Danvers, MA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Employers in Danvers, MA are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. Workers’ Compensation insurance provides crucial benefits to employees who have been injured on the job. There are multiple categories of benefits that may be pursued.
However, recovering monetary damages through Workers’ Compensation claims can be difficult. Dealing with employers and insurance companies is often a frustrating task for injured employees. Furthermore, some insurers may attempt to decrease the value of workers’ claims.
If you suffered a work-related illness or injury in Danvers, MA, get help seeking the financial compensation available to you. Contact our experienced Danvers Workers’ Compensation lawyers by calling The Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.
Types of Benefits Available to Workers’ Compensation Claimants in Danvers, MA
Thera are multiple categories of benefits available to Workers’ Compensation claimants in Danvers, MA. The compensation awarded in your case will likely depend on the type of injuries you incurred. Our experienced Danvers Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help ascertain which of the following types of benefits may be awarded in your case:
Total Incapacity Benefits
Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 34 allows for injured employees to recover total incapacity benefits. These benefits are available to employees who cannot perform any work at all because of their work-related injury or illness. Injured workers who qualify for total incapacity benefits may retain 60% of their average weekly income through Workers’ Compensation insurance.
When filing for total incapacity benefits, your average weekly wage will be based on your average income earned for the 52 weeks prior to suffering your injury. If awarded, you may continue to receive total incapacity benefits for up to 3 years.
Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits
Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 34A, Workers’ Compensation claimants who qualify may also recover permanent and total incapacity benefits. Permanent and total incapacity benefits are provided to injured employees who are permanently and totally unable to perform any kind of work because of their work-related illness or injury. Claimants do not need to exhaust all of their temporary total incapacity benefits before applying for permanent benefits.
Permanent and total incapacity benefits can provide compensation for up to 66% of your average weekly income. The minimum amount that can be awarded is 20% and you may receive such benefits for as long as you are disabled. Our experienced Danvers Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help fight for permanent and total incapacity benefits in your case.
Partial Incapacity Benefits
Furthermore, according to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, §35, injured employees may also pursue partial incapacity benefits for their work-related injuries. Workers may recover partial incapacity benefits after suffering on-the-job injuries that restrict the amount of work they can handle or limit the type of work they can perform. Partial incapacity benefits are paid on a weekly basis and may compensate a claimant for up to 75% of their weekly income.
Benefits for Specific Injuries and Scarring
Lastly, Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 36 has established that Workers’ Compensation claimants may also recover benefits for specific injuries. This type of benefits compensates employees who have suffered a workplace illness or injury that led to a loss of certain specific bodily functions, disfigurement, or scarring.
In order to be compensated for scarring, the scars must be located on your hands, face, or neck. If you qualify for specific injury benefits, you will receive a one-time payment. This payment is in addition to other benefits like lost wages or medical bills. The assistance of our Danvers Workers’ Compensation lawyers can be highly beneficial when filing for benefits for specific injuries.
What Damages Are Not Covered by Workers Compensation Insurance in Danvers, MA?
Unfortunately, there are categories of damages that cannot be recovered through Workers’ Compensation. For example, many victims of workplace accidents suffer immense physical pain and emotional suffering. However, non-economic damages for pain and suffering may not be awarded in Workers’ Compensation claims.
In some cases, workers may be able to file injury lawsuits after suffering work-related injuries. Plaintiffs in workplace injury lawsuits can recover both economic and noneconomic damages related to their injuries. Our attorneys can explain all of the legal options available to you during a free case review.
Common Work-Related Injuries Suffered by Employees in Danvers, MA
Workplace injuries can come in many forms. Some injuries may heal quickly while others can require expensive, long-term medical care. The following are common work-related injuries suffered by employees in Danvers, MA:
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and Back injuries are a very common type of work-related injury. Neck and back injuries are often debilitating and can be very painful. When workers suffer soft-tissue injuries such as strains and sprains to muscles in their back, they can experience severe immobility. Furthermore, in more serious cases, employees can incur spinal cord injuries that lead to devastating symptoms such as paralysis.
Neck and back injuries can arise from a variety of causes. Many workers suffer such injuries when pulling, pushing, lifting, or carrying heavy objects. Our Danvers Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help recover compensation for work-related neck and back injuries.
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Carpel tunnel syndrome is another common type of work-related injury suffered by employees in Danvers. Carpel tunnel is a type of repetitive stress injury that may lead to tingling, numbness, and pain in the wrist and hand. Office workers who type for extended periods of time are especially susceptible to suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome. Many who suffer from carpel tunnel have trouble performing the same work they could before their injury.
Broken Bones
Furthermore, broken bones are a common type of work-relate injury. There are several types of workplace accidents that can cause broken bones. For example, factory workers may suffer broken bones when getting their hands caught in the machinery they operate. Furthermore, a commercial vehicle driver may suffer broken bones in an on-the-job vehicle accident. In any case, our Danvers Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help injured employees pursue compensation related to their broken bones.
If You Suffered a Work-Related Illness or Injury in Danvers, MA, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you suffered a work-related illness or injury, seek assistance from our experienced Danvers Workers’ Compensation lawyers by calling The Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review.
