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New Bedford Workers' Compensation Law Firm
If you were hurt at work in New Bedford, Massachusetts workers' compensation pays about 60 percent of your average weekly wage while you cannot work, plus reasonable medical care (M.G.L. c. 152); you generally cannot sue your own employer, but a third party such as an equipment maker or a subcontractor can be sued.
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The short answer for New Bedford
Massachusetts workers' compensation pays approximately 60 percent of your average weekly wage tax-free while you cannot work, plus all reasonable medical care related to the injury under M.G.L. c. 152. Most claims also resolve with a lump-sum settlement at the Department of Industrial Accidents. You generally cannot sue your employer in tort for a workplace injury, but third-party claims against equipment makers or sub-contractors are sometimes available. Jim Glaser Law handles both the claim and any third-party suit. Workers' compensation fees are statute-capped under M.G.L. c. 152.
The full Massachusetts rules, statutes and typical timeline are on the workers' compensation page; this page covers what is specific to New Bedford.
Courts that serve New Bedford for workers' compensation matters
Under M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1, New Bedford is in the judicial district of the Third District Court of Bristol, which also covers Fairhaven, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Freetown and Westport. New Bedford is in Bristol County, so a Superior Court case brought by a New Bedford resident goes to the Bristol Superior Court.
| Court | What it hears | District or address |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Industrial Accidents | The workers' compensation claim itself, including a hearing or a lump-sum settlement | Statewide agency |
| Bristol Superior Court | A separate lawsuit against a third party (not the employer) over $50,000 | 9 Court Street, Taunton, MA 02780 |
First steps
- Get medical care and keep every record. St. Luke's Hospital (Southcoast) is among the hospitals listed for New Bedford, and the firm requests the records itself once you sign an authorization.
- Know the court: a lawsuit by a New Bedford resident goes to the Bristol Superior Court at 9 Court Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
- Call (617) JIM-WINS before you file or appear, so the deadline and the right court are checked against your facts.
Key terms
- Judicial district
- The towns one District Court division serves, as listed in M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1. The Third District Court of Bristol serves New Bedford, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Freetown and Westport.
- Venue
- The county or district where a case may be filed. Massachusetts sets it by where the parties live or work (M.G.L. c. 223, secs. 1 and 2).
Workers' compensation claim vs. third-party claim
| Workers' compensation (employer) | Third-party claim | |
|---|---|---|
| Fault required | No | Yes |
| Pain and suffering | Not available | Available |
| Where filed | Department of Industrial Accidents | Massachusetts state court |
New Bedford hospitals where treatment records often originate
If you were seen at one of these facilities, the firm requests your treatment records as part of building the documentary record. You do not need to retrieve them yourself; a signed medical authorization at intake gives the firm the access it needs.
- St. Luke's Hospital (Southcoast) 101 Page St, New Bedford, MA 02740
The firm requests records from any Massachusetts provider on the medical chain, listed here or not.
Talk to the firm about your workers' compensation matter
Call us 24/7 for a free case review. Or send us your details and we will reach out to you within one business day.
Results as published by Jim Glaser Law on jimglaserlaw.com. Results vary and depend on the facts of each case. See all results
Recent settlementsSettlement summaries from Jim Glaser Law's own case files, without client names.
Plumber Hurt in Hit-and-Run While Driving Company Van
A plumber was driving a company van in the course of his work when another vehicle struck the van from behind and left the scene. Dash-camera footage from the van allowed police to identify the other vehicle, and its owner was cited after repeated attempts to reach him went unanswered. The plumber was injured in the collision.
Veteran Electrician Injured in Ladder Fall
An electrician with more than three decades at the same company fell from a ladder while stapling wires and injured his right knee. He reported the fall, sought treatment immediately, and kept working. When conservative care did not help, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on the meniscus and went out of work. He returned to the job after surgery, but the pain eventually became so severe that he was advised to stop working again.
Client reviews as published on jimglaserlaw.com.
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“I contacted Jim Glaser Law on several occasions with some legal questions. Although I didn’t have a case, they were very knowledgeable and helpful. I also have several family members who have hired JGL and they were very satisfied with the service. Recommend.”
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“Jim and his team were fast, professional, understanding, and thorough. Jim made us feel at ease from the start, and was with us through the whole experience. I would recommend his firm to anyone.”
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Common questions from New Bedford
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Which District Court covers New Bedford?
Under M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1, New Bedford is in the judicial district of the Third District Court of Bristol, which also covers Fairhaven, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Freetown and Westport.
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Where does a Superior Court case go from here?
A Superior Court case is filed in the county where one of the parties lives or has a usual place of business (M.G.L. c. 223, sec. 1). For someone who lives in New Bedford, that is Bristol County, and the Bristol Superior Court sits at 9 Court Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
Related Massachusetts legal answers
- Can You Work Another Job While on Workers' Comp in Massachusetts?
- Does Workers Comp Cover Your Medical Bills in Massachusetts?
- Can You Be Fired While on Workers Comp in Massachusetts?
- Does Workers Comp Cover Your Commute in Massachusetts?
- How Long Does Workers' Comp Last in Massachusetts?
Browse every question in the Massachusetts legal answers library.
This page is legal information for $New Bedford, Massachusetts readers, not legal advice for any particular matter. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Attorney advertising under Mass. R. Prof. C. 7.1 to 7.5. Responsible attorney: Jim Glaser, Massachusetts.