Expenses covered by workers’ compensation

Massachusetts law requires employers to carry worker’s compensation insurance in anticipation of employee injuries on the job.

If you are a victim of a workplace injury, your worker’s comp benefits should help alleviate some of your financial stress during an incredibly difficult time.

Income loss and disability

After a work-related illness or injury, you may need extensive time to heal and recover, which means you may be out of work for a while. For sick and injured workers in Massachusetts, there are three types of wage loss payments:

• Temporary Total Disability: replaces income when you cannot work for a period of time
• Temporary Partial Disability: replaces income when you can only work light-duty
• Permanent Total Disability: replaces income when you become incapacitated and cannot work at all

Additionally, if you are never able to perform your previous job duties again, you can ask your employer to pay for vocational rehabilitation services such as job search assistance, resume writing and education costs.

Medical bills and continuing care costs

Your employer is responsible for paying the treatment costs pertaining to your workplace injury. There is no cap on workers’ comp medical care benefits, so you do not have to pay out-of-pocket for your current or future care.

Death benefits

Beneficiaries and surviving family members of a person killed in a workplace incident may qualify for death benefits including burial expenses, transportation and lost wages.

The workers’ compensation claims process is complex, but you deserve the benefits you have earned as a valuable, hard-working employee. If you have suffered an injury at work, it is important to understand your rights and entitlements under Massachusetts law.