When Does Workers’ Comp. Start Paying?
Workers’ compensation is available to people who were injured during work. The purpose of it is to compensate for medical bills or lost wages from being unable to work. In the state of Massachusetts, all employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance for all employees, including full-time, part-time, and temporary.
Temporary Unemployment Due to Injury
Temporary injuries in the workplace can be anything from slip and fall to a broken leg. Employees in the state of Massachusetts qualify for worker’s compensation if you are unable to work for 6 or more days. These days do not have to be consecutive calendar days.
For total incapacity, employees can receive worker’s compensation for up to 156 weeks. Compensation will begin on the 6th day unless the injury prevents an employee from working for 21 calendar days. If that happens, they may be able to receive compensation within the first 5 days.
For partial incapacity, meaning you are able to return to work but are limited in your abilities, you may receive worker’s compensation up to 260 weeks.
Permanent Injury at Work
Permanent injury at work means that you are permanently unable to work due to your injuries. For permanent injuries, employees will receive benefits as long as their injuries/disability prevents them from being able to work.
As with temporary injuries, you will receive compensation for a permanent injury after 6 calendar days. However, with permanent injuries, after 21 days you will be compensated for the first 5 days too.
How Long Will Workers’ Comp. Pay for Physical Therapy?
There is no maximum or minimum amount of time that workers’ compensation will pay for physical therapy. The cost of physical therapy that they cover depends on how long you need physical therapy in order to recover from the injuries you sustained at work.
Your doctor or physical therapist can determine whether or not you are still in need of physical therapy to treat your work injuries. If your physical abilities still improve upon consistent use of physical therapy, then workers’ compensation can continue to cover the expense.
Workers’ Comp. for People With Multiple Jobs
So, does workers’ comp. pay for both jobs? In most cases, the answer is no. It will only cover compensation for the job where the injury occurred. That is because compensation comes from insurance set up by the company that you work for. So, two different jobs will have two different insurance plans for workers’ compensation.
In the state of Massachusetts, the purpose of workers’ compensation is that your employer will compensate you for your work-sustained injuries. In return, you cannot sue your employer for your injuries.
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid By Workers’ Compensation?
Waiting to receive workers’ compensation can be stressful. Being unable to work due to sustained injuries is something beyond your control. On average, most injured workers will receive compensation within 14 days after the workers’ compensation insurance approves the claim.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, it may be time to consult with a personal injury attorney to see what the next best course of action should be.
Payout for Workers’ Comp.
Workers’ compensation is determined by:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Emotional/physical distress.
When getting your injuries examined by a doctor, physician, or any other medical practitioner, make sure you keep documentation of everything. Keeping track of statements, bills, and any other information relating to your injuries can help you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.
If you are denied workers’ compensation, speak with an attorney, and show them the documentation that you have kept. This will help them determine your next best course of action.
Rejection from workers’ compensation benefits is caused by anything from employer denial to an injury not being reported properly. Remember that in the state of Massachusetts, all employees, whether full-time or part-time, are all covered by mandatory workers’ compensation.
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