Most states, like Massachusetts, have a workers’ compensation act (the Act) that protects workers in the event of employment-related injuries by granting them the right to recover benefits. While in most cases, it is clear what state’s workers’ compensation laws apply, in others, it is less evident. This was demonstrated in a recent Massachusetts case in which the court had to determine whether Massachusetts or Rhode Island law applied. If you sustained injuries on the job, it is smart to consult with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer to determine what benefits you may be owed.
Case Setting
It is reported that the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant construction contractor and defendant superintendent, seeking damages for injuries allegedly resulting from their negligent conduct. The plaintiff was employed by a temporary employment agency, which had a contract with the defendant construction contractor to provide laborers for a construction project at a Naval Station in Rhode Island. The project was contracted with the United States Department of Navy, and the defendant construction contractor, a Pennsylvania corporation, called upon the temp agency to supply temporary laborers.
Allegedly, despite the project being in Rhode Island, the defendant construction contractor, unaware of the temp agency’s Massachusetts connection, expected federal and Rhode Island laws to apply. The plaintiff, a Massachusetts resident, sustained injuries on the site, leading to a dispute over whether Massachusetts or Rhode Island law applied to his tort claims. The defendant moved for summary judgment, arguing that Rhode Island law applied and precluded his claim. Continue reading →