Like most cities in Massachusetts, North Adams is host to a diverse array of industries, including some of the most dangerous, such as construction, extraction, transportation, maintenance, and manufacturing. When workers in these and other industries are injured in workplace injuries, they may have a difficult time handling medical expenses, wage loss, and other challenges. Fortunately, there are benefits available through state-mandated workers’ compensation insurance that can help ease the burden of workplace injuries. However, these benefits can be difficult to obtain, and even the smallest errors can result in claim denials or delays.
An experienced North Adams workers’ compensation lawyer from Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C., could provide guidance about the workers’ compensation claims process and answer any questions you may have about your claim.
Injured workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that include the coverage of all necessary and reasonable expenses associated with the treatment of workplace injuries and illnesses, including the costs of:
Injured workers may also seek wage loss benefits, which pay a portion of their average weekly earnings before the accident. The amount of wage replacement the claimant receives depends on several factors, including whether the injury is temporary or permanent, and whether the claimant is unable to perform any type of work, or if they can perform some work but their earning capacity is diminished due to the injury. Temporary total benefits may be available for up to three years, while temporary partial benefits may be available for five years.
Additional benefits are available for family members of workers who suffer fatal workplace injuries or illnesses, as well as benefits for injured workers who need vocational rehabilitations to change careers after an injury.
If you are unsure about the types of workers’ compensation benefits that may be available to you in North Adams, meet with an attorney at our firm.
Injured workers must report their injury to their employer immediately and obtain medical treatment to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Wage loss benefits are only available after the fifth day of missed work related to the injury, though the first five days of the disability may be paid retroactively if the claimant’s injury lasts longer than 21 days.
Once the injury is reported to the employer, it must be reported to the insurer within five days. The insurer then has up to 14 days to make a decision on accepting or denying the claim. In some cases, they may provide temporary benefits while they continue to investigate the claim. Our workers’ compensation attorneys could help you navigate the claims process in North Adams and advocate on your behalf if any disputes arise.
Claim denials are common due to issues such as claimants or their employers failing to meet reporting deadlines, a lack of medical documentation of the injury, and paperwork errors. However, the state has a process where injured workers in North Adams can appeal the claim, and an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer could help claimants who have been denied navigate this process.
Workplace injuries, though common, can place an uncommon amount of stress on workers and their families as they attempt to deal with medical expenses and wage loss. Let our team help you protect your rights to workers’ compensation benefits and answer the questions you have about your case. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation with a North Adams workers’ compensation lawyer.
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