One of the most pressing issues after a work injury is whether you will get paid for the time you miss from work. Under the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system, there is not a definitive answer. It depends on your injury and your ability to return to work. According to Mass.gov, you will only be able to receive payment for lost wages if you miss at least six days of work due to the injury.
Do note that you do not have to miss six days in a row. If the total adds up to six days that you miss, you will start receiving payment for additional days missed at 60% of your gross average weekly pay. You will not receive payment for the first six days you miss unless the total days off work end up being 21 or more. This is a temporary total benefit.
If you can return to work but you earn less because of restrictions or other issues related to your injury, then you could also receive pay. The amount you get is 75% of the temporary total benefit amount.
If you cannot work at all after you use all of your temporary benefits, you may qualify for permanent and total incapacity benefits. These pay you 66% of your gross average weekly pay.
What benefits you get depends on how long you have already collected benefits and how your injury affects your ability to work. Regardless of whether you earn any wage loss benefits, you will receive medical payment benefits. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
