boston bridge

Boston Personal Injury Lawyer

Boston Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Hurt on the Job? Get Every Benefit Massachusetts Law Owes You.

Free Consultation

Law office of John J. Sheehan
Workers' Compensation

Cases Won For Our Clients

$1.5 Million

Construction Site Accident

Steel I-beam accident on a construction site, resulting in TBI and thoracic spine fracture, fractured ribs

Steel I-Beam fell from wood framing and fell on welder who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), thoracic spine compression fracture, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs and crushed foot/ankle. Following extensive litigation with the general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to the job site, case settled at mediation.

$800,000

Trip and Fall at Work

A wire loop hazard on a demolished construction floor caused a trip & fall with a right patella fracture and neck injury

Employee was caused to trip and fall at work on construction site. While walking across demolished floor of building being renovated, employee was caused to trip on a wire loop that was protruding from the demolished concrete floor. Employee was caused to fall forward landing on his knees. Employee sustained multiple injuries including a right patella fracture and neck injury. Eventually, Employee right patellofemoral replacement surgery. MRI of the cervical spine confirmed foraminal narrowing of C5-6 and C6-7 with possible compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots. Employee filed a lawsuit to pursue third-party personal injury claims against the general contractor, demolition subcontractor and site subcontractor for the construction site where his accident occurred. The workers’ comp claim settled for $350,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settled at mediation with all defendants for $450,000. In addition to the workers’ comp and third-party claims, Employee successfully filed for SSDI benefits.

$700,000

Construction Fall From Ladder

Ladder fall at work, resulting in a fractured and dislocated ankle with talus displacement

Employee was working as a master carpenter when he fell from a ladder and sustained multiple injuries including fractured and dislocated ankle with displacement of the talus. Employee underwent multiple surgeries to treat the ankle fracture including open reduction with internal fixation and hardware removal. Employee developed an infection of the ankle requiring multiple surgeries including skin graft surgeries. Employee developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”) of the lower extremity. Employee underwent Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery for chronic pain management related to the CRPS. Workers Comp claim settled prior to a Conference on Employee’s claim for §34A Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits.

$656,000

Slip and Fall at Construction Site

Carpenter foreman slipped on ice at a construction site, causing an L4–5 herniated disc requiring surgery

Carpenter foreman slipped and fell on ice at construction site. Client injured his lower back and suffered a herniated disc at L4-5 with impingement requiring surgery. Settled workers’ comp claim for $200,000 and third-party claim against general contractor for $456,000.

$625,000

Pedestrian Hit By Car

Pedestrian pinned under a truck, suffering displaced compound tibia/fibula fractures

Pedestrian was standing by his uncle’s landscaping truck that was parked on the side of the road when a car hit the back of the truck and hit the pedestrian pinning him under the landscaping truck. Pedestrian sustained multiple severe and permanent injuries including displaced compound fractures to the tibia and fibula, clavicle fracture and multiple abrasions and contusion. Pedestrian underwent multiple surgeries to repair the fractures and skin grafting. Case settled prior to filing suit.

Injured on the Job in Massachusetts? You Have a Right to Benefits.

One work injury can stop your paycheck overnight and cause a lot of stress and worry for your family. How much you recover often comes down to getting an experienced Boston workers' compensation lawyer involved early.

Private employers reported 53,500 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Massachusetts in 2024, and about 31,400 of those workers lost time, changed jobs, or worked under restrictions while they healed. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, so you do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong to qualify.

Attorney John J. Sheehan has fought for injured workers across the Commonwealth since 1993. As a bilingual Boston workers' comp attorney, he knows how insurers delay benefits, dispute injuries, and undervalue serious claims, and his job is to secure every dollar the law provides. You pay no fee unless he wins benefits for you.

Who Is Covered by Massachusetts Workers' Compensation

Almost every employee in the state is protected. Under the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Act (M.G.L. c. 152), nearly all employers must carry coverage, and a Boston workers' compensation lawyer can confirm whether your job qualifies.

Full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees
Workers paid in cash or without pay stubs
Undocumented and Spanish-speaking workers
Employees hurt on the clock or during work-related tasks off-site
State and municipal workers, including public-safety personnel

Your injury simply has to "arise out of and in the course of" your employment. Fault is not the question, so even if you made a mistake, you can still receive workers' comp benefits.

Common Workplace Injuries We Handle

Attorney John J. Sheehan represents injured workers across every industry, not only one trade. The type of injury shapes the benefits you can claim, so a Boston workers' compensation attorney reviews your medical records closely from day one.

