FINALLY, after 33 years, the legislature has increased the amount a disabled retired municipal worker can earn, usually doing some type of part time work.  We have been fighting for this increase for many, many years.  I am glad that Senator McGee was so forceful in bringing forth this legislation

JANUARY 8, 2015: Moments before taking his “lone walk” down to the front steps of the State House on his final evening as Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick signed into law our Association’s bill adjusting the outside earnings limits of accidental disability retirees – now Chapter 492, Acts of 2014.
S2343, sponsored by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), marks the first increase in earnings limits for accidental disability retirees since 1982. The Association’s proposal, which increases the limit by $10,000, was one of two unanimous recommendations made by the Special Commission on Disability Retirement in 2013, on which Association Vice President Ralph White served.
State retirement law allows accidental disability retirees to work on the limited basis. Retirees will now be allowed to earn the difference between what their former job currently pays and their pension, plus an additional $15,000. The old law, passed in 1982, allowed for additional earnings of just $5,000.
“While not many accidental retirees are able to work and even fewer earn close to the limits, we do have some members that this new law will benefit. This new law does not cost the taxpayers, it actually generates tax revenue from those retirees who are able to work,” explains Association President Frank Valeri. “Life and one’s financial responsibilities to their family do not stop just because someone is disabled.
“We need to thank Senator McGee for doggedly pursuing this bill, along with the House Leadership for making this a priority for our members late in the session. Speaker DeLeo, Chairman Speliotis (Bills in 3rd Reading) and Rep. Cusack, in particular, were instrumental in seeing this bill was passed before the session ended.
“And our Association would like to say ‘thank you’ one last time to Governor Patrick. Had he and his staff not addressed this bill before his term ended, we would have been right back to square one come noon time today. Now those retirees in need of relief will finally get their just do.”
Chapter 492 takes effect in 2015 and does not impact 2014 or the earnings limit of previous years.

A note from Founding Partner – Michael Akashian.

Over 30 years ago, I chose to represent injured workers after spending a couple of years representing an insurance company. From the inside, I was able to see how the insurance companies took advantage of injured workers who became disabled due to their workplace injury. I saw how much these people were struggling, and how much worse we were making their situation. These people needed help, and rather than continue to work against them, I chose to work with them.

Through representing injured workers, I have come to realize just how greatly these workplace injuries and lasting disabilities effect each person and his or her family. Whether it’s a mortgage or rent payment, I’ve seen how difficult it is for a family to try to survive on workers’ compensation benefits, which are at least 40% less than their average weekly wage. My goal is to help injured workers navigate the difficult and complicated workers compensation system and to help coordinate medical treatment. Having practiced in this area of law for over 30 years, I have built and fostered relationships with other lawyers, doctors, therapists and union officials. This has enabled me to develop a vast network of qualified people to assist those injured at work in getting their benefits as efficiently as possible.

We understand what you’re going through, but more importantly, we understand the process of getting you the benefits you need to get back on your feet. My extensive experience in this area of the law has taught me a lot about people, as well as a lot about myself. One of the most important things to me is mentoring and helping young lawyers who don’t have the experience to be simply thrown into the fire of the court system. I enjoy working law students and young lawyers, as many of my mentors did with me many, many years ago. My greatest joy is when one of these professional choses to practice in the area of workers compensation law. I have made it my mission to help those in need by providing them with a smooth and efficient process of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. It is my hope that other young lawyers embark on this mission too.

Welcome to our new website, where we will be posting about the latest news in workers compensation, as well as plenty of tips for young lawyers interested in the practice.