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Video: Nurse Injured at Work? Your Workers Compensation Rights in Massachusetts EXPLAINED
March 26, 2026
Transcript
Are Nurses Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts?
If you are a nurse in Massachusetts and you get hurt on the job, one of the biggest questions is this: are you entitled to workers’ compensation benefits? And what does that actually cover?
The short answer is yes. In Massachusetts, nurses are fully protected under the workers’ compensation system if they are injured while performing their job duties. I’m Attorney Tracy Paulsen, founder of Rightful Legal. Health care workers, especially nurses, face some of the highest injury rates of any profession.
High Injury Risks for Nurses
We’re talking about back injuries from lifting patients, needle sticks, slip and falls, workplace violence, and repetitive stress injuries from long shifts and physical strain.
Workers’ Compensation Is a No-Fault System
Here is what many nurses do not realize. You do not need to prove that your employer did anything wrong. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. If the injury happened in the course of your employment, you are generally entitled to benefits.
What Benefits You Can Receive
Those benefits can include payment of medical bills, a portion of your lost wages, and compensation for permanent injuries if they do occur.
Why Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied
But here is where things can start to get complicated. Hospitals and their insurance companies often challenge these claims. They may argue that your injury did not happen at work, that it was a pre-existing condition, or that you are able to return to work sooner than your doctor actually says.
Common Issues With Back and Repetitive Trauma Injuries
This is especially common with back injuries and repetitive trauma, two of the most frequent issues that nurses face.
Why Reporting and Documentation Matter
Timing also matters. You are required to report your injury promptly, and any delays can be used against you by the workers’ compensation insurance company. Documentation is everything. Incident reports, medical records, and consistent treatment all play a critical role in protecting your claim.
When a Third-Party Personal Injury Claim May Also Apply
If your injury was caused by a third party, like faulty equipment or an outside contractor, you may also have a separate personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
Protecting Your Rights After a Nursing Injury
The bottom line is this. Nurses are essential workers, but the system does not automatically protect you unless you take the right steps. If you have been injured as a nurse on the job, you have rights. If you have questions about your case or your rights, please reach out to me directly at 617-821-5856.
We’re here to help. Thank you so much.
