Massachusetts workers’ compensation News

Injured Worker Compensated in Rhode Island Barred From Suing in Massachusetts

An injured worker who collects workers’ compensation in Rhode Island cannot sue his employer in Massachusetts, according to a ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Both states bar any other recovery once an injured worker has received a payment. In …

Massachusetts Approves 10.2% Workers’ Compensation Rate Cut

Massachusetts workers’ compensation rates will fall an average 10.2% starting July 1, a considerably bigger reduction than the industry recommended. Insurance Commissioner Gary Anderson signed off on the cut that will save employers an estimated $130 million after the attorney …

Massachusetts to Weigh Proposed 4% Cut in Workers’ Compensation Rates

The Massachusetts insurance department will hear testimony virtually on February 3 regarding a proposed 4.0% decrease in average workers’ compensation rates. The rate filing submitted by the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts in December calls for a …

Massachusetts Settles With Walmart Over Workers’ Compensation Drug Prices

Retail pharmacy Walmart, Inc. has agreed to pay $500,000 to Massachusetts after allegedly failing to follow the state’s prescription pricing procedures designed to keep costs down in the workers’ compensation insurance system, Attorney General Maura Healey announced. As a result …

Massachusetts Man Indicted for ‘Working While Collecting’ Under Workers’ Comp

A Milford, Massachusetts man has been indicted on larceny and workers’ compensation fraud charges in connection with allegedly collecting more than $18,000 in disability benefits while he continued to work, according to the office of Attorney General Maura Healey. Kenneth …

Comma Doesn’t Get Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Scofflaw Off the Hook

A Massachusetts company has lost its argument that it should not have been prevented from participating on state or municipal contracts for three years due to its its failure to have workers’ compensation insurance as required by law for eight …

Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Rates to Rise an Average of 1.5%

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration announced Wednesday that the state’s workers’ compensation rates will rise an average 1.5 percent beginning July 1. Officials said this nominal increase is the result of a settlement between the Division of Insurance’s State Rating …

Massachusetts Court Rules on ‘Equitable Contribution’ Case

Massachusetts’ top court ruled this month that a workers’ compensation insurer that has paid benefits under a policy has a right to pursue “equitable contribution” from a second insurer that also provided coverage to the same policyholder. The Massachusetts Supreme …

Massachusetts Business Owner Indicted on Workers’ Comp Fraud Charges

Authorities said a Wilmington, Massachusetts man has been indicted in connection with allegedly failing to accurately report the nature of his company’s work in order to avoid $120,000 in insurance premiums. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said Robert Foss was …

Massachusetts Top Court Rules on Damages for Injured Workers

Massachusetts’ highest court recently ruled in a case of first impression that a workers’ compensation insurer is not entitled to a lien on the money awarded to claimants for pain and suffering. This ruling from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court …