No one expects to be injured on the job, but it nonetheless happens. And it happens a lot. Those who have suffered workplace injuries are often concerned about their ability to work and, perhaps more importantly, their ability to stay afloat financially. Foregoing a wage for an extended period of time can rock a family’s financial foundation, oftentimes causing them to struggle to make ends meet.
Many Massachusetts workers who are hurt on the job are able to successfully file for workers’ compensation. But there are many types of benefits available to them through this program, and it can become confusing. For example, an injured worker can be deemed to have suffered permanent and total incapacity or only partially incapacitate, which has been discussed in a previous post on this blog.
Benefits are also available to those who have suffered the permanent loss of function or are now disfigured as a result of their injuries. If an individual losses the ability to perform one of many bodily functions then he or she might qualify for this benefit. The same holds true for those who have scarring on their hands, face, or neck as a result of the workplace injury. The benefit is a one-time payment, but it is in addition to the victim’s monthly workers’ compensation payments.
Though such a one-time payment might not leave the victim “set,” it can provide significant financial relief in a time of need. Additionally, it can leave a victim feeling as if he or she at least got something for everything that happened to him or her. Though these and other benefits are available to injured Massachusetts residents, the workers’ compensation claims process is not always easy. In fact, many individuals face rejection of their initial claim. This is why obtaining legal assistance from a competent attorney is often beneficial.
Source: Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, “Permanent Loss of Function and Disfigurement Benefits,” accessed on May 20, 2016
