Scarring/Permanent Disfigurement

The Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorneys at Kantrovitz & Associates are devoted to providing quality representation to injured workers. We know how you hard you work to support yourself and those you love. That is why we fight for the compensation you deserve. We are proud to serve the industrious citizens of Boston, Suffolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, Essex, Norfolk, and Merrimack River. Kantrovitz & Associates has recovered substantial awards for clients across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement

Bodily scars and disfigurement are some of the most difficult injuries to bear. Yet they happen every day at work. In Massachusetts, more than 3,000 people per year suffer workplace injuries. Scarring or disfigurement may occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Oil, gas explosions
• Ungrounded sockets
• Power tool accidents
• Overturned equipment
• Chemical, electric burns
• Factory, machine injuries
• Falls from cranes, jack stands
• Falling pallets or merchandise
• Placing steel, beams, or marble
• Slaughterhouse, packing injuries

State workers’ compensation law awards a lump-sum payment for victims who are permanently scarred or disfigured. Compensation for Scarring or Disfigurement The 1991 amendment to the Workers’ Compensation Act severely curtailed benefits for scar-based disfigurement, limiting benefits only to scars on the face, neck, or hands. But non-scar based disfigurements, including a limp, use of a cane, or prosthetic device are compensable. The reward for lost function is calculated based upon varying multiples of the maximum state average weekly wage of your occupation at the time of injury. The Department of Industrial Accidents requires evidence supporting any claim for benefits, including:

• Legal documents
• Physician’s report
  • Description of disfigurement
  • Length, width, discoloration
  • Percentage of lost function
  • Assessment of duration

Any miscellaneous benefits reports

For loss of function, the general guide for calculating awards depends on the body part. The amount for bodily disfigurement will vary according to the determination made by the department review board of what would constitute “proper and equitable compensation.” The maximum lump-sum payment is $15,000 on disfigurement awards.

Purely Scar-Based Injury

As stated above, Massachusetts workers’ compensation law does not award purely scar-based disfigurement, unless the disfigurement is on the face, neck, or hands. This award, if made, will depend upon the scar’s length, width, and whether discoloration occurs. Benefits will continue for the duration of the scar, if accompanied by an additional injury on another part of the body, or for life if the scar is permanent. The lump-sum payment for any scar or disfigurement is awarded in addition other benefits provided by the workers’ compensation statute. These may include medical costs, lost wages, and death benefits.

Hire Experienced Representation Today

The Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers at Kantrovitz & Associates are well versed in the nuances of workers’ compensation law. We concentrate on this area of practice, so we are prepared to assist you with your case every step of the way. For over 20 years, we have protected the rights of injured workers and helped them get back on their feet. This time, let us do the heavy lifting for you. Call 800-367-0871 for a free consultation or contact us online.