Medical Expenses for Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts

Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts seeks to ensure that employees receive appropriate medical treatment and financial support in the event of an injury. However, many injured workers are unfamiliar with the full range of medical expenses they are entitled to.

Understanding the scope of coverage is crucial for employees recovering from their injuries, as Workers’ Compensation covers numerous medical expenses. Additionally, Workers’ Compensation provides wage replacement benefits, medical expense reimbursement, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. By being aware of the coverage and seeking appropriate legal guidance, injured workers can navigate the Workers’ Compensation system effectively and obtain the necessary support for their recovery and well-being.

For a free case evaluation with our Boston Workers’ Compensation attorneys, call the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.

Medical Expenses that Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts

Workers’ Compensation is a crucial system that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In Massachusetts, injured workers are entitled to several types of medical expenses, including emergency services, hospital visits, medical equipment, prescriptions, and rehabilitation. Our Wakefield Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help you recover the medical compensation you are owed. The following are the types of medical expenses typically covered by Workers’ Compensation:

Medical Bills

If you sustain an injury while at work, your Workers’ Compensation policy must cover all the medical expenses incurred during your treatment. These expenses might include doctor’s consultations, hospital stays, emergency care, life-saving procedures, surgeries, pain management medications, and any other medical services that are necessary or recommended by a licensed physician to manage your injury effectively.

Emergency Medical Services

Under Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation law, employees are entitled to medical coverage that includes emergency services. In the event of a work-related injury or illness that requires immediate medical attention, all associated expenses will be taken care of.

This includes emergency room visits, ambulance services, and any essential emergency procedures or tests that are deemed necessary to stabilize the employee’s condition. This provision ensures that employees receive prompt and sufficient medical attention without any financial burden or delay.

Surgery and Hospitalization

If you happen to sustain a work-related injury that necessitates hospitalization or surgery, you can rest assured that Workers’ Compensation will cover the related expenses. The medical care provided must be deemed reasonable and customary for your specific condition.

With regards to hospitalization, in-patient expenses fall under the coverage umbrella, encompassing costs for room and board, necessary surgeries, rehabilitation services, medical supplies, and assistive equipment required during your stay. Out-patient treatments, such as follow-up visits, consultations, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, are also covered by the Workers’ Compensation policy.

Treatment Plans and Prescription Medications

If you’ve suffered an injury or illness while on the job, you can rest assured that you won’t have to bear the financial burden of treatment. Workers’ Compensation will cover all costs associated with your treatment plan, including consultations, specialist visits, and ongoing care.

Moreover, any medications prescribed by your healthcare provider for the work-related injury or illness will also be included. This can include pain relievers, antibiotics, and any other medications deemed necessary to facilitate your recovery.

Rehabilitation Costs

After an employee suffers an injury, Workers’ Compensation provides coverage not only for their medical expenses but also for rehabilitation services needed for their recovery and successful return to work. These services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and job retraining programs. The primary goal of these programs is to restore the employee’s functionality and aid them in transitioning back into the workforce smoothly.

Medical Tests

If you have suffered a work-related injury or accident, your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance should cover any necessary medical testing required for your treatment and care. The types of tests that can be covered under this insurance include blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, electrocardiograms, and any other tests that are deemed necessary by your healthcare provider to aid in your recovery. Rest assured that you can usually receive the medical attention you need without worrying about the financial burden of these tests.

Medical Equipment and Supplies

If an employee gets injured while on the job, Workers’ Compensation steps in to provide coverage for the necessary medical equipment and supplies required for their recovery and rehabilitation. This coverage includes a range of items, such as crutches, wheelchairs, orthopedic devices, braces, prosthetics, and other assistive devices that are essential for the injured employee’s healing process.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

If an employee sustains a work-related injury or illness, they are entitled to more than just medical treatment coverage. The Workers’ Compensation system also allows them to claim reimbursement for any out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred during their treatment, such as co-pays and deductibles.

Additionally, if the employee needs to travel for medical treatment, reasonable transportation costs, including mileage reimbursement, parking fees, and public transportation expenses, are also covered by Workers’ Compensation. This ensures that the employee is fully supported and can focus on their recovery without worrying about the financial burden that comes with it.

Other Expenses that Workers’ Compensation Could Cover in Massachusetts

In the unfortunate event that an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, Workers’ Compensation not only covers their medical expenses but also provides coverage for other losses incurred. The extent of this coverage will differ depending on the specific case, but employees can usually rely on this support during difficult times.

Lost Wages

In the unfortunate event that an employee sustains a work-related injury or illness that renders them unable to work, the Workers’ Compensation program provides a form of relief in the form of wage replacement benefits. The amount of these benefits usually falls within the range of 60-66% of the employee’s average weekly wage, with certain maximums and minimums applicable to different scenarios.

Vocational Rehabilitation

In the event that an employee is unable to resume their previous job because of a work-related illness or injury, vocational rehabilitation services might be covered by Workers’ Compensation. This comprises job retraining, counseling, and aid in the search for appropriate alternative employment.

Death Benefits

When a worker passes away as a result of a job-related injury or illness, their dependents might be eligible for death benefits under Workers’ Compensation. These benefits could include financial assistance to cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing support to the surviving family members. In such tragic circumstances, Workers’ Compensation acts as a lifeline to help alleviate some of the financial burden faced by the affected family.

Our Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Are Here to Help

Call the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review with our Cambridge Workers’ Compensation lawyers.