Massachusetts residents who are injured on the job have a lot to contend with. Sure, they might have to find a way to make ends meet without their weekly income, but they might also have to find a way to pay for their medical expenses. This can be extremely difficult, particularly when an injured worker is the sole wage-earner in a family. For this reason, it is imperative that those who have suffered a work-related injury seek out workers’ compensation benefits.
How much can an injured worker recover in benefits? It depends on a variety of factors. An individual’s salary or hourly wage will certainly be taken into account in addition to the extent of his or her injuries and the number of hours he or she typically works. However, the state has set minimum and maximum amounts that it will pay out in workers’ compensation benefits. The minimum, as of October 1, 2014, is $243.00 per week, which equates to 20 percent of the average weekly wage throughout the state. The maximum rate is $1,214.99 per week, which is the full average weekly salary.
Those who receive the full amount may be able to cover their expenses. Those on the lower end of the spectrum, however, may have difficulty meeting their obligations. In either case, if workers’ compensation does not cover an individual’s damages, then he or she may be able to take legal action against his or her employer to recoup those losses.
Whether an injured worker is dealing with an initial workers’ compensation claim, a claim denial, or a lawsuit, it might be beneficial to discuss the matter with an experienced attorney. By becoming aware of his or her legal options, an injured individual can pursue a course of action that is fitting for his or her interests.
Source: Labor and Workforce Development, “The Maximum and Minimum Compensation Rate for Workers’ Compensation Benefits,” accessed on May 15, 2015
