Were you hurt while performing a work-related task at your place of employment? Workplace injuries are an all too common reality for many employees. Unfortunately, they often result in physical pain, financial strain, and emotional distress.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we recognize how overwhelming the aftermath of a workplace injury is, especially if you have to take time off from your job to recover. However, try not to stress—with us as your Plymouth workers’ compensation lawyers, you’re not alone.
We have 21-plus years of experience and have recovered more than $250 million in compensation for our clients. We take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home. Count on us to advocate for you as your Plymouth personal injury lawyer.
Common Types of Work-Related Injuries in Plymouth
Workplace injuries happen no matter the type of work you do, but some industries place employees at a greater risk of sustaining injuries due to the nature of the job. In general, the following are examples of injuries that result in workers’ compensation claims:
- Slips, trips, and falls: These types of accidents are common causes of workplace injuries. They occur in any environment, including offices, retail stores, warehouses, and construction sites.
- Repetitive strain injuries: Jobs that require repetitive motions—such as typing, lifting, or operating machinery—will likely lead to chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back pain.
- Falls from heights: Construction workers, roofers, and others in similar roles who regularly work at tall heights run the risk of serious injuries if they were to fall.
- Motor vehicle accidents: For employees who drive as part of their job—such as delivery drivers or truck drivers—accidents on the road are a common cause of injury.
- Machinery accidents: Workers in the manufacturing industry, in particular, often get injured while operating equipment or working near heavy machinery. This increases the chances of experiencing amputations or other severe injuries on the job.
- Occupational diseases: Workers who are exposed to harmful substances or unhealthy environments over a long period of time often develop occupational diseases, such as lung disease, hearing loss, or cancer.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Plymouth
Workers’ compensation claims often result in money being awarded to those who were hurt on the job. Here are examples of primary benefits that a workers’ compensation attorney in Plymouth helps you recover:
- Medical benefits: These benefits cover the cost of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgical procedures, physical therapy, long-term care, and prescription medications related to your injuries.
- Temporary disability benefits: If the injury prevents you from returning to work but you are expected to make a full recovery eventually, you might be able to recover temporary disability benefits. These are typically a percentage of your average weekly wage, though they are not the same for everyone.
- Permanent disability benefits: If your injury results in permanent impairment, you will likely be entitled to permanent disability benefits. These are based on the extent of your injuries, as well as your ability to return to work at some point in time.
- Death benefits: In the unfortunate event of a fatal workplace accident, surviving family members will likely be entitled to death benefits. These are designed to help loved ones cover funeral expenses and provide compensation to the deceased person’s dependents.
- Rehabilitation benefits: If you are unable to return to your previous job but still able to work in some capacity, rehabilitation benefits will likely be available. This might even be what helps you afford to pay for vocational training or job placement services if you have to search for a new job.
Compensation from these personal injury claims is designed to help victims recover from the events and manage the impact of their injuries.
Common Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Claims
While workers’ compensation exists to support injured workers, the system is not always easy.
It doesn’t hurt to be aware of the following types of challenges that you will likely face along the way:
- Claim denials: A common challenge is a denied claim. Insurance companies deny claims for a number of reasons, including lack of evidence, disputes over the cause of the injury, or incomplete paperwork. If that’s the case, you will likely need to appeal the denial, which is often a lengthy process.
- Delayed benefits: Even when a claim is approved, it takes time for the worker to start receiving benefits. Delays in processing claims will likely cause financial hardship for injured parties, especially if they are unable to return to work immediately.
- Underpayment of benefits: Insurance companies will likely offer a settlement or benefits package that is less than what the worker is entitled to in their case. This is often due to disagreements over the severity of the injury or the worker’s disability status.
- Employer retaliation: Some workers often experience retaliation from their employer for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This could take the form of job loss, demotion, or reduced hours. However, retaliation is illegal under Massachusetts law, and workers who face such treatment should report it immediately.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation attorneys in Plymouth will likely help you through these and any other difficulties that you come across throughout the legal process.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Law Firm in Plymouth Today to Explore Your Legal Options
Workplace injuries often have a serious impact on your life—not only physically and emotionally but also legally and financially. And with the legal system being as confusing as it is, you might feel overwhelmed when trying to understand your rights.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Instead, let a workers’ compensation attorney in Plymouth take on the legal side of things.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we’re here to provide you with legal support. If you were hurt on the job, call today for a no-obligation consultation. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us—that’s our Stone Cold Guarantee®.
Not Trusting What You’re Being Told?
Better Phone Stone
800-577-5188
START MY NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
