Workers’ compensation is vital protection that’s in place to make sure you’re covered if you get hurt in the normal course of your job. Most employers in the state are required to carry this kind of insurance, and if you do get hurt on the job, you can take advantage of it. It’s not always easy or intuitive, however. Learn three things every Boston worker should know about workers’ comp benefits, and why hiring the best Boston workers’ comp lawyer is a critical step in the process of getting the benefits you deserve.
1. You Have Responsibilities
Workers’ comp is there to protect you, but you also have responsibilities in order to take advantage of it. You must report your injury, and you should do so as soon as possible. In Massachusetts, you have up to four years to report your injury, but the sooner you do so, the better off you will be in terms of getting your claim accepted by the insurance company. You should also keep track of all of your medical bills, because you’ll need to document your injury, especially in case you have to challenge a denial.
2. Your Employer Also Has Responsibilities
Within seven calendar days of you making them aware, not including Sundays or major holidays, your employer is required to file a claim with the insurance company on your behalf. They must file a Form 101 with the state Labor and Workforce Department under the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 152). They must provide one copy to you, a copy to their workers’ compensation insurance company, and keep a copy for the company records. If they fail to do so, they are in violation of state law.
3. It’s Illegal for Your Employer to Retaliate Agaisnt Workers’ Comp Benefits
Under federal law, retaliation for an injury claim is illegal. Your employer may not fire you, discriminate against you, make your work more difficult, or otherwise do anything that could be construed as payback for you filing a claim. Workers’ compensation is your right as a worker in this state, and your employer may not do anything to bully you into thinking that you don’t have the right to take advantage of it. If they do so, they may open themselves up to litigation.
Contact an Experienced Boston Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation doesn’t always go the way it should. Even though it’s a no-fault form of insurance designed to cover you regardless of whose fault the accident was, often people are denied coverage for one reason or another. If this happens to you, it’s not the end of the road. You still have rights and you still deserve compensation. You may, however, have to fight, and a qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help.
If you need help securing your Massachusetts workers’ comp benefits, the attorneys at Jim Glaser Law are here to help. We have years of experience helping many people just like you to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits that they were owed. We’ve got the knowledge and experience needed to help you take advantage of the insurance you’re entitled to receive. Give us a call at (617) 906-8775 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation today.
