If you have been injured at work in Massachusetts, you may be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits for lost wages, medical bills and possibly a lump sum settlement, among other benefits. Our firm is working with experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers, who charge no fee unless you win your claim. Feel free to contact us toll-free 24/7 at 1-(401) 200-3964 or fill out a free contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.
Are You Eligible To Receive MA Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation law provides benefits, such as medical treatment and weekly income, to those who were injured on the job and unable to work for at least five or more days. You qualify for workers’ compensation as long as your injury was caused while completing work-related activities.
There are two types of disability that can permit you to obtain weekly benefits for your lost wages:
- Total Disability: When a person can neither perform their regular job duties nor any other type of light duty work and are considered to have a total loss of earning capacity.
- Partial Disability: When a person is unable to perform their regular job duties due to a work related injury, but is still capable of performing a light work load.
Our Best Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Settlements:
In these cases, our firm’s lawyers maintained joint responsibility with other lawyers in order to arrive at these results.
- $150,000 Settlement: Our client was lifting heavy object at work and injured his back. Read More
- $110,000 Settlement: Our client aggravated an area of her neck that was healing from a previous procedure. Read More
- $110,000 Settlement: Our client injured his back, resulting in two (2) herniated discs. Read More
- Click Here To Read More Workers’ Compensation Settlements.
Can I Receive a Lump Sum Settlement From an MA Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In some cases, if your injury is very serious and you are unable to return to your former job, the insurance company for your employer may offer you a lump sum settlement. The insurance company pays the agreed upon lump-sum settlement fees.
This type of workers’ compensation settlement is a contract between you, the insurer, and in some cases, your employer. It is a one-time payment that is made in place of your weekly compensation checks and certain other benefits. When you accept a lump sum settlement, you give up certain rights. An experienced MA workers’ compensation lawyer can help you carefully consider whether or not settling your case is in your best interest.
While a lump sum agreement can restrict certain rights, it does not stop you from:
- Maintaining employment with the employer at whose job you were hurt.
- Gaining employment with any other employer.
- Receiving any benefits owed to you by your employer.
- Bringing any future workers’ compensation claims for other work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Bringing any future claims of wrongful discharge, or breach of contract.
What if My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is disputed, it can be a lengthy process in order to resolve the dispute. Usually the insurance adjuster, you and your lawyer will meet in several negotiation sessions to try to avoid going to a hearing. However, sometimes hearings are necessary, in which case, you may appear before a judge to decide your case. Read more.
Big Corporations Do Not Care Care About Employees.
What Basic Benefits Can You Receive?
- Medical Treatment – Employers can require injured employees to see the employer’s healthcare provider. After the employee’s visit with the provider, the employee has the option of seeing a doctor of their choice. This change in providers is allowed only once. Any other change in medical provider requires insurance company approval.
- Permanent Loss of Function and Disfigurement – If your workplace injury or illness results in a permanent loss of certain bodily functions, scarring, and/or disfigurement, you may qualify for special benefits. An employee, who sustained disfigurement/scarring may receive a one-time payment for these injuries in additional to regular workers’ compensation benefits. The amount paid may vary depending upon the location and severity of the disfigurement or function lost.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Services are designed to assist injured employees with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health conditions, and return them to meaningful employment. To qualify for these services, the injured worker must have continuing restrictions due to their work-related injury that prohibits a return to their pre-injury job.
- Survivors’ And Dependents’ Benefits – If you are the spouse or child of an employee, who has died as a result of a work related injury or illness, you may qualify for benefits. Children have special eligibility requirements in that they must be under the age of 18, be full-time students, or be unable to work because of physical or mental disabilities. You should contact a Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer to find out if you are eligible.
What Steps Should You Take Immediately After A Work Place Injury In MA?
If you have been injured while on the job, there are several precautions you should take. First, seek medical treatment for your injuries right away. Our highest priority is ensuring your health is restored as soon as possible. After seeking medical treatment, you want to file a report with your employer about the incident and injury right away. This will help if you decide to file a workers’ compensation claim later. Read more.
Can I Sue A Third Party for My Work Related Injuries?
In situations where a third party causes your injury, you may be entitled to more than just workers’ compensation benefits. An example of this is when someone other than your employer or a coworker negligently causes your injury. The most common type of case is where a sub-contractor or one of their employees is negligent and this causes your injury. A third party claim compensates you for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and scarring (if applicable), among other losses.
Common third party claims include:
- Car Accidents During The Course Of Employment
- Construction Site Injuries
- Defective Machines
- Unsafe Working Conditions
Can I Continue To Work After Being Injured?
You have a responsibility to return to work as long as you are physically able to do so. Usually, you have the right to return to your old job if your injuries do not impede your ability to carry out your job responsibilities. This is known as your right to reinstatement. Your employer may be obligated to make reasonable accommodations in order for you to perform your job. If your job is no longer open, you are entitled to another appropriate and available position.
Why Contact An Experienced MA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
If you have been injured on the job and are being denied workers’ compensation benefits, you should consider hiring a lawyer to help you get the benefits that you deserve. The process of disputing a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult and time consuming. Our firm is working with experienced MA workers’ compensation lawyers, who charge no fee until we win your case or get a settlement. Call our 24/7 toll free number today at (800) 992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.