Did you get hurt while performing work-related duties on the job? Known as workers’ compensation cases, these experiences often leave people feeling rattled and overwhelmed, not to mention confused about what to do or where to turn.
It’s important to understand that you, as an employee, are protected by laws that allow you to pursue compensation after sustaining injuries at your workplace. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we are ready and willing to assist you as your Haverhill personal injury lawyer.
We have recovered more than $250 million in compensation for people in situations just like yours. With 21-plus years in business, our dedicated and experienced legal team has represented over 15,000 personal injury victims as their Haverhill workers’ compensation lawyers, and we’re here to do the same for you.
The Workers’ Compensation System in Massachusetts
The workers’ compensation system in Massachusetts is governed by a law that mandates the majority of employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. That way, they should have the means to cover the costs of situations in which employees are injured on the job.
The law applies to all employers in Massachusetts with one or more employees, though there are a few exceptions. In general, workers’ comp covers injuries that occur during the course of employment, regardless of whether the employer was at fault for the injury.
The Massachusetts workers’ compensation system is designed to provide employees with the following benefits should they ever sustain injuries on the job:
- Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation should cover the cost of necessary medical treatment related to the injury or illness. This often includes doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, hospital stays, prescriptions, and medical supplies.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If a worker is unable to perform their usual job duties due to their injury, they will likely be entitled to TTD benefits, which are a percentage of their average weekly wages.
- Permanent disability: If an injury results in long-term or permanent impairment, the worker likely will be entitled to permanent disability benefits. The total amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the disability.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If the worker is unable to return to their previous job due to the injury, workers’ compensation will likely provide vocational rehabilitation services to help the worker find a new job that accommodates their limitations.
- Death benefits: In the unfortunate event of a worker’s death due to a workplace injury, surviving dependents will likely be entitled to death benefits. These often include compensation for lost wages and funeral expenses.
Also, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Massachusetts. This means that injured employees do not have to prove that their employer was negligent to receive benefits.
In exchange for this guaranteed coverage, employees generally cannot sue their employer for expenses related to the injury or illness. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the employer’s intentional misconduct or third-party involvement causes the injury.
Common Workplace Injuries in Haverhill
Workplace injuries occur in a variety of settings, ranging from office environments to construction sites or factories. Let’s take a look at common types of workplace injuries that employees often sustain on the job:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Construction accidents
- Auto-related incidents
- Machinery and equipment accidents
- Occupational diseases
The Role of Insurance Companies in Workers’ Compensation Claims
In Massachusetts, the majority of employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. When an employee is injured, the claim is typically submitted to the insurance company that covers the employer.
The insurance company is responsible for covering the worker’s medical expenses and providing compensation for lost wages. However, insurance companies have a financial interest in minimizing their payouts, so they often deny or undervalue claims in an effort to reduce costs.
However, you don’t have to accept this behavior. Instead, reach out to workers’ compensation attorneys in Haverhill who have experience negotiating with insurance providers. Your legal counsel will defend your right to fair compensation in your case.
Call Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Haverhill as Soon as Possible to Schedule a No-Obligation Consultation
Sustaining a workplace injury is often a devastating experience, not only physically but emotionally, financially, and legally. Thankfully, workers’ compensation exists as a safety net of sorts for employees who are injured while performing job-related duties.
Workplace injuries will turn your life upside down, leaving you with an array of stress-inducing expenses. However, if you were hurt on the job, you are likely entitled to compensation to cover the costs that were imposed upon you in the work-related incident.
Call our Haverhill workers’ compensation lawyers for help. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basis, so you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us. We take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home. That’s the Stone Cold Guarantee®.
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