Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation

If you suffer an injury in a work-related accident, your mind is probably inundated with questions and concerns about your future. You may be concerned about your job, your income, and whether you will be able to pay your fixed expenses and the expenses that arise as a result of the accident. Do not fret. You may be eligible to pursue financial benefits under the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system.  The state legislature created a workers’ compensation system in order to protect employees if they are seriously injured, develop an illness, or lose their life while on the job. 

Generally, workers’ compensation benefits are available to workers in order to cover eligible medical expenses and ensure you receive a portion of your wages during your recovery. 

Types of Injuries Covered Under Workers’ Comp

Your injury does not need to be debilitating to qualify for workers’ comp benefits. In fact, virtually all work-related injuries and illnesses are generally covered by the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system. Here are some examples:

• Overexertion Injury – This is the type of injury that is most commonly cited by claimants when pursuing workers’ comp benefits. Overexertion injuries include lifting, pulling, carrying, etc. items while at work. An overexertion injury can result in torn ligaments, torn muscles, sprains, fractures, herniated discs, nerve damage, etc. 
• Slip and Fall Injury – Another common accident that results in a work-related injury is slip and fall in the workplace. When a worker slips and falls while at work, they could wind up suffering a head wound, torn ligaments, broken bones, and other serious injuries. 
• Entanglement Injuries – An entanglement injury generally occurs in a factory work-setting.  This is because many factory workers utilize heavy machinery in their daily work routine. If a finger, foot, or article of clothing suddenly becomes entangled in this type of machinery, a factory worker could suffer significant injuries.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries – Millions of work-related injuries are the result of repetitive motions. In the medical community, this is known as a “repetitive stress injury.” This a serious, debilitating injury that can result in chronic pain. The most common type of repetitive stress injury is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a serious medical condition that often involves an individual developing significant pain that requires surgical treatment. 
• PTSD – A worker who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after witnessing a traumatic event at work could be eligible for workers’ comp benefits.

Course of Employment 

One major requirement of coverage under the workers’ compensation law is proof that the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment. This means that there has to be a connection between the work activities or the workplace and the injury.  

Take Action Today by Contacting an Experienced Worcester Workers’ Comp Law Firm

If you or a family member were injured at work, the law firm of Eden Rafferty is here to help. Our team of skilled and respected workers’ comp lawyers takes pride in helping people when they need it most. We will examine every aspect and detail of your workplace injury case to properly assess the best strategy for you and your claim. We will be by your side throughout the entire process. Contact Eden Rafferty today for a free consultation about your case.