What to Do after a Work Accident in Malden, MA

Work injuries can occur at construction sites, offices, and many other types of work settings. If there is a workers’ compensation policy and a worker suffers an illness or injury within the scope of their employment, they should be awarded workers’ compensation benefits. However, not all employers in Malden maintain workers’ compensation policies, even though they may be required to do so.

Depending on the nature of the injury and whether there is a permanent loss of function, receiving workers’ compensation benefits could be crucial for you and your family. However, the steps taken following a workplace injury could affect your compensation. Contact a trusted attorney for more information on what to do after a work accident in Malden, MA.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Workplace Injury in Malden

In some cases, an injury may not manifest itself immediately. You may only become aware of work-related injury weeks, or months, after the incident. However, as soon as you become aware of the injury, it may be beneficial to take the following steps:

• Seek medical care
• Notify the employer
• Take notes on the incident and injury
• Take photographs

There may be various ways in which you could provide notification to their employer regarding a work-related injury, but providing notification in writing is preferable. It is important to provide notification of the injury as soon as possible so that the insurance company and Department of Industrial Accidents can be made aware of the situation.

Seeking medical treatment in a timely manner after sustaining an injury could increase your chance of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Whether an individual is able to get Malden workers’ compensation benefits immediately from the insurance company or faces an appeal to the Department of Industrial Accidents, documentation is vital to your claim.

Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment Following a Workplace Accident

The health and well-being of a worker should be an employer’s top priority. In addition, a delay in seeking treatment could make any work injury or illness potentially worse. Also, failing to seek out medical treatment following an accident could have a negative impact on a compensation claim. By delaying treatment, a worker could make it challenging for a workers’ compensation attorney to recover benefits on their behalf.

Notifying Your Employer of an Injury

Once a worker’s medical situation stabilizes, it is crucial that they notify their employer of the injury. Even though an employer is likely aware of the accident, it is important to take all measures necessary for avoiding any delay.

Massachusetts Statute 152 Section 41 requires workers to notify their employer of a work-related injury or illness as soon as practicable. A worker should notify their employer or supervisor in writing of the injury right away. The notice should also provide necessary details of how the accident occurred and when the injury happened.

Preserving Evidence in a Workers’ Comp Case

In many cases, a Wakefield workers’ compensation claim will come down to a hearing. When that happens, physical evidence could be crucial. Photographic evidence of the accident scene could provide illuminating context regarding how a victim suffered injury. Testimony from witnesses could also provide context for the cause of your injuries.

Retaining Legal Assistance

While an injured Wakefield worker has the right to handle their own claim, the risks of doing so are significant. Most employees are not versed in the rules of the workers’ compensation system. In some cases, even seemingly minor errors could result in the denial of a claim. With so much at stake, hiring an accomplished lawyer could prove beneficial.

Importance of Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the claim, you may be able to get a workers’ compensation settlement with the help of an attorney. If you and the insurance company cannot come to an agreement regarding compensation for medical costs and other losses, you may have to file a claim with the Department of Industrial Accidents.

Appealing a denial of workers’ compensation benefits could be a complicated process without the assistance of a Malden workers’ compensation attorney. It may be necessary to put forth detailed and accurate evidence such as bills and records. Taking care to provide sufficient evidence in the earlier stages of the process could help you avoid having to pursue further legal action.

Contact an Attorney for Legal Assistance

It is never too soon to begin considering your legal options after a work-related injury. There are important deadlines in the legal process. Missing such deadlines could jeopardize your claim. Speaking with a seasoned attorney about what to do after a work accident in Malden could be the first step towards receiving the workers’ compensation benefits that you deserve. To begin your case today, be sure to get in touch with an attorney.