At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our team of workers’ compensation attorneys is committed to keeping both injured workers and employers informed about the latest developments in workers’ compensation laws, insurance rates, and court decisions. Understanding these changes isn’t just about staying compliant; it’s about protecting your rights, your livelihood, and your future.
In 2025, Massachusetts is expected to implement several significant updates that may impact the cost of coverage, the reimbursement process for specific claims, and the regulation of workplace safety, particularly in the healthcare sector. Here’s what you need to know.
If you experience a workplace injury, navigating these new regulations can be challenging. Consulting a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to under the updated Massachusetts laws.
Rates Held Steady: A Win for Stability
This summer, the state rejected a proposed 7.1% increase in workers’ compensation insurance rates. That means premiums will stay at their current levels instead of rising mid-year. For employers, this brings stability in budgeting. For injured workers, it means fewer disputes over cost pressures that can indirectly affect claim handling.
As a law firm that has represented thousands of injured workers, we know stable rates can help keep claims processing smooth. When insurance carriers face sudden cost increases, they sometimes push back harder on claims. Keeping rates level helps maintain a fairer playing field.
Court Clarifies Trust Fund Reimbursement Rules
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently issued a significant decision that impacts how the state’s Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund reimburses certain claims.
In the case of Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund v. Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund, the Court confirmed that even insurance companies in “runoff” (no longer writing new policies) can still receive second-injury reimbursements from the Trust Fund, as long as the injury happened while their coverage was in force. Second, it ruled that the Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund, stepping in when an insurer goes bankrupt, can receive cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reimbursements for eligible claims.
Why does this matter to you? For injured workers, it means fewer disputes and delays when benefits are owed. For employers, it means carriers have greater certainty in getting reimbursed, which can expedite settlements and claim resolutions.
Healthcare Workplace Safety Legislation
Massachusetts lawmakers are looking closely at workplace safety in healthcare settings. This includes staffing levels, workplace violence prevention, and safe patient-handling requirements.
If passed, these bills would require hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies to create violence-prevention programs, invest in lift equipment, and implement detailed reporting procedures. Anything that reduces injuries in healthcare is a step in the right direction. We have represented countless nurses and healthcare professionals who suffered preventable injuries, and we know that prevention is far better than any after-the-fact claim.
What This Means for Injured Workers
If you’re injured on the job in Massachusetts, these updates could impact your claim in subtle but important ways. Stable rates mean carriers are less likely to cut corners. The court’s reimbursement decision means there’s less chance of your benefits getting caught in red tape. And stronger workplace safety laws, especially in healthcare, could mean fewer accidents in the first place.
Our job is to make sure you understand how the law works, how to protect your rights, and how to maximize the benefits you’re entitled to under Massachusetts law.
How We Can Help
At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we fight to ensure injured workers get every benefit they deserve, from medical coverage to wage replacement and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, a delay in benefits, or questions about your rights under the latest legal changes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait until your case becomes complicated. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at (617) 777-7777 or through our secure online form, and let’s ensure your claim is handled correctly from the outset.