Workers’ Compensation Overview

The Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers at Kantrovitz & Associates are industry leaders in disability law. We have successfully represented injured workers in Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Plymouth Counties, ensuring that they receive full compensation for their harm. At Kantrovitz & Associates, we put more than 20 years of knowledge and experience to work for you, striving to maximize your award after a workplace injury.

Workers’ Compensation Overview

Massachusetts law provides a “no fault” insurance system that protects employers from personal liability for an employee’s job-related injury. Regardless of who was at fault for the accident, injured workers may recover workers’ compensation benefits rather than suing for personal injury damages in court. The statute covers numerous workplace accidents, often involving:

• Slip-and-falls
• Crushing injuries
• Construction injuries
• Manufacturing risks
• Loss of vision, hearing
• Broken bones and joints
• Motor vehicle injuries at work
• Traumatic brain or head injuries
• Injuries of state, municipal workers

Common Workplace Injuries

Massachusetts workers face numerous dangers every day on the job. They spend more time at work than in any other place and are more likely to be injured there. Whether employees are hanging from bridges or sitting behind a desk, they all suffer some “wear and tear,” and often push through discomfort to get the job done. This can cause serious harm involving:

• Carpal tunnel
• Exacerbated injuries
• Pre-existing conditions
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Mental or physical illness
• Exposure to asbestos, toxins
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Recurring neck, joint, back pain
• Chronic fatigue, somatic disorder

Workers with pre-existing conditions must show that a job-related injury aggravated the condition to be eligible for workers’ compensation. In other words, the workplace accident must have directly caused the exacerbated harm, requiring compensation for new medical treatment or disability leave.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Massachusetts’ “no fault” system requires employers to insure their workers in the event of an accident. Regardless of which party was negligent, the injured worker will receive workers’ compensation benefits. In case of injury, disability, or death, workers’ compensation covers:

• Medical expenses
• Prescription drug costs
• Lost income from injury
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Partial disability benefits
• Temporary total disability
• Permanent total incapacity
• Permanent loss of function
• Partial loss or disfigurement
• Survivor, dependent benefits

Injured workers will receive monthly cash payments reflecting a calculated proportion of their former earnings. The payments may continue until the condition or illness heals, permitting them to return to work. If the disability prevents employment in the same or a similar position, the worker may receive training for another. In cases of workplace fatalities, surviving spouses and dependents are entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits owed to the deceased.

Successfully Recovering Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you have suffered a workplace injury, the experienced Massachusetts disability attorneys at Kantrovitz & Associates can help. For over 20 years, we have concentrated on recovering compensation for injured workers across the state. While you are not required to have an attorney file your claim for you, having legal representation dramatically improves your chances of obtaining the maximum relief the first time. Even if your claim was denied, Kantrovitz & Associates may be able to help you recover compensation on appeal. We understand that you may feel hesitant to engage in a legal battle after an accident. But quality counsel often means the difference between repeated denials and the monthly payments on which your life depends. Call our Boston office at 800-367-0871 for a free consultation or contact us online.