Injured public employees in Massachusetts may be eligible for both workers’ compensation benefits and public disability retirement pensions. However, the interaction between these systems is complex, and a favorable outcome in one does not guarantee success in the other. A recent decision from a Massachusetts court emphasizes that public employees must meet distinct and independent criteria to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits, even after being deemed permanently disabled under the Workers’ Compensation Act. If you are a municipal or public employee navigating an injury claim, a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney can help you pursue all available benefits and avoid costly legal missteps.
Case Setting
It is alleged that the plaintiff, a firefighter, sustained multiple job-related injuries over the course of his career, including several back injuries incurred during emergency responses and training exercises. He underwent surgeries and received extensive treatment, and eventually applied for and received workers’ compensation benefits based on a finding of permanent and total disability. A judge at the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) concluded that the plaintiff was unable to return to work and awarded benefits accordingly.