Articles Posted in Workers’ Compensation

It is well-established that the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) supplants an employee’s right to pursue civil claims against their employer for harm that arises in the workplace with the right to recover workers’ compensation benefits for said harm. It is not always clear, however, what claims the exclusivity provision of the Act actually prohibits. Recently, a Massachusetts court analyzed the scope of the provision in a case in which it ultimately found that the Act barred the plaintiff’s claims. If you suffered a physical or mental injury because of conditions you encountered in the workplace, it is prudent to confer with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney to discuss what steps you should take to protect your interests.

The Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff filed a civil lawsuit against the defendant, her employer, seeking damages for harm caused by the conditions of her employment, which she alleged were unlawful. She asserted six causes of action against the defendant, including two emotional distress claims. The defendant moved for the dismissal of the plaintiff’s complaint.

Conduct that Occurs Within the Scope of the Employment

In its motion to dismiss, the defendant argued that the plaintiff’s emotional distress claims were barred by the exclusivity provision of the Act. In response, the plaintiff countered that the conduct that she complained of in her complaint did not fall within the scope of employment, and as such, the exclusivity provision of the Act did not preclude her claims. Specifically, the plaintiff asserted that intentional torts that fail to further the interests of an employer do not fall within the scope of employment, and directing an employee to engage in illegal activity certainly cannot further an employer’s interests. Continue reading →

In Massachusetts, the exclusivity provision of the Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) prohibits people from pursuing civil claims against their employer for harm suffered in the workplace that is compensable under the terms of the Act. Notably, the Act not only bars injured employees from seeking claims against their employers but also from seeking compensation for harm caused by their co-workers. The scope of the exclusivity provision of the Act was the focus of an opinion recently issued by a Massachusetts court in which it ultimately found that the Act barred the plaintiff’s claims. If you were hurt in the workplace due to the acts of a co-worker, you should meet with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney to assess what benefits you may be owed.

Factual Background of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff, who is a black woman in her late fifties, worked as a detective for a city police department. In 2010, she was transferred to a human trafficking unit, and the defendant became her immediate supervisor. The defendant repeatedly engaged in acts that were detrimental to the plaintiff’s career and reported that she did not like her and did not want to work with her. In 2017, the plaintiff filed a formal harassment and hostile work environment claim against the defendant in the internal affairs division of her department. The division did not adequately address her claims, which prompted her to file a civil lawsuit against the defendant, asserting discrimination and retaliation claims, and claims for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The defendant moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Tortious Acts

In her motion to dismiss, the defendant argued, among other things, that the exclusivity provision of the Act precluded the plaintiff from pursuing intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress claims against her. The court found the defendant’s arguments persuasive and granted her motion to dismiss with regard to the plaintiff’s emotional distress claims. Continue reading →

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act), employees that suffer harm due to workplace conditions can seek workers’ compensation benefits from their employers. Generally, in exchange for the right to recover such benefits, they are barred from pursuing civil claims against their employers for such harm. They are not prohibited from asserting negligence claims against third parties that contributed to or caused their workplace injuries, however, as reiterated in a ruling recently issued by a Massachusetts court. If you were hurt while working, you could be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits and other damages, and it is in your best interest to confer with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney about your options.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff worked for a company as a software engineer. The company was purchased by the defendant corporation, which continued to operate the company under its original name. The plaintiff was asked to sign a non-compete agreement when the defendant acquired the company but was not offered anything in exchange. Shortly before the defendant bought the company, the plaintiff was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. He informed his supervisor and the company human resources representative of his diagnosis.

It is reported that approximately a year later, the plaintiff’s supervisor asked him to work on a project that would allow the company to use third-party software; the plaintiff later learned that the goal of the project was to create competing software. The defendant later terminated the plaintiff for violating company policy and exposing the defendant to potential criminal liability. The plaintiff subsequently filed civil claims against the defendant. He then moved to amend his complaint to include claims for, among other things, negligent infliction of emotional distress. Continue reading →

The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act), protects Massachusetts employees in that it allows them to recover workers’ compensation benefits if they were injured while working. The right to recover such benefits impacts other claims, though. For example, it may affect an employee’s ability to pursue certain employment claims, as demonstrated in a recent Massachusetts ruling. If you were hurt at work, your employer could owe you benefits, and it is wise to speak to a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney about your options.

The Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff, a former flight attendant, and a former co-worker bought a lawsuit against the defendant, their former employer, arguing that the defendant negligently or fraudulently misrepresented what travel benefits they would retain after they retired. The defendant moved for summary judgment on the plaintiff’s claims arguing, in part, that her settlement in a workers’ compensation claim barred her from seeking any employment-related benefits after the date of settlement.

The Relationship Between Workers’ Compensation and Employee Benefits Claims

After reviewing the evidence of the case, the court found in favor of the defendant and dismissed the plaintiff’s claims. The court explained that the Act stipulates that when an employee accepts a settlement in a workers’ compensation claim, it creates a presumption that they are no longer physically capable of resuming work for the employer in the place where the alleged injury happened for a period of one month for each $1,500 that is included in the settlement for future weekly wages. Continue reading →

The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) provides that people hurt at work have the right to seek benefits from their employer. Notably, this right extends not only to people hurt in accidents but also to those that develop illnesses or injuries due to exposure to harmful substances. Regardless of the type of injury a claimant suffers from, though, they must establish that it was caused by workplace conditions or activities in order to recover workers’ compensation benefits, as demonstrated in an opinion recently issued by a Massachusetts court. If you contracted an illness due to exposure to unsafe substances at work, you should consult a Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss whether you may be able to recover benefits.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits from his employer, which was self-insured. In support of his claim, the plaintiff alleged that he sustained a work-related lung injury while performing his duties as an HVAC technician for the employer. The employer contested liability, arguing that the employee did not establish that his injury was caused by work conditions.

It is reported that an administrative judge of the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) awarded the plaintiff some benefits but not others, and both parties appealed. Following a hearing during which doctors and an independent medical examiner testified, the judge issued a decision in favor of the plaintiff. The employer appealed, and on appeal, the reviewing board of the DIA reversed the administrative judge’s ruling, finding that the employee failed to show his lung injury was causally related to his work. The plaintiff appealed. Continue reading →

People injured at work have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. In exchange for that right, however, the exclusivity provision of the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) bars them from seeking other damages for their injuries from their employers. In some cases, though, it is unclear whether a person is an employee and whether the Act applies, as shown in a recent ruling issued by a Massachusetts court. If you were harmed while working, it is in your best interest to talk to a Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer regarding what benefits you may be owed.

Factual Background of the Case

It is alleged that the decedent was a graduate student at the defendant university. He sought counseling after he expressed concerns that he was failing his classes and was referred to receive mental health treatment. During his intake meeting, he denied that he had suicidal ideation and stated he did not know why he was referred there. He had several subsequent visits, however, and later admitted a history of depression and suicidal thoughts. Tragically, he died by suicide approximately two years after he began to seek help.

It is reported that the plaintiff, the administrator of the decedent’s estate, instituted a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence and wrongful death claims. The defendant moved for dismissal via summary judgment, arguing that the decedent was an employee and, therefore, the plaintiff’s claims were barred by the Act. The plaintiff filed a cross-motion for summary judgment asking the court to rule as a matter of law that the decedent was not the defendant’s employee. The trial court denied both motions, and the plaintiff appealed. Continue reading →

Employees hurt while they are working can typically recover workers’ compensation benefits for their harm. Only injuries attributable to a workplace accident or conditions are compensable, though, and if a worker fails to establish the link between a work incident and their losses, they will most likely be denied benefits. Recently, a Massachusetts court contemplated what evidence is needed to establish the requisite causal connection in a case in which it ultimately affirmed the denial of the plaintiff’s claim for benefits for psychological harm. If you were injured while working, you could be owed benefits, and you should meet with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney to assess your options.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff was hit in the head with a magnet when she was leaving her employer’s offices. She subsequently filed a workers’ compensation claim, seeking benefits for psychological and physical injuries that she attributed to the incident. An administrative judge of the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) determined that the plaintiff was entitled to benefits for her physical harm but that she should not be awarded benefits for her psychological harm.

