Lynnfield Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
There are several types of on-the-job accidents that can lead to serious injuries. For example, slip and fall accidents, overexertion, and vehicle crashes are all common sources of injuries for employees in Lynnfield.
In the aftermath of a workplace accident, you can obtain payment for your injuries by filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. However, your employer’s insurance company may attempt to deny benefits by disputing key elements of your claim.
If you need to file a Workers’ Compensation claim in Lynnfield, get help recovering the monetary damages available to you. Reach out to our experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407. Our team can offer a free case review.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Claimants in Lynnfield
There are multiple different types of Workers’ Compensation benefits you may recover after being hurt on the job. The benefits awarded in your claim will likely depend on the severity of your injury and its overall impact on your ability to work. During an assessment of your case, our Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help determine which of the ensuing benefits may be obtained:
Total Incapacity Benefits
You may recover total incapacity benefits if your injury restricts you from performing any work whatsoever. Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 34, you can receive total incapacity benefits for up to 60% of your average weekly income and may be awarded such benefits for a maximum of 3 years.
Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits
Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 34A, another type of benefits available through Workers’ Compensation claims in Lynnfield are permanent and total incapacity benefits. This form of compensation is awarded to those who are permanently restricted from performing any type of job. Permanent and total incapacity benefits may compensate you for anywhere between 20% and 66% of your average weekly income. Additionally, they may be awarded for as long as you are injured. If you believe you qualify for permanent and total incapacity benefits, call our Workers’ Compensation lawyers for help pursuing the full range of payment available in your claim.
Partial Incapacity Benefits
Partial incapacity benefits are outlined by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 34A. They are assigned to employees who are limited in the type of work they can perform or the quantity of work they can tend to. If your claim for partial incapacity benefits succeeds, you may be awarded up to 70% of your average weekly income. Thankfully, you can contact our law firm for help obtaining such benefits in your case.
Specific Injury Benefits
Lastly, according to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 36, you can also obtain payment for specific injuries you sustained on the job. Specific injury benefits compensate claimants for illnesses or injuries that cause scarring, disfigurement, or restriction of certain bodily functions. Furthermore, those filing for such benefits may also be awarded a one-time payment.
Can Your Boss Force You to Return to Work After Suffering an On-the-Job Injury in Lynnfield?
You employer cannot force you to return to work after suffering an on-the-job injury. The only way you may be forced to return to work is if the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) orders a report from an impartial doctor who decides that you are clear to return to work.
When you return to work after suffering an on-the-job injury, you are given a 28-day trial period to ensure you are capable of satisfying your job responsibilities. During this period, you must inform your employer and their Workers’ Compensation insurance company if you feel that you are unable to continue working. You can call our law firm for help dealing with an employer who is forcing you to return to work. Our experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help protect your interests and navigate the complex path to recovery.
Can You Recover Payment for Injuries Caused by Workplace Violence in Lynnfield?
Some workers are injured because of workplace violence. For example, a customer may assault a sales clerk, or an employee may be harassed by one of their coworkers. In Lynnfield, Workers’ Compensation insurance often serves as the sole remedy for injuries caused by workplace violence.
The injuries caused by workplace violence can be very serious. If you suffered such injuries, you should call our Workers’ Compensation lawyers for help recovering monetary damages for the harm you incurred.
Are Employers in Lynnfield Required to Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Employers in Lynnfield are required to provide Workers’ Compensation insurance for their employees. If your employer did not purchase such insurance, then they may be sued for any workplace injuries you suffer. If you were hurt on the job and found out that your boss does not carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, call our law firm right away. Our experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help build your case and fight for the monetary damages you deserve.
Can You See Your Own Doctors for Your Workplace Injury in Lynnfield?
If you were hurt on the job, then you may seek medical care from any doctor you wish. In some cases, employers and insurance companies may enter into “preferred provider agreements.” If your employer or their insurer has entered into such an agreement, then you may have to make your first doctor’s appointment at one of the preferred facilities. Still, after the first appointment, you can seek treatment from a doctor of your choice.
It is important to see a doctor that will provide a fair assessment of your injuries. In some cases, physicians recommended by employers and their insurers will attempt to downplay claimants’ injuries in order to minimize the amount of payment they can recover. Thankfully, you may reach out to our Workers’ Compensation lawyers for help finding the right doctors for you.
Workers’ Compensation Claimants in Lynnfield Can Call Our Law Firm for Help
If you wish to file a Workers’ Compensation claim, seek assistance from our experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by calling (617) 925-6407 today.