What Benefits Are Available to Injured Cambridge Workers?
When dealing with a workplace injury or illness in Massachusetts, understanding the entitlements available can be complex. Massachusetts law typically provides injured workers with the following benefits:
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits encompass the payment of all necessary medical expenses related to your work-related injury or illness. This includes:
- Doctor’s visits
- Medications
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Essential equipment like wheelchairs
- Rehabilitation
- And more
Disability Benefits
These benefits are categorized based on the severity of your condition and aim to replace a portion of your lost wages.
Temporary Partial Incapacity Benefits: If your disability leads to reduced earnings (e.g., due to a pay cut or reduced hours) but you can still work, you may qualify for temporary partial incapacity benefits.
Temporary Total Incapacity Benefits: If you require more than five days off work (non-consecutive included), you may be eligible for temporary total incapacity benefits. These benefits cease when you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement according to your doctor’s evaluation.
Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits: In cases where your disability renders you permanently unable to perform any work, you may be entitled to permanent and total incapacity benefits for a specified duration determined by the state.
Scarring/Disfigurement and Loss of Function: These benefits apply to individuals who have experienced permanent loss of bodily functions, permanent disfigurement, or scarring on their face, neck, or hands.
Death Benefits
In the unfortunate event of a work-related fatality, the workers’ compensation system provides death benefits. These benefits are designed to support the spouse or children of the deceased worker, with children eligible if they are minors, full-time students, or unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. Additionally, funeral expenses may also be covered.
