What Agency Do You Contact for Help with a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Massachusetts?

Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in Massachusetts can be overwhelming for injured employees. That’s why it’s important to learn which agency to contact for information on how to get benefits after a work-related injury.

The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) oversees Massachusetts’ Workers’ Compensation insurance system. Injured workers must notify the DIA and their employer’s insurance carrier before filing a claim. The main purpose of this agency is to facilitate discussions with injured workers and insurance carriers. The DIA’s Reviewing Board also has the power to overturn a Workers’ Compensation hearing decision, granting benefits to injured Massachusetts workers. That being said, the DIA doesn’t advocate for workers, as it serves employers, insurance carriers, and employees alike. Because of that, it’s important for injured Massachusetts workers to hire an attorney that will represent their interests through the claims process.

Our attorneys are dedicated to helping Massachusetts employees get the benefits they deserve after a work-related injury. For a free case evaluation with the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan, call today at (617) 925-6407.

What Agency Do You Use to You File Your Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you’ve been recently injured while on the job in Massachusetts and plan to file a Workers’ Compensation insurance claim, the DIA can provide crucial information. In fact, injured Massachusetts workers must inform the DIA of their plans to file an insurance claim by filling out the necessary forms.

After sustaining a work-related injury, your Boston Workers’ Compensation attorney can help you inform the DIA of your need for compensation. To do so, you must submit a completed Form 110 to the DIA and send a copy to your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier.

If you’re unsure what information you need to gather in order to file a successful Workers’ Compensation claim, the DIA spells it out on its website. That being said, it’s still important to hire an attorney. Compiling your medical records, lost wages, witness statements, and other supporting evidence can be difficult. While Massachusetts’ Department of Industrial Accidents can tell you which evidence you need to include on Form 110 and what to bring to your first conciliation meeting, your Waltham, MA workers’ compensation lawyer can help you to compile that evidence.

The DIA allows injured Massachusetts workers to submit Form 110 by mail or in person. Remember, your attorney can help you complete this form and send it to the Department of Industrial Accidents to begin accessing Workers’ Compensation benefits properly. The DIA will tell you what forms you need to file, but it won’t help you file them.

What Agency Facilitates Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Claim Appeals?

In addition to facilitating the filing of Workers’ Compensation insurance claims in Massachusetts, the Department of Industrial Accidents also facilitates appeals. If an employer’s carrier denied your Workers’ Compensation claim, the DIA offers pathways for you appeal it.

The protocols for filing an appeal and filing an initial Workers’ Compensation claim in Massachusetts are relatively similar. To file an appeal, workers must complete Form 110 again, this time including additional evidence that may support their claim. For example, suppose your original claim was denied by an employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier. In that case, it may be because you did not have sufficient medical records to prove the extent of your injuries. Your Cambridge Workers’ Compensation attorney will advise you to seek additional medical to corroborate your appeal.

Injured Massachusetts workers must resend Form 110 and any updated information to the DIA and their employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier. The DIA will then facilitate a second conciliation meeting with your employer’s insurer to reach an agreement for benefits. If a Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier is unwilling to offer sufficient compensation for your injuries, additional proceedings will occur, like conferences, pre-hearing conferences, and hearings. If the results of a hearing are not favorable to a victim, they can file another appeal to the DIA’s Reviewing Board within 30 days.

Remember, the DIA doesn’t provide legal advice to victims filing a Workers’ Compensation appeal. The agency won’t help you navigate the difficult appeals process, but your attorney will.

Why Should You Hire an Attorney for Help with a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Massachusetts?

Although the DIA does offer information to injured Massachusetts workers when filing a Workers’ Compensation claim, the agency does not advocate for victims in the same way that a lawyer does. That is why it is crucial for Massachusetts victims to hire a Workers’ Compensation attorney and not rely on the Department of Industrial Accidents for help with their claims.

The DIA facilitates discussions between injured Massachusetts workers and insurance companies. It does not represent injured workers during settlement negotiations. It’s important to remember that the Department of Industrial Accidents also serves insurance companies and employees, not just injured workers. The DIA’s job is to ensure that each party is taking the proper steps throughout the claims process. That being said, it is not an agency that specifically advocates for victims.

Conversely, your lawyer will advocate for you. Hiring a Malden Workers’ Compensation attorney is crucial so that you can properly file a claim and appeal if necessary. Although the DIA can give tips for victims and inform injured workers of the claims process, the assistance generally stops there.

Your lawyer will guide you through filing a Workers’ Compensation claim and help you to gather evidence that supports your claim. It can be challenging for injured workers to navigate various DIA proceedings and protocols without an attorney. Hiring a lawyer familiar with filing Workers’ Compensation insurance claims in Massachusetts and the DIA’s requirements can greatly help injured workers.

Call Our Massachusetts Attorneys for Help Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Today

If you’ve sustained a workplace injury in Massachusetts, hire a lawyer that will fight for you. For a free case evaluation with the Somerville Workers’ Compensation attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan, call today at (617) 925-6407.