Workplace injuries often raise complex questions about who may be held legally responsible, particularly when temporary staffing arrangements and multiple contractors are involved. Disputes frequently arise over whether an injured worker may pursue civil claims in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. A recent Massachusetts decision illustrates how broadly courts…
Articles Posted in Workers’ Compensation
Massachusetts Court Addresses Arbitration in the Context of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation claims frequently intersect with third-party liability and insurance disputes, particularly when an injured employee receives benefits, and a separate insurer may bear responsibility for reimbursement. In those situations, insurers often resolve reimbursement obligations through intercompany arbitration rather than direct litigation. A recent decision from a Massachusetts court highlights…
Massachusetts Court Explains Grounds for Dismissing Employment Claims
Employment disputes involving allegations of discrimination and retaliation often hinge on whether an employee’s complaint contains enough factual detail to proceed beyond the earliest stages of litigation. Federal courts regularly dismiss claims that describe uncomfortable or unfair workplace dynamics but fail to plausibly connect those experiences to unlawful conduct under…
Court Discusses Retaliation in the Context of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Employees who suffer workplace injuries often rely on statutory systems to obtain medical care and wage replacement. When an adverse employment action follows an injury report, disputes may arise over whether the employer acted lawfully or retaliated against the employee for exercising protected rights. A recent decision from a federal…
Massachusetts Court Addresses Timeliness of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Injured employees pursuing workers’ compensation claims must follow specific statutory procedures; if they fail to do so, it can jeopardize their ability to obtain benefits. When a claim involves an uninsured employer, the process becomes even more complicated. A recent Massachusetts ruling illustrates how the courts address noncompliance with procedural…
Massachusetts Court Discusses Demonstrating an Injury is Work-Related
Airline employees face certain risks in the course of their duties, particularly during turbulent flights, which can turn routine tasks into hazardous situations. When worker injuries occur during flights, whether the injured employee is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits often hinges on the credibility of the employee’s testimony and the…
Court Explains Massachusetts Law Regarding Workers’ Compensation Liens
Construction sites present inherent risks, and when a worker is injured due to negligent construction, the resulting litigation often extends beyond initial questions of liability. When damages are awarded, disputes may arise over workers’ compensation liens, the allocation of jury awards, and whether a judgment has been fully satisfied. A…
Massachusetts Court Examines Workers’ Compensation Exclusivity in Cases Involving Death
Workplace safety in residential treatment facilities can be challenging to maintain, particularly when employees work directly with clients who present significant behavioral risks. When a violent incident occurs, grieving families often search for answers and accountability, and organizations face intense scrutiny over the policies that shaped the conditions of employment.…
Massachusetts Court Upholds Judgment Against Employer for Unpaid Workers’ Compensation Obligations
Employers who fail to carry workers’ compensation insurance expose themselves to serious legal and financial risks. When an uninsured employee is injured, the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund may step in to pay benefits, but it will aggressively seek reimbursement from the noncompliant employer. A recent Massachusetts decision illustrates how…
Federal Court Analyzes Massachusetts Jurisdiction over Employment Dispute
Employees working remotely for out-of-state companies often face complex jurisdictional hurdles when bringing employment-related claims. An opinion recently issued by a Massachusetts court demonstrates how Massachusetts courts evaluate whether they can exercise personal jurisdiction over a foreign or out-of-state employer accused of violating employment rights. If you work remotely from…