Filing a workers’ comp claim in Massachusetts.
Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents. Primary form: Form 110 — Employee Claim.
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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.
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