It is reported that the basis for the judge’s decision was that the plaintiff failed to show a causal connection between the accident and her psychological injuries. The plaintiff appealed, and the DIA review board denied her appeal. She then appealed to the Appeals Court of Massachusetts. Continue reading →

Under the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act), employees hurt at work generally can recover workers’ compensation benefits. There are exceptions to the general rule, though, such as when the employee engaged in deliberate misconduct that led to their harm. In a recent matter, the court addressed the issue of whether a workers’ compensation insurer had the right to relitigate the issue of the employee’s fault when the matter had previously been resolved by an unemployment division. If you suffered harm in a workplace incident, it is smart to confer with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney about what benefits you may be able to recover.

Procedural History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff began working as a custodian for a school located in a Massachusetts town in 1999. In 2004, he suffered injuries in an argument with his supervisor. Following an investigation, the town determined that the plaintiff was the aggressor in the incident and fired him.

Reportedly, the plaintiff then filed a claim for unemployment compensation with the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Following a hearing, the DUA determined that the employee did not instigate the altercation and granted him unemployment benefits. The town appealed to the district court, which affirmed the decision. The employee subsequently filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits with the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). The town’s insurer argued that the employee was not entitled to benefits because his actions constituted willful and serious misconduct. The employee argued that the doctrine of collateral estoppel precluded the insurer from making the argument, but the administrative judge rejected his argument and denied his claim. The employee then appealed. Continue reading →

The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) not only grants employees the right to recover benefits from their employers in the event they suffer harm in the workplace but also protects them from retaliation for exercising such rights. An employee that experiences adverse employment actions after filing a workers’ compensation claim may be able to recover additional damages, but only if they can demonstrate that the negative actions taken against them were retaliatory. Recently, a Massachusetts court discussed the shifting burdens of proof in workers’ compensation claims in a matter in which it ultimately denied the defendant’s motion for summary judgment. If your employer took action against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may be owed compensation, and you should meet with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney to evaluate your rights.

Background of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff worked as the director of facilities at the defendant’s zoo. In January 2018, he terminated an associate as part of his duties. The associate subsequently assaulted the plaintiff, who developed PTSD after the incident. The plaintiff then sought and received workers’ compensation benefits.

Reportedly, the plaintiff suffered a work-related injury the following year and filed a second workers’ compensation claim. He later complained to a supervisor that he received harsher treatment than other employees, which he attributed in part to his pursuit of workers’ compensation benefits. He was terminated shortly thereafter. He then filed a lawsuit instituting numerous claims against the defendant, including a workers’ compensation retaliation claim. After discovery, the defendant moved for summary judgment. Continue reading →

The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who seek workers’ compensation benefits in the form of adverse employment action. As such, employers that violate the retaliation provision may be civilly liable to the employee for damages. As shown in a recent Massachusetts ruling, in order to prove that an employer’s acts were taken in retaliation, an employee must establish that the employer knew about the employee’s workers’ compensation claim. If you sustained harm while working, you might be able to file a workers’ compensation claim, and it is wise to consult a Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer to assess what benefits you could be owed.

History of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff worked for the defendant from 2003 through 2018 when he was terminated for theft. In 2007, he suffered injuries in a car accident that occurred when he was traveling from one of the defendant’s stores to another. He filed a workers’ compensation claim for injuries sustained in the accident and took a leave of absence. After the plaintiff was terminated, he filed a pro se action against the defendant asserting, among other things, a workers’ compensation retaliation claim.  The defendant moved for summary judgment on the plaintiff’s retaliation claim.

Establishing Liability in a Retaliation Claim

The court granted the defendant’s motion and dismissed the plaintiff’s workers’ compensation retaliation claim. The court explained that pursuant to the Act, it is illegal for an employer to fire, refuse to hire, or discriminate against an employee in any other way because the employer has filed a workers’ compensation claim or participating in workers’ compensation proceedings. Continue reading →