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Bill

HD 220

An Act relative to workers' compensation disfigurement benefits concerning scarring

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

Massachusetts bill expands workers' compensation disfigurement benefits specifically for work-related scarring injuries to improve compensation for permanently scarred employees.

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Bill Summary · HD 220

Legislative bill overview

Bill HD 220 would modify Massachusetts workers' compensation law to expand or clarify disfigurement benefits specifically for scarring injuries. The bill addresses how workers who suffer scarring from work-related incidents receive compensation under the state's workers' compensation system. This appears to target a gap or inconsistency in current disfigurement benefit eligibility or calculation.

Why is this important

Workers' compensation disfigurement benefits are meant to compensate employees for permanent visible injuries that may affect employment prospects and quality of life. Scarring can significantly impact a worker's earning capacity, psychological well-being, and reintegration into the workforce, particularly for jobs requiring public-facing interaction. Clarifying or expanding these benefits ensures affected workers receive adequate compensation for serious visible injuries.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding disfigurement benefits increases workers' compensation insurance costs, which employers ultimately bear through higher premiums, potentially affecting hiring or wage decisions
  • Defining "compensable" scarring: Determining which scars qualify (severity thresholds, visibility standards, location on body) creates administrative complexity and potential disputes between insurers and injured workers
  • Medical evidence standards: Establishing consistent medical criteria for assessing scar severity and its impact on employability may prove contentious between insurers, employers, and worker advocates

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

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