Injured employees generally have countless questions entering Workers’ Compensation claims, all of which our attorneys can answer transparently. We can prepare you for the benefits to expect and what the claims process is like, and we can help you overcome any roadblocks to damages that might get in your way.
Though Workers’ Compensation should cover most occupational illnesses and injuries, do not assume your claim will be automatically approved. Let us organize the medical records and other evidence you need to convince the carrier you were injured at work and cannot resume working. This not only provides compensation for missed income but also covers all medical expenses you incur.
For a free case review, call the Workers’ Compensation lawyers of the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.
Will Workers’ Comp Cover My Injuries in Ashland?
Generally speaking, Workers’ Compensation covers all injuries suffered on the job. There are a few exceptions to this that carriers cite to deny claims, which our lawyers can explain.
In addition to work-related injuries, Workers’ Compensation also covers occupational illnesses and other medical conditions. You must miss five full or partial days of work for Workers’ Compensation to pay damages for injuries in Massachusetts.
Carriers deny compensation to claimants who are hurt at work while under the influence or who intentionally injure themselves. Eyewitness statements, medical records, and other evidence can disprove these assertions, so let us gather them after you suffer a workplace injury.
Workers’ Compensation does not cover injuries suffered on the way to and from the workplace. However, if your workplace is mobile, like if you are a commercial truck driver, Workers’ Compensation may cover injuries you sustain while on the move.
All of that said, Workers’ Compensation most likely covers your job-related injuries, so do not assume the opposite is true.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover All Lost Wages?
Workers’ Compensation does not cover all lost wages but does pay a large percentage. The exact amount you get from an employer’s carrier depends on the type of lost-wage payments you receive.
Massachusetts has three classifications of disability for Workers’ Compensation: partial incapacity, temporary total incapacity, and permanent and total incapacity. Claimants get a different percentage of their income for different lengths of time, all depending on their disability classification.
Because Workers’ Compensation does not cover all lost wages, ensuring the payments you receive are accurate is vital. We know the equations carriers must use to calculate lost-wage benefits in Massachusetts and can use them to get your deserved payments.
Then, if the initial Workers’ Compensation checks you receive are inaccurate, we can address it right away with the carrier.
How Soon Will I Start Getting Workers’ Comp Payments?
Workers’ Compensation carriers typically have 14 days from learning of a worker’s injury to approve or deny benefits. You should start getting Compensation for lost wages in two weeks, and our lawyers can help rectify the situation if you do not.
Payments should cover lost wages from the sixth day of disability onward. You can get paid for those first five full or partial missed days of work if you go on to miss more than 21 days of work because of an occupational injury or illness.
Some Workers’ Compensation claims get approved sooner than two weeks, especially if claimants provide ample supporting evidence, such as medical records and witness statements.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover All Medical Damages in Ashland?
Whether a workplace injury requires an emergency room visit or not, you may end up spending more than you anticipated on your treatment and recovery. Workers’ Compensation should cover all those medical expenses, and our attorneys can help make that happen.
Massachusetts has rules regarding which medical providers workers must seek initial treatment from to assess their injuries, except in emergencies. Following these rules is crucial to obtaining compensation for initial medical expenses, and our lawyers can provide guidance on them.
Physicians can bill Workers’ Compensation carriers directly once claims are approved, meaning you should not have to worry about reporting bills throughout your physical recovery.
What if My Workers’ Comp Payments End Prematurely?
Some workplace injuries force employees to rely on Workers’ Compensation for months, even years. If payments end prematurely and you are unsure what to do, call our attorneys.
We can contact the Workers’ Compensation carrier about the issue and fight to have your benefits reinstated. Human or computer error might lead to issues with payments, as might changes to banking or mailing information.
In other situations, carriers might halt payments if they believe workers have physically recovered and are ready to resume work. In this scenario, our lawyers can send updated medical records confirming your injuries still persist and prevent you from earning any meaningful income.
In addition to current X-rays, recent surgical reports, and other medical records, we may send physician statements to convince the carrier to resume your lost-wage Workers’ Compensation payments.
What if I Need Help Getting Medical Records for My Ashland Workers’ Comp Claim?
When we handle injured employees’ Workers’ Compensation claims, we can get and organize their medical records. Our Workers’ Compensation lawyers can also send required medical information to your employer’s carrier so it has all the records it needs to approve your claim for benefits.
Most claimants require assistance in obtaining medical records, which may be from multiple hospitals, urgent care facilities, practices, and specialists. Once we have your consent, providers can send us medical records so you do not have to compile them yourself.
Call our lawyers if you need help getting medical records for your Workers’ Compensation claim. We can do that, and more so, you receive the income and medical benefits you are entitled to.
Call Us in Ashland for Help with Your Case
For a free case analysis, call the Workers’ Compensation lawyers of the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.