Billerica Workers’ Compensation Lawyer & Massachusetts Work Injury Attorney
The Massachusetts workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming for those who have suffered injuries on the job in Billerica and across the state. At the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Young, I offer comprehensive legal support, ensuring injured workers receive the full benefits to which they are entitled.
With a deep commitment to advocating for the rights of workers, my firm aims to secure fair compensation for workplace injuries, leveraging decades of experience in workers’ compensation law. If you or a loved one was injured at work, I invite you to call my office to schedule a free consultation. As an experienced Billerica workers’ compensation attorney, I can listen to the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and tenaciously advocate for the workers’ compensation to which you are rightfully entitled.
What Is Workers’ Compensation Under Massachusetts Law?
Workers’ compensation is a mandatory insurance program in Massachusetts that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This system is designed to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured workers, ensuring they can recover without the financial burden typically associated with being out of work due to injury. Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ compensation does not require the injured employee to prove that their employer was at fault for their injury. The focus is rather on providing support and benefits to facilitate the worker’s recovery and return to work.
Under Massachusetts law, nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover all employees, including part-time and temporary workers. This insurance is intended to provide a safety net for workers who might otherwise face significant financial hardship in the event of a workplace injury, helping employees manage their medical treatments and living expenses while they are unable to work.
Can I Obtain Workers’ Compensation If I Am At Fault for My Workplace Injuries?
Yes, in Massachusetts, you can still obtain workers’ compensation benefits even if you are at fault for your workplace injuries. The Massachusetts workers’ compensation system operates under a no-fault principle. This means that employees are entitled to receive benefits for injuries or illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment, regardless of who was at fault for the incident.
This no-fault approach is designed to ensure that workers receive medical treatment and compensation for lost wages promptly, without the need for lengthy and costly litigation to determine fault. The primary concern is whether the injury or illness is work-related, not the actions of the employee or employer that led to the injury. Therefore, even if your actions contributed to your injury, you would not be disqualified from receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
However, there are specific exceptions where workers’ compensation benefits may be denied, such as:
- Injuries that occur while the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Self-inflicted injuries, including those stemming from an attempt to harm oneself or others.
- Injuries sustained while committing a serious crime.
- Injuries suffered while not on the job or engaging in activities unrelated to work.