Filing a workers’ comp claim in Massachusetts.
Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents. Primary form: Form 110 — Employee Claim.
The Notice of Claim letter
Our workers’ comp wizard produces a dated, written Notice of Claim letter once its rules are reviewed by a licensed attorney.
Open Notice of Claim wizardMassachusetts State Board
- Agency
- Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents
- Primary claim form
- Form 110 — Employee Claim
- Official website
- https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-industrial-accidents
Deadlines at a glance
Promptly; within 4 days recommended (employer must file within 7 days)
Report to your employer first. Put it in writing — email, text, or signed letter. Missing this window can reduce or eliminate benefits.
4 years from date of injury or last benefit
File Form 110 — Employee Claim with the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents before this window closes.
5 days, retroactive after 21 days
Medical benefits typically begin immediately. The waiting period applies to wage-replacement (TTD/TPD) benefits only.
Massachusetts-specific notes
MGL c. 152. One of the longer filing windows.
Federal programs that may apply
The Massachusetts program covers most private-sector workers. Three federal programs run in parallel for specific worker categories:
- FECA — Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Covers civilian federal employees. Filed through the US DOL, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
- LHWCA — Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Covers maritime workers (longshoremen, shipbuilders, harbor workers) on navigable US waters.
- Jones Act — 46 U.S.C. § 30104. Covers seamen injured in the course of employment. Provides a negligence cause of action and maintenance and cure rights outside the state WC system.
Need help with more than the notice letter?
Disputed claims, denial appeals, permanent disability ratings, and third-party tort claims alongside workers’ comp require sustained documentation. A free account keeps your case and its deadlines in one place.