Massachusetts Injury Lawyers Blog
The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) protects employees’ rights to pursue benefits for workplace injuries. However, while employees are shielded from retaliation for filing workers’ compensation claims, employers may legally investigate the legitimacy of such claims, as discussed in a recent Massachusetts case involving a claim for dental injury. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated or retaliated against for exercising your workers’ compensation rights, you should meet with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney to assess your options.
Case Setting and Procedural History
It is alleged that the plaintiff, a jail officer, claimed to have sustained a dental injury during a workplace altercation and subsequently filed for workers’ compensation benefits. During the investigation into the injury, the plaintiff submitted multiple documents to the employer’s insurer to support his claim. These documents included a backdated report from a superior and an altered medical progress note, both of which the superior and treating physician assistant later admitted to falsifying at the plaintiff’s request. Despite evidence suggesting the dental injury may have occurred, the employer discovered discrepancies in the documentation, leading it to conduct an internal investigation.
Reportedly, following the investigation, the plaintiff’s employment was terminated for submitting fraudulent documents and violating the employee code of conduct. He then filed a lawsuit against the employer, alleging retaliation under the Act, claiming that his termination was a direct result of his workers’ compensation claim. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants, and the plaintiff appealed, arguing that his termination constituted unlawful retaliation.
Retaliation for Filing Workers’ Compensation Claims
On appeal, the court reviewed the case to determine whether sufficient evidence supported the plaintiff’s retaliation claim under the Act, which prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising workers’ compensation rights.
The court emphasized that to establish a claim of retaliation, a plaintiff must demonstrate a causal link between the protected activity (filing the workers’ compensation claim) and the adverse employment action (termination). However, the court found that no reasonable jury could conclude that the plaintiff’s termination was due to his filing of the claim, as the evidence demonstrated that he was terminated for soliciting falsified reports and breaching the code of conduct.
Applying the McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting framework, the court determined that the defendants had presented a legitimate, nonretaliatory reason for the plaintiff’s termination—specifically, his submission of false documents during the claim process. The court noted that the plaintiff’s argument lacked evidentiary support and was based primarily on speculative claims that his termination was due to his workers’ compensation filing rather than his documented misconduct.
The court further held that Massachusetts law allows employers to investigate the authenticity of claims, and no evidence suggested that the employer’s investigation or termination decision was improper. Accordingly, the court affirmed the trial court’s summary judgment in favor of the defendants.
Talk to a Seasoned Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated or retaliated against for filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is essential to understand your rights, and you should talk to a lawyer. Attorney James K. Meehan is an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you assess your situation and determine whether you may have a valid claim for retaliation or wrongful termination. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact Attorney Meehan at 508-822-6600 or fill out our online form.