- Falls, slips, and trips on any job site
- Lifting and overexertion injuries
- Machinery, tool, and equipment accidents
- Burns and electrical injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis
- Rotator cuff and shoulder damage
- Herniated discs and chronic back and strain injuries
- Knee and joint deterioration from repeated motion
- Respiratory disease from dust, mold, or fumes
- Work-related hearing loss from prolonged noise
- Toxic and chemical exposure, including asbestos and silica
- Occupational cancers and skin conditions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury and concussions
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression tied to a work injury

If your injury happened on a building site specifically, our construction accident lawyer page covers those cases and the extra claims they often involve.

Don't Wait to Protect Your Claim

Get your free consultation with Boston's bilingual workers' compensation lawyer.

Free Consultation

Call 24/7 for a Free Case Review

Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Benefits You Deserve

Attorney John J. Sheehan pursues every benefit the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) allows. The benefit you receive depends on how serious your injury is and how long it keeps you out of work.

- All reasonable and necessary treatment for your work injury
- Doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescriptions
- No time limit and no dollar cap on covered care
- No co-pays or deductibles for authorized treatment
- 60% of your average weekly wage while you cannot work at all
- Payable for up to 156 weeks (three years)
- Capped at the current statewide maximum
- 60% of the difference between your old wage and what you can earn now
- Capped at 75% of your Section 34 rate, for up to 260 weeks
- For workers who return to lighter or lower-paying duty
- Two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage with no week limit
- Payable for as long as the disability lasts, potentially for life
- Cost-of-living adjustments after two years
- A one-time lump sum for permanent loss of a body part or function
- Separate payments for significant scarring or disfigurement
- Paid in addition to your weekly wage-replacement benefits
- Job retraining and placement if you cannot return to your old role
- Skill development and vocational counseling
- Death benefits and funeral costs for surviving dependents

As of October 1, 2025, the DIA sets the maximum weekly benefit at $1,922.48 and the minimum at $384.50. These figures reset every October 1, so your injury date determines the rate that applies to your case.

Important: Massachusetts workers' compensation provides these benefits regardless of who caused your accident. Even if the injury was partially your fault, you still qualify for full benefits.

Your Rights as an Immigrant or Spanish-Speaking Worker

Your immigration status does not take away your right to benefits. Attorney John J. Sheehan understands the barriers immigrant and Spanish-speaking workers face and fights to remove them.

Massachusetts has guaranteed workers' comp benefits regardless of immigration status since 2003.
Filing a claim is a civil matter with no immigration consequences, and it stays confidential.
It is illegal for an employer to threaten you with ICE or fire you for filing a claim.
Cash pay, missing records, or a bogus "independent contractor" label do not disqualify you, and Attorney Sheehan proves wages through bank deposits and witness testimony.
Attorney Sheehan speaks Spanish personally, so nothing about your case is lost in translation.

Third-Party Claims: Additional Compensation Beyond Workers' Comp

Insurance Company Discrimination

When another company or defective equipment caused your workplace accident, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits:

Common Third-Party Scenarios

General contractor safety violations affecting subcontractor workers
Defective equipment or machinery causing injuries
Motor vehicle accidents on construction sites
Property owner negligence creating unsafe conditions
Crane or equipment operator negligence

Additional Damages Available

Full lost wages (not just 60%)
Pain and suffering compensation
Future medical expenses
Loss of future earning capacity

Attorney John J. Sheehan investigates every workplace accident to pursue third-party liability claims, often recovering significantly more than workers' comp alone.

Hurt at Work? Every Benefit Has a Deadline.

As a bilingual Boston workers' compensation lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, Attorney John J. Sheehan fights for every benefit you are owed, with no fee unless he wins.

Free Consultation

Call 24/7 for a Free Case Review

Featured Reviews

More Client Testimonials

right for you background

Why Injured Workers Choose Attorney John J. Sheehan

Immediate Action
We step in quickly to protect your rights, secure medical care, and deal with insurance companies.
Proven Results
With over 30 years of experience and millions recovered, we know how to build strong cases and push for the maximum compensation.
Hablamos Español
We explain every step of the process in simple terms — in English or Spanish — so nothing gets lost in translation.

The Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Process

Attorney John J. Sheehan guides you through every step of the complex Massachusetts system:

Step
1
- Notify your supervisor immediately — orally is sufficient
- Your employer must file Form 101 within 7 days
- Seek medical attention right away
- Document everything — photos, witness statements, incident reports
Step
2
- Employee claim form must be filed within 4 years
- Attorney Sheehan completes all paperwork
- Medical evidence and wage records submitted
- Initial claim review by the insurance company
Step
3
Massachusetts has a unique 4-stage system:
Conciliation (12-14 Days)
- Informal conference with DIA conciliator
- Attempt to resolve disputes without a hearing
- Most straightforward cases settle at this stage
Conference (2-4 Months)
- Administrative Judge reviews your case
- Temporary order determines benefits during the case
- You have only 14 days to appeal the Conference order
- Attorney Sheehan's preparation is crucial here
Hearing (If Necessary)
- Formal court proceeding with live testimony
- Medical examinations and depositions
- Full presentation of evidence
Reviewing Board Appeal
- Three-judge panel reviews hearing decision
- Written arguments and legal briefs
- Additional appeals to the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court may be available in some cases

Our Legal Process

Meet Our Team

Since 1993, Attorney John Sheehan has represented injured workers and accident victims across Massachusetts, fighting for justice against powerful insurers and corporations. Fluent in Spanish and deeply involved in Boston’s Hispanic community, John has earned a reputation for listening, explaining complex legal matters, and securing maximum compensation for his clients.

Behind John is a strong team of legal professionals who share one goal: providing each client with direct counsel and relentless advocacy. With decades of legal experience, we approach each case with the understanding that every injury and every person is unique.

Learn More John J. Sheehan

John J. Sheehan

John J. Sheehan

Managing Attorney

Mary Lopez
Senior Paralegal and Office Coordinator
Santina Sheehan
Office Manager/HR Generalist

Serving Workplace Injury Victims Throughout Massachusetts

Lawrence
Methuen
Haverhill
Lynn
Chelsea
Revere
Everett
Malden

More Cities We Cover

map img

Wakefield Office
Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC 607 North, Ave, Suite 2A-12 Wakefield, MA 01880
Boston Office
Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC 
10 Tremont St. Suite 309
Boston, MA 02108

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Compensation

Nothing up front. In many disputes, Massachusetts law requires the insurance company to pay your attorney's fee when your claim succeeds. In a lump-sum settlement, the fee is a set percentage that a DIA judge must approve. Either way, the initial consultation is free, and you never pay Attorney Sheehan out of pocket.
You are not paid for the first five days you are out of work. Benefits begin on the sixth day, and if you stay out 21 days or more, you are paid back for those first five days too. Medical treatment is covered from the day you are injured. Overall timing depends on your recovery and how hard the insurer fights, since accepted claims move faster than contested ones, and Attorney Sheehan works to start temporary benefits quickly while building toward your maximum recovery.
No. Massachusetts workers' compensation law protects all workers regardless of immigration status. Your employer cannot use your immigration status as a reason to deny your claim, and filing a workers' comp claim will not affect any current or future immigration proceedings. This information remains confidential. Attorney Sheehan speaks fluent Spanish and ensures you fully understand every aspect of your case, and all DIA proceedings are translated with interpreters.
You have the right to choose your treating physician. Attorney Sheehan can help you find doctors experienced with workplace injuries who understand the workers' comp system.
You still qualify for workers' compensation benefits. Attorney Sheehan has experience proving wages through bank deposits, witness testimony, and other evidence, so cash payment doesn't disqualify you from benefits. Many employers illegally misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid providing workers' comp coverage, and Attorney Sheehan investigates your work relationship and fights misclassification, often obtaining coverage even when employers claim you're not an employee. Massachusetts law also strictly prohibits employer retaliation, so if your employer fires, demotes, or discriminates against you for filing a claim, you have additional legal remedies.
During the first 180 days (the pay-without-prejudice period), an insurer can reduce or end your checks with seven days' notice, even after it starts paying. That is exactly when an experienced lawyer is most valuable, because we push the insurer to accept liability so your benefits become far harder to cut off.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system. Even if you made a mistake that contributed to your accident, you still qualify for full benefits. As long as your work injury arises out of and in the course of your employment, you can receive workers' comp benefits.
Only after a full review. A lump sum trades your future weekly benefits for one payment, so it must account for long-term treatment and lost earning power. Attorney Sheehan values your claim before you sign so you are not shortchanged.
Claim denials are common but often successful on appeal. Attorney Sheehan has extensive experience overturning wrongful denials by filing a workers' compensation claim with the DIA. Never accept a denial without legal review.

Get Your Free Consultation with Attorney John J. Sheehan

Don't let language barriers, immigration worries, or insurance-company pressure keep you from the benefits you deserve. As a bilingual Boston workers' compensation lawyer, Attorney John J. Sheehan has fought for the Commonwealth's injured workers for more than 30 years. Call today for your free, confidential consultation.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.