The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts has recently allowed an employee of the City of Salem to recover accidental disability retirement benefits when, as a result of being told that her employment would be eliminated in the upcoming budget, she suffered a heart attack which ultimately led to her death.
The Contributory Retirement Appeal Board (CRAB) determined that the employee was entitled to accidental disability retirement benefits. The Supreme Judicial Court affirmed (or agreed with) that ruling.
This is the first case in Massachusetts that dealt with the issue of an accident caused by news of a termination. It would seem even a layoff would apply. This case, though, only applies to city or state employees.
Ianello & Brittain P.C. located in Western Massachusetts, with offices in Springfield, represent you in personal injury and criminal cases.
