Workers' compensation in Massachusetts

In every form of employment, employees face some degree of risk. While it is in an employer's best interest to protect the safety of its workers, accidents can still occur. Unfortunately, a workplace accident can have serious consequences for a worker and his or her family. Most would agree that an injured worker's employer should be responsible for the financial ramifications of a workplace accident. As a result, Massachusetts law requires employers to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for each of their employees.

Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that protects workers in the event of an illness of injury caused on the job. If a workplace accident results in a fatality, the insurance benefits generally extend to the employee's dependent family members. It can provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs and lost income. If the injury caused the employee to miss more than five days of work, it also provides for lost wages.

Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, an employee is protected from the first day of employment, but it only applies to work-related injuries. The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents oversees the program. While the insurance program helps injured workers, it also provides protection for employers from litigation.

Workers' compensation benefits play a very important role in the recovery of an injured worker. However, anyone who has dealt with an insurance company is likely aware of some of the complications that may arise. Many in Massachusetts who sought such benefits found it helpful to seek the guidance of a professional with experience with the process. By doing so, those who are going through recovery can pursue adequate compensation in a timely manner.

Source: massresources.org, "What Is Workers' Compensation?", Accessed on Feb. 16, 2015