Thursday, July 25, 2013 - 08:14 | Author: JedB9 | Comments (3)
I work in Massachusetts in a distribution center where we sometimes have to manually move large boxes and crates. I dropped one on my foot and have missed work for a few days and don't know when I can go back (broken bones and ligament damage). So how do I start this process for workers compensation if I don't even know who my employer had as an insurance company? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Starting workers' compensation claim in MA
Sorry about your injury. Assuming your employer is aware of your injury and that you are unable to earn full wages for at least five (full or part) work days, it should start with the employer reporting the injury to its insurance company and to the MA Department of Industrial Accidents. By law in MA, you are entitled to a copy of this report, and it will contain the name and address of your employer's insurer.
If your injury is serious and you anticipate missing more time at work, I would contact an attorney in Massachusetts who does workers' compensation work. He or she can help you evaluate your options and deal with the insurance company. If you are doing it on your own and your employer is not providing you with necessary information, you can try calling the DIA at 617-626-5480 or 617-626-5481.
FYI, MA law requires employers to have a Notice to Employees poster located in a conspicuous spot that provides information about the insurer. Also, the DIA has a "Workers' Compensation Proof of Coverage and Verification Search" tool on their site that allows employees to search for workers' compensation insurance coverage. Good luck.