![Payment of Medical Bills After a Work Injury in Massachusetts]()
Your Right to Medical Coverage Under Massachusetts Law
Your Right to Medical Coverage Under Massachusetts LawIf you've been hurt on the job in Massachusetts, you have important legal protections under the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act (M.G.L. c. 152). Specifically, Sections 13 and 30 guarantee that injured workers are entitled to receive medical benefits to cover the cost and expenses of medical treatment that are reasonable, medically necessary, and causally related to their work injury. This means that your employer’s workers' compensation insurance company is legally obligated to pay for these medical benefits – not you or your personal health insurance.
Comprehensive Coverage for All Treatment-Related Expenses
Your workers' compensation medical benefits cover the full scope of treatment needed for your work-related injury. For example, if you fall from a ladder while working in Massachusetts and break your leg, the workers' compensation insurance company must pay for all related medical care, including ambulance transport, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, surgeries, physical therapy sessions, and all prescribed medications. This coverage ensures you can focus on recovery without worrying about mounting medical bills.
Additional Reimbursements for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Beyond covering direct medical costs, Massachusetts workers' compensation also reimburses you for out-of-pocket expenses related to your medical care. This includes travel costs to and from medical appointments, such as mileage reimbursement, parking fees, and tolls. These additional benefits help ensure that seeking necessary medical treatment doesn't create a financial burden while you're recovering from your work-related injury.
When Medical Treatment is Denied or Not Paid
If the workers' compensation insurance company refuses to pay for your medical treatment or denies authorization for necessary medical care, you are not without options. You have the legal right to file a claim for medical benefits at the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents to challenge these denials. Experienced Massachusetts workers' compensation attorney Chuck Pappas can help you navigate this process, ensuring you receive the medical benefits you're legally entitled to under Massachusetts law.
A work accident isn't something most think about often until it happens to them. This is why injured workers typically have many questions and concerns after being seriously injured on the job. If you were hurt at work, you should have a good understanding of the workers’ compensation process and benefits available in Massachusetts. The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, are here to help you during this difficult time.