boston bridge

Boston Personal Injury Lawyer

Boston Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Fighting for the Rights of Injured Workers

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.

Common Construction Injuries We Handle

Attorney John J. Sheehan represents Boston construction workers injured in all types of workplace accidents:

- Scaffold collapses and falls from height
- Ladder accidents and unstable surfaces
- Tools and materials falling from above
- Roofing and elevated work accidents
- Heavy machinery crush injuries
- Power tool accidents and electrocutions
- Crane and hoist accidents
- Vehicle and truck accidents on construction sites
- Being struck by moving vehicles or equipment
- Caught between objects or machinery
- Trench cave-ins and excavation accidents
- Structural collapses
- Toxic exposure to chemicals and asbestos
- Burns from hot surfaces or chemicals
- Respiratory injuries from dust and fumes
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones and fractures
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Hand, finger, and limb amputations
- Cuts, lacerations, and scarring

Don't Waste Time

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 fights to get you every benefit available under Massachusetts law:

- All medical treatment related to your work injury
- Doctor visits, surgery, and physical therapy
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Transportation costs to medical appointments
- No co-pays or deductibles for work injuries
- Temporary Total Disability: 60% of your average weekly wages
- Partial Disability: Compensation for reduced earning capacity
- Permanent Total Disability: Lifetime benefits for severe injuries
- Current maximum weekly benefit: $1,922.48 (as of October 1, 2025)
- Job retraining if you cannot return to construction work
- Education and skill development programs
- Job placement assistance
- Vocational counseling and assessment
- Scheduled loss payments for permanent injuries
- Loss of limb or digit compensation
- Vision or hearing loss benefits
- Disfigurement awards for visible scarring

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.

Special Issues Facing Latino Construction Workers

Attorney John J. Sheehan understands the unique challenges Latino construction workers face and fights to overcome them:

Wage Theft and Misclassification

Employer claims you're an "independent contractor"
Payment in cash with no records
Employer denies that you were working when injured
Missing wage documentation for benefit calculations

Language Barriers in Safety Training

Inadequate safety training in Spanish
Misunderstood safety instructions leading to accidents
No interpretation at medical appointments
Confusion about workers' comp rights and process

Employer Intimidation and Retaliation

Threats of firing for filing workers' comp claims
Threats to call immigration authorities
Pressure to return to work too soon
Denial of light duty or modified work

Insurance Company Discrimination

Assumptions about immigration status
Inadequate interpretation services
Rushed medical examinations
Unfair claim denials based on bias

Attorney Sheehan has successfully fought these issues for hundreds of Latino construction workers, ensuring they receive full benefits and protection under Massachusetts law.

Third-Party Claims: Additional Compensation Beyond Workers' Comp

When another company or defective equipment caused your construction 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 construction accident to pursue third-party liability claims, often recovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional compensation for injured workers.

Get Free Consultation Now

Free Consultation

Call 24/7 for a Free Case Review

Real Stories from real clients

More Client Testimonials

right for you background

Why Construction 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) - THE CRITICAL STAGE
- 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

Gianpiere Alcantara
Associate 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

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.
You still qualify for workers' compensation benefits. Attorney Sheehan has experience proving wages through bank deposits, witness testimony, and other evidence. Cash payment doesn't disqualify you from benefits.
No. Massachusetts law strictly prohibits employer retaliation against employees who file workers' compensation claims. If your employer fires, demotes, or discriminates against you for filing a claim, you have additional legal remedies.
Many construction companies illegally misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid providing workers' comp coverage. Attorney Sheehan investigates your work relationship and fights misclassification, often obtaining coverage even when employers claim you're not an employee.
Nothing unless you recover benefits. The Law Office of John J. Sheehan handles workers' compensation cases on a contingency-fee basis. Attorney fees in workers' compensation settlements are 20% or 15% of the settlement. The attorney's fee and attorney expenses are deducted from the settlement.
Medical benefits continue as long as treatment is necessary. Disability benefits depend on your injury type and recovery. Some injuries qualify for permanent benefits. Attorney Sheehan ensures you receive benefits for as long as legally available.
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.
You have the right to choose your treating physician. Attorney Sheehan can help you find doctors experienced with construction injuries who understand the workers' comp system.
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.
How long the workers' comp process takes depends on your injury and medical treatment. Attorney Sheehan works to expedite your case while ensuring maximum recovery. Temporary benefits often begin much sooner.
Workers' compensation covers all necessary medical treatment, including surgery. Attorney Sheehan works to get authorization for required procedures and fights insurance company delays in medical care.
You may be able to return to modified or light-duty work while still receiving partial benefits. Attorney Sheehan helps coordinate return-to-work plans that protect your benefits and recovery.
If your injury prevents you from returning to construction, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation, retraining, and, in some cases, permanent disability benefits. Attorney Sheehan helps secure these long-term benefits.
You may have both a workers' comp claim and a third-party lawsuit. This can result in much higher compensation. Attorney Sheehan investigates all potentially responsible parties.
No. All DIA proceedings are translated into Spanish with interpreters. Attorney Sheehan speaks fluent Spanish and ensures you fully understand every aspect of your case.

Get Your Free Consultation with Attorney John J. Sheehan

Don't let language barriers, immigration concerns, or employer intimidation prevent you from getting the benefits you deserve. Attorney John J. Sheehan has been fighting for Boston's Latino construction community for over 30 years.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.