Massachusetts workers’ compensation News

Insurers Entitled to Second Injury Fund Payments Even If No Longer Writing in State

A workers’ compensation insurer is entitled to continue to receive reimbursements from the Massachusetts second injury fund even after it stops writing business in the state, the state’s high court has ruled in an opinion reversing itself on the issue. …

Massachusetts Orders 14.6% Cut in Workers’ Compensation Rates

Massachusetts businesses will see an average 14.6% reduction in workers’ compensation rates—a cut that is almost twice the size of what the insurance industry’s rating bureau proposed in its filing. The lower rates go into effect on July 1, 2024. …

Injured Worker Compensated in Rhode Island Barred From Suing in Massachusetts

An injured worker who collects workers’ compensation in Rhode Island cannot sue his employer in Massachusetts, according to a ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Both states bar any other recovery once an injured worker has received a payment. In …

Massachusetts Approves 10.2% Workers’ Compensation Rate Cut

Massachusetts workers’ compensation rates will fall an average 10.2% starting July 1, a considerably bigger reduction than the industry recommended. Insurance Commissioner Gary Anderson signed off on the cut that will save employers an estimated $130 million after the attorney …

Massachusetts to Weigh Proposed 4% Cut in Workers’ Compensation Rates

The Massachusetts insurance department will hear testimony virtually on February 3 regarding a proposed 4.0% decrease in average workers’ compensation rates. The rate filing submitted by the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts in December calls for a …

Massachusetts Settles With Walmart Over Workers’ Compensation Drug Prices

Retail pharmacy Walmart, Inc. has agreed to pay $500,000 to Massachusetts after allegedly failing to follow the state’s prescription pricing procedures designed to keep costs down in the workers’ compensation insurance system, Attorney General Maura Healey announced. As a result …

Massachusetts Man Indicted for ‘Working While Collecting’ Under Workers’ Comp

A Milford, Massachusetts man has been indicted on larceny and workers’ compensation fraud charges in connection with allegedly collecting more than $18,000 in disability benefits while he continued to work, according to the office of Attorney General Maura Healey. Kenneth …

Comma Doesn’t Get Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Scofflaw Off the Hook

A Massachusetts company has lost its argument that it should not have been prevented from participating on state or municipal contracts for three years due to its its failure to have workers’ compensation insurance as required by law for eight …

Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Rates to Rise an Average of 1.5%

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration announced Wednesday that the state’s workers’ compensation rates will rise an average 1.5 percent beginning July 1. Officials said this nominal increase is the result of a settlement between the Division of Insurance’s State Rating …

Massachusetts Court Rules on ‘Equitable Contribution’ Case

Massachusetts’ top court ruled this month that a workers’ compensation insurer that has paid benefits under a policy has a right to pursue “equitable contribution” from a second insurer that also provided coverage to the same policyholder. The Massachusetts Supreme …