Fall River Workers Compensation
(Find the right workers' comp insurance policy for you)
From law firms to manufacturing industries, Fall River is home to a wide scope of businesses ranging in a variety of sizes and breeds. These businesses back the local and state economy, which is why it is important to make sure that you and your employees are covered from a huge financial loss in case of an accident. If a job-related accident happens, workers’ compensation insurance will be there to shield you.
Fall River business owners can work with a local independent insurance agent to find the right workers’ compensation insurance policy. The agent will show you multiple customized quotes at competitive prices that fit what you’re looking for. Find a local independent insurance agent near Fall River to get started.
Is Workers Compensation Insurance Required in Fall River, Massachusetts?
Employers in Fall River are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for themselves and their employees. This law applies to every business no matter the number of hours worked or their company. The only exemption is for domestic service employees who work less than 16 hours per week.
If you operate without this insurance, the state may issue a stop-work order which means that you will no longer be able to do business in the state. You may also face minimum fines of $100 per day for each day you fail to provide coverage.
In addition to workers’ compensation insurance, you may also consider extra lines of commercial insurance protection such as:
- Commercial auto: This provides coverage of physical damage and liability insurance for vehicles used by your business.
- Commercial building: This provides coverage for your buildings, equipment, inventory, and even customers' personal property.
- Commercial boat: This provides protection of goods and equipment in transit.
How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Cost in Fall River, Massachusetts?
Massachusetts maintains its own independent rating bureau to calculate rates. The Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts assigns rates according to its own classification rules. The cost of coverage for employers in Fall River is based on:
- The type of business you operate as indicated by your company's class code
- The company’s total annual payroll
- The company’s assessed “experience mod” (losses insurers have experienced from that employer)
Fall River, MA, Workers’ Compensation Covers the Cost of Medical Treatment
Sometimes a job-related accident may need medical treatment. Fall River workers’ comp insurance will help provide coverage so you aren’t stuck with a huge financial burden. Your employee can be fully covered from payment with any and all medical treatment that is seen as reasonable, necessary, and related to the work injury. The benefits covered include:
- Medical and hospital services
- Medically necessary equipment and prescriptions
- Weekly compensation for lost income
- Vocational and rehabilitation services
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Provides Disability Coverage for Fall River, MA, Employees
Workers’ comp insurance in Fall River has you covered if a work-related accident leaves an employee disabled. If a worker has an accident that leaves them unable to work for six or more full days, they qualify for temporary disability benefits. In Massachusetts, the days that they are unable to work do not need to be consecutive. They will receive 60% of their average weekly wage, and it will begin on the 6th day of disability. If they miss more than 21 days of work due to the job-related injury, they will be compensated for the first five days.
If an employee is able to work but earns less due to their injury or illness, they qualify for temporary partial disability. They will receive 75% of their average weekly wage for up to five years.
If the job-related injury leaves them permanently unable to do any kind of work, they are qualified for permanent and total disability. They will receive 66% of their average weekly wage, and will receive an annual Cost-Of-Living Adjustment. These benefits can be continued for as long as they are disabled.
Compensation for Workplace Fatalities in Fall River, MA
Unfortunately, job-related accidents may result in a fatal injury. Workers’ compensation insurance can help surviving dependents and family members through the financial hardships.
The employee’s spouse and children will receive weekly benefits equal to 66% of the deceased worker's average weekly wage. The surviving spouse becomes eligible for yearly Cost-Of-Living adjustments for two years after the date of the injury. The family members will receive up to eight times the state average weekly wage in place at the time of the death to help cover burial costs and funeral expenses. Surviving spouses can receive these benefits for as long as they remain dependent.
What Can Cause a Workers’ Compensation Claim to be Denied?
Workers’ compensation claims are sometimes denied. This may occur if an employee doesn't notify their supervisor of the incident in time, if the injuries were self-inflicted, or if there was not enough evidence.
However, if they feel that their workers’ compensation claim was unjustly denied or they are unhappy with the settlement, they can submit an appeal with the Department of Industrial Accidents in Massachusetts.
How Can You Find the Best Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy in Fall River, MA?
A local independent insurance agent can help you find the right workers’ compensation insurance policy for you and your Fall River employees. Independent agents work with multiple insurance companies to compare prices and find a provider who specializes in covering businesses like yours.
Use independent agents to find the best insurance plan in Fall River. You detail what you’re looking for, and the TrustedChoice.com network will recommend the best local agents for you. We do not sell to third parties. Any information you provide will be only sent to the agents you pick.
mass.gov
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