Middleton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The experienced attorneys at our law firm understand the substantial impact a workplace injury can have on your life. Victims of on-the-job accidents often need financial support to deal with the lost wages and medical bills they incur because of their injuries.
You can pursue damages for your work-related injury by filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. However, the process for filing a claim can be frustrating. Your employer’s insurance company may complicate the settlement process and withhold the payment that you are owed.
Injured workers in Middleton can seek help from our experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by calling (617) 925-6407.
How Can You Tell if Your Injury is Work-Related?
Any harm that is suffered while performing your job will be considered a work-related injury. Some injuries happen because of accidents that occur at work. For example, a construction worker may sustain soft tissue damage because of a slip and fall. Meanwhile, other conditions like carpal tunnel and illnesses caused by toxic exposure will develop slowly over time.
Insurance companies sometimes try to deny payment of claims by attesting that workers’ injuries and illnesses were not sustained within the scope of their employment, which is one of the claims we can challenge.
Examples of Work-Related Injuries Sustained by Employees in Middleton
There are many types of injuries that employees seek damages for, including the following examples:
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries are injuries sustained from repeated motions over long periods. For example, carpel tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury often caused by excessive typing. Further, manual laborers may develop tendinitis, bursitis, rotator cuff syndrome, and other soft tissue injuries.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries regularly occur because of dangerous hazards at work. For instance, an office worker may slip and fall because of water tracked into the lobby on a rainy day that no one mopped up or put mats down for.
Overexertion Injuries
Also, overexertion injuries are a common type of work-related harm that can occur. These injuries happen when employees have to pull, push, lift, hold, or carry heavy items. Overexertion is common in nearly any field, but more so for construction workers, warehouse workers, and factory workers.
Entanglement Injuries
Entanglement injuries are injuries that happen when body parts and pieces of clothing become caught in dangerous machinery. Entanglement injuries can be devastating and may involve lost limbs and internal organ damage.
Falling Object Injuries
Finally, many workers suffer injuries because they are struck by falling objects. Workers on construction sights and those in the manufacturing industry are most likely to suffer this type of harm. The injuries caused by falling objects can be debilitating and painful.
Steps to Take After Being Hurt at Work in Middleton
There are specific steps you should take to help your chances of recovering benefits through a Workers’ Compensation claim.
First, notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible. They should initiate the process for filing your claim right away. If you forget to tell your boss, you may miss your chance to recover monetary damages.
Also seek medical attention for your injuries. All injuries must be properly documented to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. Letting your injuries heal on their own without documentation could make proving your claim harder.
Keeping a journal documenting the effects of your injuries on daily living is also important. By keeping track of your symptoms, you can establish an timeline of your recovery that supports your factual claims.
Finally, you should reach out to our Workers’ Compensation lawyers as quickly as you can after sustaining an on-the-job injury. Our legal team will help assess your case, gather evidence, and file your claim. If your benefits are improperly denied, we will deal with the insurance company and work to recover the benefits you are entitled to.
Can You Sue Your Employer After Being Injured at Work in Middleton?
If you are injured by negligence at work, you typically cannot sue your employer or a coworker. In such cases, workers are typically limited to seeking benefits through the Workers’ Compensation system or suing another party for damages other than their employer. This could include manufacturers of work equipment, customers, clients, contractors, vendors, and anyone else who might have been responsible other than your boss and coworkers.
Middleton Workers Hurt Because of Workplace Violence
Some workers may be injured as the result of workplace violence. For example, a grocery store clerk may be attacked by an irritated an unstable customer. If you were hurt as the result of violence in the workplace, you can attempt to pursue Workers’ Compensation benefits. However, your employer’s insurance company may be reluctant to pay for an injury related to intentional violence. Thankfully, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the aggressor seeking compensation for the damages you incurred.
Who Pays for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Middleton?
Employers in Massachusetts are required to provide Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage for their employees. After being hurt at work, your benefits will be paid by your boss’s insurance company. However, if your employer does not carry insurance, you can often sue them directly for damages.
Can You See Your Own Doctor After Suffering a Workplace Injury in Middleton?
You are entitled to visit any medical provider you want unless your employer or their Workers’ Compensation insurance company has entered into a “Preferred Provider Agreement.” In that case, you would have to schedule your first appointment at one of the preferred facilities. After that, you can see the doctor of your choice for all other appointments. Failing to see a preferred provider first may jeopardize your Workers’ Compensation claim.
Furthermore, you should be aware the doctors at preferred facilities may not have your best interests in mind. These physicians may attempt to provide a medical evaluation that is favorable to your employer or their insurer.
If You Need to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Middleton, Contact Our Lawyers for Help
Injured employees can seek aid from our Workers’ Compensation attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by calling (617) 925-6407 for a free evaluation of their potential claims.
