According to the National Safety Council, “Every 7 seconds a worker is injured on the job.” Work-related injuries or illnesses happen more often than people realize, however, when an individual is injured on the job, workers’ compensation is available to help cover expenses such as medical treatment.
If you or someone you love has sustained a work-related illness or injury, a Boston workers’ compensation lawyer can help you seek the benefits you deserve. In some cases, injured workers decide not to file a claim because they believe, as a part-time worker, they are not eligible for benefits.
In the state of Massachusetts, employers are required to offer part-time employees workers’ comp benefits. For more information about the various types of benefits and the requirements necessary to receive those benefits, continue reading.
Workers’ Compensation Requirements
In order to determine whether or not you’re eligible to receive benefits, you need to know if you meet the following requirements for Massachusetts workers’ compensation. Stated on Mass.gov:
You must be disabled for five full or partial calendar days to file a claim for benefits.
- The days don’t need to be consecutive.
- You have four years from the date of the injury or realization that your injury or illness is work-related to file a claim.
If a worker is disabled for less than five full or partial calendar days, they can file a “medical-only” claim.
- Medical-only claims are reported to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer, not the DIA (Department of Industrial Accidents).
The workers’ compensation insurance company often has strict requirements you must meet in order to receive benefits. If you are uncertain about how to file for benefits or were denied, contact Jim Glaser Law. Various factors are taken into account to determine whether or not you meet the qualifications to obtain benefits. Even if you’re a part-time employee, you can still qualify for workers’ compensation.
If you need to report a work-related injury or illness, click here.
Does Your Injury Have to Occur on Work Property for You to Receive Benefits?
Anytime an employee is working for the employer, they are entitled to benefits. For example, if you are running errands for the company or attending a company party and suffer from an injury, you are eligible to receive benefits. However, you cannot seek benefits for injuries that occurred on your way to and from work or on your break time.
Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits Available
The severity of your injuries will determine what type of benefits you are eligible to receive. Whether you suffered an elevator injury, were exposed to a toxic chemical, or involved in a construction accident, you may be eligible to receive benefits. Some of the various types of benefits include the following:
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits are intended to cover any medical bills the injured individual incurred as a result of the accident. This may include chiropractic care or physical therapy. However, every state has different restrictions, so it’s imperative to be aware of what treatments will be covered under workers’ compensation benefits in your specific state.
Partial Disability Benefits
A worker who suffered injuries or an illness that limits the type of work they can perform or how long they are able to work can receive partial disability benefits.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If you or someone you know experienced a permanent injury or illness while on the job, the amount of benefits you receive will depend on the seriousness of your accident.
Death Benefits
In some cases, a work-related injury or illness can result in the death of the worker. This type of benefit is available for the deceased’s spouse and/or children. Other benefits such as funeral expenses may also be included.
These are some examples of the various types of benefits an individual suffering from a work-related injury or illness may receive, however, benefits are not limited to the ones mentioned above.
What if I’m Denied Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Although workers’ comp is designed to help cover the expenses caused by a workplace injury, filing a claim to secure benefits is not always a straightforward process. In some cases, an injured worker can be denied benefits. This may cause the worker to lose substantial income and leave them to pay for their medical bills out of pocket. However, even if you’re denied benefits, it doesn’t mean you are not qualified. Sometimes individuals miss a deadline or the forms are not filled out correctly, which can result in a denied claim.
A Boston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You Receive Benefits for Your Work-Related Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related injury and have problems receiving benefits, a Boston workers’ compensation lawyer can review the details of your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve. At Jim Glaser Law, we understand the challenges an individual may face when seeking benefits, however, an attorney can help you work through the difficult workers’ compensation system.
Whether you’re a full-time or part-time employee, you may be eligible to receive benefits for a work-related injury or sickness.
Our law firm has helped countless people receive the benefits they deserve for their work-related injury or illness. If you have questions or concerns regarding your workers’ comp claim, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. Time plays an important role when trying to file for benefits, which is why it’s in your best interest to contact an attorney. Call Jim Glaser Law today at 781-689-2277 or fill out our online form to request a free case evaluation.
