Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Lawrence

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lawrence, Massachusetts?

  978-794-5900 is the non-emergency hotline of the Lawrence police station.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Lawrence, Massachusetts?

  Incident reports are available in the Lawrence Police Department, located at 90 Lowell Street, Lawrence, MA 01840. To request a digital copy, visit: https://www.crashdocs.org/#/

• What benefits are available to a Lawrence worker who was hurt and lost a permanent function?

  Lawrence injured workers who suffer an injury that leads to the disfigurement of their body and face have the right to receive compensation for their medical bills and lost wages, as well as a one-time payment for their disfigurement and loss of function. These disfigurements may arise from power tool accidents, machine mishaps, gas explosions, and ungrounded sockets.

• What are the common workplace-related accidents in Lawrence?

  In Lawrence, slip-and-fall accidents resulting from loose wiring and slippery floors, vehicle collisions, and tree care neglect causing falling objects are some of the most common accidents that may occur while employees are on duty. Lawrence is home to manufacturing and industrial factories, which causes the metro to have an increase in workplace accidents involving toxic chemical exposure that may leave employees with skin discoloration and breathing issues and electrocution that can cause nerve damage and thermal burns.

• How does a Lawrence workers' compensation lawyer help injured employees?

  Workers' compensation lawyers in Lawrence can guide injured employees throughout the process of pursuing the workers' compensation benefits they are entitled to from their employers and insurance companies. They ensure that wounded workers receive the correct compensation since insurance firms tend to calculate an injured worker's average weekly salary inaccurately and fail to account for the additional income from a second job. A workers' compensation lawyer also creates legal plans if the insurance provider stops paying benefits to injured employees.

• What is an independent medical exam in Lawrence?

  When an injured worker's medical condition is in doubt, Lawrence workers' compensation insurers use an independent medical examination (IME). It is not uncommon for the insurance to employ an IME, especially when the claimed injury is serious and needs expensive care, and the insurer has doubts about the severity of the injury or its source. In Lawrence, the IME is informed by the insurance company's internal reports, the amount of the monthly benefit, and prior medical data.

• When is the deadline in Lawrence for an injured employee to submit a workers' compensation claim?

  In Lawrence, injured workers have four years from deciding their injury is work-related to make a workers' compensation claim. They have three years to launch a personal injury case if qualified to make a third-party claim for extra damages. Lawrence's wounded employees are also entitled to lost earnings compensation if they miss at least five calendar days of work due to their injury.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.