Getting hurt on the job changes everything fast. One day you are working. The next you are worried about your paycheck, your medical bills, and how you are going to take care of your family. If you were injured at work anywhere in Chelsea, East Boston, Revere, Lynn, Lawrence, or the rest of Greater Boston, you have rights under Massachusetts law, and you do not have to figure them out by yourself.
If you are scared, read this first. You are safe talking to us. Whether you end up having a case or not, whether you are documented or not, everything you tell us is confidential, you have nothing to risk by calling, and the consultation is free. We are located in Chelsea, Ma, less than a mile from Boston, with offices in Lawrence, Newburyport, Peabody, and Springfield, and our team is bilingual, so sí, se habla español. You will never be just another case here.
Injured at Work: What Workers' Compensation Really Covers
Workers' compensation is insurance your employer is required to carry in Massachusetts. If you get hurt doing your job, it is supposed to cover your medical care and replace part of the paycheck you lose while you cannot work. Two things people do not always realize:
- You do not have to prove anyone did anything wrong. Workers' comp is “no-fault.” You do not have to blame your boss, your coworker, or yourself. You just have to have been hurt doing your job.
- It covers more workers than you would think. Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers can qualify, and your immigration status does not necessarily disqualify you.
Injuries we see all the time include back and neck injuries, herniated discs, torn rotator cuffs, broken bones, carpal tunnel and repetitive-strain injuries, hernias, and head injuries and concussions.
Depending on how badly you are hurt and how long you are out, Massachusetts workers' comp may pay for:
- Medical treatment, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and travel to your appointments.
- Total disability benefits if you cannot work at all.
- Partial disability benefits if you can still work but earn less because of your injury.
- Total and permanent disability benefits if a serious injury keeps you out of work for the long term.
- Payment for permanent scarring, disfigurement, or loss of use of a body part.
- Death benefits for a surviving spouse and children.
Vocational retraining, travel expenses, and ongoing treatment may also be available depending on your situation.
