Worker’s Compensation Lawyer In Woburn, MA
Workers compensation laws in Massachusetts are there to ensure that every worker is protected in the event they are injured on the job. When workers are hurt at work, proof of fault or negligence is not required to collect. Compensation insurers are responsible for making payments for medical expenses and lost earnings. Your rights may depend on legal time deadlines, and the insurer may not tell you about them. You may also have other valuable rights that insurers won’t tell you about. That is where a qualified workers compensation lawyer is needed to step in and fight for your rights.
Attorney Peter T. Toland has been handling all types of workers compensation cases in Massachusetts since 1982. He leverages that experience gives his clients an edge when it comes to securing the compensation they deserve. There are many complex details that go along with filing your claim, or defending your case from an insurer trying to stop your benefits. With attorney Toland by your side, you have an experienced workers compensation attorney fighting to protect your rights.
On-the-job accidents occur every day in the workplace. Injuries sustained cover a broad range of circumstances and cases may include the following work-related injuries:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Crane Accidents
- Forklift Accidents
- Scaffolding Accidents
- Ladder Accidents
- Car / Truck accidents
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
- Severe Burns / Scarring
- Eye Injuries / Hearing Loss
- Electrical Accidents
- Slips and Falls
- Catastrophic Injuries / Paralysis
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Psychiatric Injuries
- Occupational Diseases
- Wrongful Death
Total Disability Benefits
Workers who are injured on the job and are kept out of work for an extended period of time may be entitled to ongoing Temporary Total Disability benefits, at 60% of their weekly wages (tax free). Total disability benefits are called “temporary” because you can only receive 3 years of these payments – even if you remain disabled permanently.
Permanent and Total Disability Benefits
These are the only disability benefits in the Massachusetts worker’s compensation system that have no time limits, but these benefits are awarded sparingly. Most awards of permanent and total disability payments are the result of lengthy battles with insurers.
Permanent Partial Disability and “Temporary Partial” Benefits
Some work related injuries permanently limit the duties an employee can perform. Partial disability benefits are available to workers who are still able to work, but have an injury that reduces their earnings. But even where the injury is permanent, only Temporary Partial Disability are available in Massachusetts. These payments usually last no more than 5 years, but can be extended in some cases.
Filing a Workers Compensation Claim
When you suffer an on-the-job injury, the first thing you should do is report the accident and make sure your employer fills out an accident report, because insurers are under no duty to pay compensation until they are notified. When you report your injury, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. Your most important right may be talking to a lawyer before providing any statements or signing any papers for an insurer. It is highly recommended that you consult a skilled Massachusetts workers compensation lawyer to learn about your rights.
If you have been hurt at work, it is time to start collecting what you deserve. Don’t depend on an insurer to tell you about your rights. Getting your full workers compensation benefits may involve a lot of paperwork and medical proof, and even administrative board hearings at the Department of Industrial Accidents. Attorney Toland has been navigating this process since 1982.
Injured On-The-Job In Massachusetts But Live Out Of Sate?
If you live in a surrounding state (such as New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island or Connecticut) but have been injured on-the-job in Massachusetts, we can help. Workers compensation claims are generally filed in the state in which the injury occurs, so you will need a workers compensation attorney who is familiar with Massachusetts law to ensure that your rights are protected.
Are You Entitled to Go Beyond Worker’s Compensation?
Worker’s compensation basically provides little or nothing for pain and suffering, and may not cover all of your long-term losses of future earnings. But you may also have the right to recover money from a “third party” who caused your work related injuries. (For example: a car or truck accident, or injuries while working outside of your employer’s usual location). But if you were injured by a “third party” the compensation insurer may sue those responsible for injuring you in your name to recover their payments, unless you take control of your case first. Time limits apply to “third party” recoveries; seek legal advice.
Contact Peter Toland For A Free No Obligation Consultation
For a free no obligation consultation with attorney Peter Toland, call our offices today at 781-933-1726 or fill out our online form. If you are unable to come to our office due to your injury, we can come to you. And remember, there are never any attorney’s fees unless we collect compensation on your behalf.