508) 541-8585 to schedule a consultation to get started on your case.