Documenting Your Massachusetts Work Injury
If you were injured on the job, it is imperative to report it to your supervisor immediately regardless of how minor the injury may seem. Most Massachusetts workers' compensation claims are denied because employees failed to report the work injury. Do not let this happen to you.
As a lawyer, I can assist you through every step of the workers' compensation process, from documenting your injuries to filing your paperwork to appealing a denial. Contact me, Attorney Sean Beagan, at Beagan Law Office, LLC in Medford by calling 781-393-9948 or by sending an e-mail.
The Process of Obtaining Benefits
Even if you injury appears to be minor, if it occurred at work or in the context of your job, you must promptly notify your supervisor. Further, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to document the injury. Be sure to indicate to the physician that your visit is due to a workplace injury.
Your supervisor should provide you with forms to complete, describing the injury and what you were doing when the injury was sustained. It is important to fill out the forms, make a copy of them for your records and return the originals.
Once your employer receives an injury report, it must file a "first report of injury" with the Department of Industrial Accidents which is responsible for managing Massachusetts's workers' compensation benefits.
Denial of Claims
Often, claims will be initially denied. The most common reason is that injured workers never reported their injuries to their supervisors, so there is no proof the injury occurred during work. Appealing denied claims can be a lengthy process taking five months or more to resolve.
If you are denied an initial claim, it is important to contact a workers' compensation attorney with personal injury litigation experience. Your attorney can file an appeal with the Department of Industrial Accidents on your behalf.
Though you may not feel you need an attorney or your injury is not serious enough to require legal counsel, it is always good to consult with a lawyer. An attorney may not need to make a court appearance, but he or she can help with filing the clam and protect your rights.
As a personal injury and workers' compensation lawyer, I regularly work with injured workers. I review the circumstances of the medical injuries, review medical treatment and make sure full payment is being made correctly.
To discuss your work injury and claim, e-mail me or call me at 781-393-9949.
Further Information
Beagan Law Office, LLC
4 River Street
Medford, MA 02155
Telephone: 781-393-9948 | Fax: 781-393-9949
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