Woburn, MA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers who are hurt on-the-job can suffer a variety of painful injuries. These injuries can cause workers to sustain multiple types of damages. Fortunately, our Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help victims of workplace accidents recover payment for their injuries.
Unfortunately, employers and their insurance companies do not always provide claimants with the full range of damages they deserve. For instance, an employer may fail to report your injury to their insurer. Furthermore, an insurance company may wrongfully deny the benefits you deserve.
If you were hurt because of a workplace accident in Woburn, MA, get help pursuing the monetary damages available to you. Get in touch with our experienced Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers by calling The Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407. Our attorneys can review your case for free.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Woburn, MA
Any on-the-job injury can be covered by Workers’ Compensation. If you were hurt because of a workplace accident, you should report your injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible. Afterwards, your employer should initiate the Workers’ Compensation claims process. Our Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help ensure you take the appropriate steps to obtain payment for your workplace injury.
In some cases, injured workers must file their own Workers’ Compensation claims with the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). You should consider filing such a claim under the following circumstances:
- You reported your injury to your boss, but they did not notify their Workers’ Compensation insurer
- Your boss reported your injury to their insurer, but the insurer denied payment or failed to reply
- The Workers’ Compensation insurer approved your claim but has failed to provide the benefits you deserve
Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 41, you will usually have four years from the date of your workplace accident to file your Workers’ Compensation claim with the DIA. To submit such a claim, you must complete an Employee Claim Form 110 and submit it to the DIA in person or by mail. If you believe you need to file a claim with the DIA, you should contact our attorneys for guidance and support. Our team will review your case and determine the proper course of action.
What Benefits Can You Recover if You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Woburn, MA?
There are several types of benefits Workers’ Compensation claimants in Woburn, MA can recover. The damages awarded in your case will most likely depend on the extent of harm you suffered. Our Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help explain which of the following benefits may be available during your free case review:
Total Incapacity Benefits
Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 34 permits injured workers to pursue total incapacity benefits through Workers’ Compensation insurance. Total incapacity benefits can be awarded in cases where the victim cannot perform any work at all because of their on-the-job injury. If you qualify for total incapacity benefits, you may recover 60% of your average weekly income by filing a claim. These benefits can be awarded continually for up to 3 years.
Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits
Also, Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 34A allows injured workers to recover permanent and total incapacity benefits. This form of monetary damages can be awarded in cases where employees are totally and permanently incapable of performing any type of work because of their workplace injuries. For example, a worker who was paralyzed because of spinal cord damage may qualify for permanent and total incapacity benefits.
These benefits may provide payment for up to 66% of your average weekly wage. The minimum amount that can be provided is 20%. Our Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help recover the maximum amount of damages available to you.
Partial Incapacity Benefits
Partial incapacity benefits are another form of benefits that may be sought by Workers’ Compensation claimants under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, §35. These damages will be awarded to injured workers who are restricted by the amount of work they can perform or limited by the type of duties they can carry out. If you qualify for partial incapacity benefits, then you may recover 75% of your average weekly wages on a week-to-week basis.
Benefits for Specific Injuries
Lastly, Workers’ Compensation claimants can also recover benefits for specific injuries. Benefits for specific injuries are available to employees who suffered scarring, disfigurement, or a loss of certain bodily functions. However, in order to recover benefits related to scarring, the scars have to be located on your face, neck, or hands.
Those who qualify for these benefits under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 36 can recover a one-time payment. Our Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help recover benefits for specific injuries in your case.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Workplace Accidents in Woburn, MA
There are a variety of injuries that can be caused by workplace accidents. Our Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help victims recover benefits related to the following types of harm:
Broken Bones
Broken bones are an especially painful type of injury suffered by workers in Woburn. Workers involved in vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and construction accidents often incur such harm. Fortunately, if you suffered broken bones at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are another common type of injury caused by workplace accidents. These injuries occur when workers suffer damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Those with soft tissue injuries are typically prohibited from working during recovery. Our Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help claimants with soft tissue injuries pursue payment for the lost income they incurred.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are a serious type of harm caused by workplace accidents. Such injuries are usually caused by external blows to the head. Workers with traumatic brain injuries can sustain a wide range of debilitating symptoms. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury at work, you should contact our attorneys for guidance on your road to recovery.
Spinal Cord Damage
Lastly, spinal cord damage is a common type of injury suffered by employees in Woburn, MA. This type of injury is often painful and can lead to immobility or total paralysis. The benefits awarded through Workers’ Compensation insurance can provide crucial support to victims with spinal cord injuries during their lengthy recoveries.
If You Were Injured Because of a Workplace Accident in Woburn, MA, Our Attorneys Can Help
If you suffered harm because of a workplace accident, seek support from our experienced Woburn Workers’ Compensation lawyers by calling The Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407 for a free review of your case.