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H 2123

An Act relative to workers' compensation disfigurement benefits concerning scarring

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tony Cabral and 1 co-sponsor

Bill expands Massachusetts workers' compensation disfigurement benefits for scarring injuries, now under fiscal review by House Ways and Means Committee.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2123

Legislative bill overview

H 2123 modifies Massachusetts workers' compensation law to expand or clarify disfigurement benefit coverage specifically related to scarring injuries. The bill was favorably reported by committee in December 2025 and is now under review by the House Ways and Means Committee for fiscal impact assessment.

Why is this important

Workers' compensation disfigurement benefits provide financial support to workers whose injuries result in permanent visible scarring, which can affect employability and quality of life. This bill could expand the definition or eligibility criteria for such benefits, potentially increasing compensation for affected workers or clarifying ambiguities in current law that have created disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding disfigurement benefits increases workers' compensation insurance costs, which may be passed to employers or reflected in insurance premiums, affecting business operating expenses
  • Definition clarity: Determining what constitutes compensable "scarring" versus normal healing outcomes could create subjective disputes and administrative burden in claims evaluation
  • Precedent concerns: Changes to disfigurement standards may establish benchmarks that expand beyond scarring to other visible conditions, creating broader liability exposure for the workers' comp system

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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