If you suffered a work-related injury and filed for workers’ Compensation, you might be wondering whether you should work a second job without losing your eligibility for benefits. And, more importantly, can you work a second job and avoid fraud charges?

Consulting a Fall River workers’ compensation lawyer can give you clarity about your situation. In this article, we will cover how the workers’ compensation system works in Massachusetts and employment while under workers’ compensation.

Workers’ Compensation System in Massachusetts

Massachusetts follows the “no-fault” system. This means that the law requires your employer to pay you workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whether you were liable for your work-related injuries or not. Benefits will cover:

• Partial disability. This applies if your earning capacity has been reduced due to your injuries. You will receive benefits for five years but the period can be extended.
• Healthcare services. Your benefits will cover your medication and other out-of-pocket expenses such as fuel and parking.
• Permanent loss of function. You will receive a one-time payment and this entirely depends on the percentage of the loss of function. You will receive compensation for loss of limbs, hearing, vision, loss of sexual function, and so on.
• Temporary total disability. You will be eligible to receive 60% of your weekly wage for three years.
• Permanent and total disability. This means you will never be able to secure employment due to your injuries. You will continue to receive compensation for as long as your disability lasts.
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring. You will receive benefits if the accident resulted in scars on the face, neck, or hands.

You will continue to receive workers’ compensation benefits until you are able to return to work. If there is no chance that you might fully recover, your benefits will continue for as long as you have the disability.

Workers’ Compensation Fraud in Massachusetts

If you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you will continue to receive benefits until you are able to go back to work. If you claim these benefits and you still went back to work, you can be charged with workers’ compensation fraud.