The Massachusetts Workers Compensation Overview

Like a lot of Massachusetts residents, you may have heard of the workers compensation policy, but may not have any concrete idea as to what it is. To clarify, it is basically a compensation program that ensures protection and insurance to workers in the event that they get injured at  their place of work. The policy defines injury as physical injuries or illnesses contracted in the course of duty.

Reason to Hire a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer

If you ever get injured while on the job, you are entitled to benefits known as worker’s compensation. If you are not aware of these benefits or don’t understand how they work, you can always get help from a worker’s compensation lawyer. These professionals will provide sound legal advice so you know what you are entitled to after one of these work-related incidents.

No-Fault in Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a state-mandated program designed to provide for employees who are injured or become ill on the job. Massachusetts’ workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system, which is usually beneficial to both the employer and the employee.

Get the Workers' Compensation Claim that You Deserve

Suffering an injury or work-related illness can set you back professionally and financially, and those who are looking to get a payout from their employer's workers' compensation fund should hire a lawyer to help them navigate all of the corporate bureaucracy. While it is never a bad idea to hire a lawyer to represent you, you should definitely hire a lawyer if your company initially denies your claim. You do not want to have to deal with all of the headaches of settling a claim when you are trying to recover. Leave these problems up to a qualified lawyer who can get you the settlement that you deserve.

Long-Term Disability Insurance: An Overview

Long-term disability insurance is a type of coverage that provides a financial safeguard for employees who suffer from long-term disabilities or illnesses. It does not cover injuries or illnesses that workers suffered while on the job and for which employees could file a worker's compensation claim.

What a Workers Comp Legal Team Can Do for You

Massachusetts is one state that has recovered well in the employment sector since the crash of 2008. It has experienced growth in the labor force as well as an improvement in the state minimum wage. With these developments came a corresponding increase in the number of workers compensation claims. More people in New England states like Massachusetts are entering the labor force at entry and trainee levels, so claims have, naturally, grown in number. This is where the unique skills of a legal team come in.

Don't Miss Getting Compensation for Work Injuries

If you have suffered an injury or contracted an illness while at work, workers compensation benefits will help you financially while you recover. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to receive benefits if you are injured while working at home or in another remote location. Regardless of where you got hurt or sick, there are guidelines that you must follow to have your case fully processed.

The state of Massachusetts gives you one year from the date of your injury or illness to file a claim if the injury occurred before January 1986. For injuries that occurred after 1986, you have four years to file a claim from the time you believe a workplace accident happened, which led to an injury. If an injury leads to death, family members have four years to file a claim.

The first date of disability is the day you got hurt, if you were not paid for the full day of work. Otherwise, the next day is the first day of your disability. To qualify for benefits, you must be out of work for five days, and your employer has seven days to report the injury.

The insurance company providing coverage for your employer then has 14 days to start paying on the claim or send a denial notice. In some cases, you may be asked to see a doctor representing that company even if you have already seen a doctor, which you must do to preserve your benefits.

Answers to Common Workman's Compensation Questions

If you get injured at work, you are going to have a lot of questions about what comes next. As a way to help you better understand your situation, here are some answers to common questions related to Massachusetts workman's compensation.

Can I Be Reimbursed for Travel Expenses?

If you have been injured at work and have had to incur traveling expenses because of it, you may be able to get reimbursement for these expenses. Currently, the rate for mileage in these types of cases is $0.45 per mile. Other expenses that may be covered include taxi service and parking.

What Medical Records Does my Attorney Need?

While there isn't one answer that will cover this for every person, a good rule of thumb is to allow your attorney access to any medical records they ask for. Sometimes a worker may feel that certain records may not have a direct relation to their case or they may feel that they are too sensitive for others to see. When defending you, an attorney must be aware of all arguments your employer and their insurance company lawyers may use, including medical history.

Are Workers Paid 'Under the Table' Eligible?

This is a very tough but fairly common question. The first thing you should do is contact a Massachusetts workman's compensation attorney. They can help decide if you are considered an employee according to the Massachusetts Workers Compensation Act and the next steps to take.

Workers Compensation: The Statute of Limitations

You can’t just file a case for damages from an accident. You need to file within a specific time frame. This time frame is called the “statute of limitations”, and it applies to both criminal and civil actions. Its purpose is to prevent stale and fraudulent claims from being filed after certain facts have become obscured or evidence have been lost through the passage of time.

Tips for Filing a Worker’s Compensation Claim

As with any other type of personal injury claim, a worker’s compensation claim can be as every bit as complicated, and can easily overwhelm the uninitiated. If you’re soon off to file your own, here are a few tips to ensure that everything goes smoothly.