Beverly Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Many workers such as those in construction fields or industrial environments perform dangerous jobs that have a high propensity to result in harmful, on-the-job accidents. However, anyone can sustain a work-related illness or injury.
For example, a secretary who performs a great deal of typing each day may suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, an office assistant may be involved in a vehicle crash while running errands for their boss. Thankfully, Workers’ Compensation insurance provides benefits for employees who are hurt at work.
After sustaining a work-related illness or injury in Beverly, seek support from our experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits for workers who were injured while performing duties for their job. Furthermore, after deadly on-the-job accidents, these benefits may be collected by victims’ families.
Every employer in Massachusetts has to provide this coverage for their employees. It may compensate claimants for lost income and medical expenses related to any type of work-related illness or injury, regardless of how it occurred. If your boss did not purchase a Workers’ Compensation policy, then they may be sued for the payment you are owed.
Common Types of Occupational Illnesses and Injuries Suffered by Employees in Beverly
Workers can suffer occupational illnesses caused by extended exposure to harmful substances like dust and asbestos fibers. Further, debilitating injuries can stem from work-related accidents like vehicle crashes and falls. The following are examples of illnesses and injuries regularly incurred by employees in Beverly:
Asthma
Those who breathe certain airborne toxins during the course of their workdays can develop asthma, a serious condition that affects airways in the lungs. For instance, cement workers and construction workers who inhale Potassium Dichromate may suffer from this condition. Many people with asthma require long-term medical care. Further, their ability to work can be severely restricted.
Chemical Poisoning and Burns
Employees who come into contact with dangerous chemicals can sustain chemical poisoning and painful burns. In some instances, such injuries occur because workers were not provided with appropriate safety gear or clothing.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be suffered by employees who work in noisy environments. For example, workers who work in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture all have high potential to sustain some degree of hearing loss.
This type of harm can develop slowly, but the damages caused by hearing loss can be immense. A high number of workers who suffer hearing loss have difficulty performing certain tasks in the future. Support from our Workers’ Compensation lawyers may be valuable to claimants pursuing payment for hearing loss. Insurers may be reluctant to pay victims what they deserve.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue damage is a common injury incurred by employees in Beverly. This damage usually occurs in the form of tears, sprains, and strains. Workers regularly sustain soft tissue damage when trying to push, carry, lift, or pull heavy objects. Those who suffer soft tissue damage may have to remain away from work while their injuries heal.
Fractured Bones
Many employees sustain fractured bones because of accidents that happen on the job. This type of harm is often caused by slip and falls, vehicle crashes, and struck-by accidents. Thankfully, certain damages related to employees’ broken bones are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance.
Neurological Disorders
Lastly, neurological disorders can also be suffered by workers who are exposed to dangerous toxins. These disorders can occur in the form of several different conditions that affect brain, spine, or nervous system. The damages they cause can be immense and may produce long-lasting impacts.
Who Pays for Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Beverly?
The price of Workers’ Compensation insurance should be paid for by employers. It is simply a cost of doing business, similar to payroll or advertising expenses. Employees are covered by Workers’ Compensation from their first day of their employment. If they are injured at work, then they are entitled to payment for the lost income and medical bills they suffered.
What Information Do You Need to Provide When Filing for Workers’ Compensation in Beverly?
In order for a Workers’ Compensation claim to succeed, the insurance company will likely ask for a great deal of information surrounding your injury. First, general background information pertaining to your injury should be provided. For example, you will have to report the date of your workplace accident and where it occurred. Furthermore, you should identify the type of injury you suffered.
You will also have to report details related to the harm caused by your injury. Be prepared to divulge the days of work you missed because of your injury and how long it will take to recover. Moreover, you must describe the damages caused by your injury and the benefits being sought.
Finally, you will also have to disclose information regarding your medical treatment along with your claim. For instance, you must identify your first and current treating doctors.
Are Independent Contractors Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Beverly?
Unfortunately, you have to be classified as an employee to obtain benefits through Workers’ Compensation. Generally, such benefits are not awarded to independent contractors. However, there are other means of pursuing payment for work-related illnesses and injuries. Injured contractors can reach out to our law firm for help identifying the appropriate course of action.
Where Should You Report Your Injury After a Workplace Accident in Beverly?
If you were injured at work in Beverly, you should report your injury to your employer right away. Afterwards, your boss should initiate the process for filing your Workers’ Compensation claim. Waiting too long to let your employer know of your accident can hurt your chances at acquiring benefits.
Employees Who Are Hurt at Work in Beverly Should Get in Touch with Our Attorneys
Get help from our experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today by calling (617) 925-6407.
