Workers’ compensation provides a vital source of income for employees injured on the job. To get the resources you need after suffering harm at work, you must seek benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, which can be a complex process.
One of our attorneys at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. could explain how to apply for workers’ compensation in Springfield. We could help you avoid common mistakes and contest underpaid or denied claims. Our firm handles more workers’ compensation cases than any other law firm in Worcester and Western Massachusetts, and we have secured significant results for injured workers and their families.
Almost every employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance covers you if you experience a work-related injury or illness. It is no-fault insurance, meaning you do not have to prove your Springfield employer, or anyone else, caused your condition when you file a claim for workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses stemming from your work injury. It also pays a portion of your lost wages if you cannot do your job due to a disabling injury. Workers’ compensation will also pay death benefits to the spouse and dependent children of workers who suffer a fatal injury or illness.
You should apply for workers’ compensation as soon as you suffer a work injury or become aware of a work-related illness or medical condition. Here is a broad overview of what you need to do to successfully apply for workers’ compensation coverage in Springfield.
Do not delay treatment. If you suffered a work accident or believe you have symptoms of a work-related illness, you should see a doctor immediately. Getting care ensures your condition does not worsen and also creates a medical record that could help validate your injury claim.
You may need to see a provider of your employer’s choice for your initial treatment. After that, you can select your own doctor, making sure to let them know your condition is a work injury so they bill workers’ compensation instead of you.
You should inform your employer about your injury right away. From there, they need to submit your claim to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. The insurance company has 14 days from when your employer files to investigate the claim and notify you about whether it will or will not pay.
If your employer does not file your claim within 30 days, you can file it yourself with the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). To support your claim, you will likely need to submit evidence regarding your work injury, such as medical records, workplace accident reports, and eyewitness statements.
If the insurer approves your claim, you should start receiving benefits within three to four weeks of your injury or illness. However, if it notifies you that it has denied your claim or offers inadequate benefits, you can appeal through the DIA. Our law firm could assist you throughout this process, including representing you during a workers’ compensation hearing if necessary.
If you or someone you love is injured or sick, you should not have to worry about how to apply for workers’ compensation in Springfield. Our team at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. has nearly 70 years of legal experience we could use to help you navigate your claim so you can focus on your health and physical recovery.
Our attorneys could handle everything from drafting your initial paperwork to aggressively negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. We care about getting our clients the benefits they need to heal, and we built our reputation on success. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation.
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