I talk to a lot of workers after they were hurt at work in Massachusetts, and many wonder what they should do and what will happen next. When injuries happen on the job, it creates a difficult and uncertain time for workers, especially when their injuries prevent them from returning to work. Being unable to get back to work to earn your pay puts workers and their families in stressful situations. Additionally, many works worry about the cost and expense of medical treatment.
Well, experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney Chuck Pappas has some important tips for you to follow after being injured in a work-related accident. Following these tips will help put you in the best possible position to receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Important Factors to Address and Consider After a Work-Related Accident
Just because you were hurt at work doesn’t necessarily mean the insurance company will automatically pay benefits. After being injured on the job, following these tips will help workers make the right decisions to get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.
Report the Accident/Injury Right Away
Report the injury to your employer (i.e., a supervisor, human resources, or a boss) as soon as possible. Delayed reporting may affect your workers’ compensation claim or ability to receive benefits in a timely manner. Failing to report your accident right away may give the insurance company the ability to argue that you may have been hurt outside of work doing something else. Make sure you get it documented right away that you were injured in an accident at work.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical care right away, even if the injury seems minor. Make sure to inform your medical provider that the injury occurred at work. This is important because it documents in medical records or notes that your injury occurred at work. The medical records or notes are what the insurance companies will be relying on when assessing your workers’ compensation claim. Also, do not forget to get a disability note from your medical provider if they instruct you to stay out of work. The insurance company will require this note in making a decision to pay disability benefits. These documents will also be necessary if you have to file a claim
Document Everything About Your Work Accident and Injuries
Keep detailed records of your work accident, including witnesses’ information, medical treatment, injury-related expenses, and any communication with your employer or insurance company. This documentation may be crucial in supporting your claim in the event you need to take legal action to get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Follow Treatment Plans
Adhere to all medical advice and treatment plans prescribed by your medical provider. Failing to follow medical advice could impact your claim.
Know Your Benefits
Massachusetts workers' compensation covers the cost and expense of related, reasonable, and medically necessary treatment. Workers’ comp also offers various disability benefits, which pays workers a certain percentage of their lost wages. There are also educational or vocational rehabilitation benefits. Knowing and understanding what you’re eligible for can help you plan accordingly and secure the benefits you deserve while out of work due to a work-related injury. To help injured workers know and understand the many benefits offered by workers’ compensation insurance and the legal process for work accident claims in Massachusetts, Attorney Chuck Pappas has written the free e-book: A Guide to Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Claims. You can get your free copy here.
Communicate Carefully with Insurers
Be cautious in your communications with the workers’ compensation insurance company. Stick to factual information about your injury and avoid sharing unnecessary details. Don’t underestimate the insurance company’s ability to use your statements and communication against you in an attempt to deny your workers’ compensation claim.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your employer does not act quickly or their workers’ compensation insurance company denies or refuses to pay benefits, you will need to file a claim for benefits with the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) to seek workers' compensation benefits. Filing a claim can be involved, therefore, it is highly recommended that injured workers in these circumstances retain an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer.
Consider Getting Expert Legal Help
The workers' compensation process and laws can be complex, and consulting and retaining an experienced Massachusetts workers' compensation attorney will help you navigate the system, especially if your claim is disputed or denied.
Be Aware of Timelines
In Massachusetts, workers' compensation claims have deadlines, so stay informed about the statute of limitations and other critical timeframes.
Following these tips will put you in the best possible position to be successful and obtain the compensation you deserve. Don’t hurt your own claim by making mistakes. Do your research to find out about and understand the various workers’ compensation benefits available and about the workers’ compensation process in Massachusetts. This could make the difference between being financially protected while you recover from your injuries or suffering a financial hardship while waiting months to recover benefits.
