Workers’ compensation in Massachusetts is a compromise between workers and employers. This legal framework is found at M.G.L. c. 152. When workers in Massachusetts get hurt at work, they are entitled to have their medical bills paid. They are also entitled to be paid for their lost wages. Such compensation is paid even without showing fault on the part of the employee. In exchange, workers cannot sue their employers for negligence in court.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Massachusetts include:
Medical Bills
As long as the work-related medical treatment you receive is reasonable and necessary, then the workers’ compensation insurance company needs to pay for it. If they refuse to pay these bills, we can file a claim for you in court. There is one important caveat – insurance companies are only required to pay for treatment that is reasonable, related and necessary.
Many medical treatments are helpful (or necessary) to help relieve pain, but they may not in fact lead to an improvement in a worker’s ability to perform work (such as gaining strength or an increased range of motion).
In such cases, insurance companies will seek to deny treatment. I oppose these efforts and fight for injured workers so that their medical bills are paid.
Wages
If you are totally disabled from working, you have the right to temporary, total disability benefits. This weekly benefit wage rate is 60% of your gross weekly wages. If you are able to work light duty, then you may collect 75% of your total disability rate of pay.
It is important to have an attorney who will explain your rights and entitlements and who will work with your treating physician to understand the limitations that may apply so that you can get the full benefits you are owed.
Loss of Function
You may collect a one-time payment for any loss of function of a body part you sustain as a result of your work accident. This percentage is assigned by a doctor.
Scarring
If your work accident resulted in scarring to your neck, face, or hand(s) then you may collect a one-time payment for the scarring. The amount you may collect for scarring is set by law. The maximum amount is currently $15,000.
If you’ve experienced a work injury in the State of Massachusetts, contact Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers today to receive a NO OBLIGATION- FREE CONSULTATION and access to our free resources, including the book; The Truth about Massachusetts Workers Compensation Accident.