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Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Insurance
Protect your business and employees with Massachusetts workers' comp
As a business owner in the Bay State, it's important to have Massachusetts workers' compensation insurance. This coverage supports your employees with financial and medical help if they get injured or sick on the job. It also helps you meet legal requirements and manage liability.
Learn more about Massachusetts workers' compensation guidelines and see how Progressive Commercial can help you protect your business.
Who needs workers' compensation insurance in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts workers' compensation law requires every employer to provide coverage, no matter how many employees they have or how many hours they work. You might also need workers' comp insurance to meet the requirements of professional licenses and contract agreements.
Massachusetts workers' compensation insurance exemptions
In Massachusetts, there are some exemptions to the requirements for workers' compensation insurance. These include:
- Household employees who work less than 16 hours per week
- Real estate agents working on commission under certain contracts
- Workers involved in interstate or foreign commerce covered by federal laws
- LLC members and LLP partners
- Sole proprietors who solely own and operate their business
Choosing not to have workers' comp can leave your employees unprotected if they get hurt on the job. Get expert advice from a Progressive Commercial agent and learn more about Massachusetts workers' comp.
What are the penalties for not having workers' comp in Massachusetts?
Since coverage is required by law, there are penalties for not having workers' comp in Massachusetts. Having insurance protects your business from things like a stop-work order which forces you to stop operations. You can also face fines of $100 per day, or even $250 per day if you decide to appeal the stop-work order.
The best way to avoid these potential issues is to follow Massachusetts workers' compensation regulations and get the proper coverage.
How much does workers' comp cost in Massachusetts?
Several factors within your business determine Massachusetts workers' comp rates, including:
- Job classification code: The Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts (WCRIBMA) assigns specific class codes to different jobs in Massachusetts according to their risk levels.
- Payroll: Workers' comp rates are determined based on every $100 of your payroll. A larger payroll could mean higher policy costs.
- Claims history: The cost of workers' comp is influenced by claims history. A higher number of claims can raise your premiums, while fewer claims can lower them.
- Insurance carrier: Insurance companies may offer different rates depending on their individual risk evaluations and pricing models.
How can you get workers' comp in Massachusetts?
There are three ways to get Massachusetts workers' compensation coverage:
- Private insurers: Many businesses purchase Massachusetts workers' compensation from private insurers. These providers can customize policies to fit your specific needs and may offer extra benefits and discounts. Talk to a Progressive Commercial agent about special features and get a quote today.
- Self-insurance: Massachusetts companies can apply for self-insurance to lower premiums by covering workers' comp claims themselves. However, they should be ready to manage all financial risk and administrative duties.
- WCRIBMA: Businesses that are new, high-risk, or have many claims might not be eligible for private coverage or self-insurance. For these companies, the WCRIBMA offers Massachusetts workers' comp.
How does workers' comp work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts workers' compensation helps employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Once an employee reports an incident, the employer files a claim. If the claim is approved, the employee will receive financial support. How long workers' comp lasts depends on the severity of the injury or illness.
Common workers' comp benefits typically include things like medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, and rehabilitation costs. This insurance not only helps employees recover and return to work but also protects your company from fines and lawsuits, as employees who accept these benefits generally cannot take legal action.
Massachusetts workers' compensation death benefits
Workers' compensation insurance in Massachusetts offers financial assistance to the spouse and dependents of a deceased employee. Benefits include:
- Coverage of funeral and burial costs
- Payments equal to 66% of the deceased worker's weekly wages, not exceeding the state average weekly wage
- Lifetime assistance for spouses unless they remarry, and benefits for children until age 18
Massachusetts workers' compensation statute of limitations
Under Massachusetts workers' comp statue of limitations, you generally have four years from the date of injury or diagnosis to submit a claim.
It's important to report injuries quickly to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with legal deadlines. Remind your team to let you know about any workplace accidents as soon as they happen.
Get a Massachusetts workers' comp quote with Progressive Commercial
With Progressive Commercial, it's easy to get workers' comp coverage in Massachusetts. Our team of experts can help you meet state requirements and protect your business.
Questions? We're here to help. Give us a call or start a quote today.
