Boston Workers Compensation Lawyer Blog
A new year often brings new jobs, new responsibilities, and new opportunities. Unfortunately, it can also bring new workplace injuries. If you were hurt on the job, the actions you take in the days and weeks that follow can have a lasting impact on your health, your income, and your future.
Every year, we see injured workers unintentionally harm their own workers’ compensation claims—not because they did anything wrong, but because they didn’t know how the system works. Massachusetts workers’ compensation law is complex, deadline-driven, and heavily influenced by insurance company practices.
Below are five of the most costly workers’ compensation mistakes to avoid in Massachusetts, especially as you head into a new year and try to get your life back on track.
- Waiting Too Long to Report the Injury
One of the most common—and most damaging—mistakes injured workers make is failing to report the injury promptly.
Many workers delay reporting because:
- they believe the injury is “minor”
- they don’t want to cause trouble at work
- they are worried about retaliation
- they think the pain will resolve on its own
Unfortunately, delays give insurance companies ammunition.
When an injury is reported late, insurers often argue:
- the injury didn’t occur at work
- the injury was caused by a non-work activity
- the injury happened after you left employment
Under Massachusetts law, you are required to notify your employer of a work injury. While oral notice may be legally sufficient, written notice is always safer. Even a simple email or text message documenting the injury, the date, and how it occurred can protect you.
Key takeaway:
If you are injured at work, report it immediately—even if you’re unsure how serious it is. Early reporting protects both your health and your legal rights.
- Not Getting Prompt and Consistent Medical Treatment
Some injured workers try to “push through” the pain. Others go to a doctor once but fail to follow up. Both scenarios can seriously damage a workers’ compensation claim.
Medical records are the backbone of any case. Insurance companies closely examine:
- when you first sought treatment
- how often you treat
- whether treatment is consistent
- whether your complaints change over time
Gaps in treatment often lead insurers to claim:
- you are no longer injured
- the injury resolved
- the injury is exaggerated
- a new, unrelated condition caused your symptoms
In Massachusetts, injured workers generally have the right to choose their own doctor after the initial visit. However, insurers may attempt to steer workers toward certain providers or minimize the seriousness of symptoms.
Key takeaway:
Get medical treatment as soon as possible and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Consistent treatment not only helps you heal—it documents your injury and protects your claim.
- Assuming the Insurance Company Is on Your Side
Many injured workers mistakenly believe the workers’ compensation insurance company exists to help them. In reality, insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to limit financial exposure.
Some common insurer tactics include:
- paying benefits at an incorrect weekly rate
- cutting off checks without explanation
- disputing the work-related nature of the injury
- requesting excessive documentation
- scheduling “independent” medical exams designed to undermine claims
Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but they are trained professionals whose job is to protect the insurer’s bottom line.
This is especially important when:
- your benefits are suddenly reduced or stopped
- you are told you can return to work despite ongoing pain
- you are asked to attend an insurer-scheduled medical exam
- settlement discussions begin
Key takeaway:
Never assume the insurance company is neutral. Understanding your rights—and having someone advocate for you—can make a significant financial difference.
- Missing Deadlines or Making Procedural Errors
Massachusetts workers’ compensation claims are governed by strict deadlines and procedural rules. Missing a deadline can result in lost benefits or even dismissal of a claim.
Common issues include:
- failure to timely file a claim after denial
- missed appeal deadlines
- incomplete or inaccurate forms
- failure to respond to insurer correspondence
Many injured workers do not realize there is a problem until their checks stop—or until they receive a denial letter they don’t fully understand.
Once a deadline passes, it can be difficult or impossible to fix the damage.
Key takeaway:
Workers’ compensation is deadline-driven. Having guidance early helps ensure paperwork, filings, and appeals are handled correctly from the start.
- Waiting Too Long to Speak with a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Another major mistake is assuming you only need a lawyer if your case goes to court. By the time many injured workers seek legal help, they have already lost leverage.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can:
- ensure your average weekly wage is calculated correctly
- protect you from improper benefit terminations
- handle communication with the insurer
- prepare you for insurer-scheduled medical exams
- evaluate whether a lump sum settlement makes sense
Importantly, workers’ compensation legal fees in Massachusetts are regulated and contingent, meaning there is typically no upfront cost for representation.
Early involvement often results in:
- fewer interruptions in benefits
- better documentation
- stronger negotiating positions
- higher long-term recoveries
Key takeaway:
Speaking with an attorney early doesn’t escalate your case—it protects it.
Why These Mistakes Matter More at the Start of a New Year
The beginning of the year is a critical time for many workers’ compensation claims. Benefit rates, medical treatment plans, and settlement discussions often carry into the new year.
Mistakes made early can affect:
- how long benefits last
- whether benefits increase or decrease
- whether you qualify for additional compensation
- whether settlement options are available
Taking proactive steps now can prevent long-term financial and legal consequences later.
Protecting Your Rights After a Work Injury
Workers’ compensation exists to protect injured workers, but the system can be confusing and unforgiving. Avoiding these common mistakes can mean the difference between financial stability and unnecessary hardship.
At Carney, Rezendes & Crowley, we represent injured workers throughout Massachusetts and guide them through every stage of the workers’ compensation process—from initial claims to hearings, appeals, and settlements.
Injured at Work? Get Answers Today.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Carney, Rezendes & Crowley represent injured workers throughout Massachusetts.
Contact us now at 617-426-9797 for a free consultation and protect your rights.
