What Should You Do After a Workplace Injury in Massachusetts?
Workers across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, particularly those in manual labor roles, are exposed to the danger of injury every day like from excavation digging and trench accidents while doing their necessary work. If you were injured while at work, you should know what steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of financial recovery for your injuries.
You should always look to get medical care after an injury suffered at work, even if you or others don’t believe that your injuries appear serious. You should immediately notify your employer or supervisor of the accident and your injuries. You can work with your lawyer to establish documentation of the injuries and testimony from witnesses to the accident. Be sure to work quickly, though, because you only have a limited period of time to take action to achieve justice.
No matter what stage of your recovery you may find yourself in, you stand to benefit from the knowledgeable counsel of the Massachusetts workplace injury attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan. We can offer you a free initial case evaluation when you call us at (617) 925-6407 today.
Steps to Take After You Suffer a Workplace Injury in Massachusetts
The best way to approach a workplace injury with your recovery in mind is to go through the proper steps one by one to ensure that all your bases are covered. Below is an outline of what the process should look like.
Get Medical Attention
You will want to visit an emergency room or some other medical care provider as soon as possible after you are injured on the job. For one thing, your health should be your priority, and early medical care can prevent serious injuries from worsening. But from the legal perspective, obtaining medical care soon after the injuries makes it more difficult for your employer or insurance provider to claim that you suffered your injuries later. Be sure to let your medical provider know that you suffered your injuries while at work.
Report Your Injury to Your Employer
You should notify your employer of the accident and your injuries as soon as possible. You can even tell your employer or supervisor before you know the extent of your injuries. In these situations, it is always helpful to provide notice well in advance of any lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim.
Start Gathering Information
Every bit of information you can gather may benefit you down the road. Keep copies of all correspondence between you and your employer, your medical care provider, and the insurance company. Try your best to document the circumstances that gave rise to the accident that injured you. If there were witnesses, make sure that you have contact information for them. Make a record of all medical expenses and missed time at work that you incur while dealing with your injuries. You can provide all of this information to your Massachusetts workplace injury lawyer, who can store it for when you ultimately need it.
Contact a Lawyer
It is never too early to speak with an experienced Boston workplace injury attorney about your situation. Your lawyer can help you file paperwork, collect evidence, deal with insurance companies, and ultimately represent you if your case goes to court. In these situations, where your recovery is so critical for your physical and financial well-being, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
What if You Don’t Think Your Workplace Injury is Serious?
Unfortunately, many workers who are injured on the job are discouraged from seeking care by supervisors or employers. Injured employees may be told that these accidents “happen all the time,” or that their injuries “aren’t that bad.” This is how liable employers get away with negligently permitting unsafe work conditions to fester. You should never take your workplace injury lightly, even if you don’t feel that it is affecting your ability to do your job. Many of these conditions have the potential to become substantially worse if left untreated.
Always seek medical attention after an injury. If your employer discourages you from getting medical care or threatens you with termination, talk to our experienced Cambridge workers compensation lawyer about your rights.
How Long Do You Have to Act After a Workplace Injury in Massachusetts?
Whether you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit for employer negligence, there are legal time limits that prevent you from waiting too long to file.
If you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim, you must do so within four years of the date that you become aware of the connection between your injury and your employment. Typically, most injured workers are aware of this connection immediately. However, in some cases, such as illnesses contracted from exposure to toxic substances on a worksite, it may take years before the employee receives a diagnosis and recognizes the connection. You have the ability to use a lawyer to file your official workers’ compensation claim. If your claim is denied, you have four years from the date you receive the denial to appeal it.
If you wish to bring a lawsuit for a work-related personal injury against your employer or a third party, you must start your lawsuit within three years of discovering the connection between injury and employment. Lawsuits are only available where the injured party can show that the defendant was negligent or reckless in a way that led to the accident. However, if you are able to file a lawsuit, your potential damages will likely be substantially higher than the amount you would receive through a workers’ compensation distribution. Talk to your Wakefield workers compensation lawyer about which path is right for you.
Suffered a Workplace Injury in Massachusetts? The Law Office of John J. Sheehan is Here for You
With something as important as your workplace injury recovery, never go at it alone. Get a free initial case review with our Framingham personal injury lawyers today by calling (617) 925-6407.