Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Lynn

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Lynn Police Department is (781) 595-2000.

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

  You can get a copy of a police report for incidents in Lynn by connecting to the Lynn Police Web Portal here: https://policedepartmentoflynnma.nextrequest.com/. Click on the "Make Request" button. You will then be prompted to the next page, where it will ask for your information. Indicate all necessary documents and other records when filling out the request description box.

• What happens if your employer in Lynn wants you to return to work but you are still injured?

  In Lynn, injured employees have a 28-day trial work period. Within 28 days, employees will assess their work even while injured. If they cannot work resulting from the injury, they can inform their employer through certified mail. They should also be able to continue receiving payments. According to M.G.L. Chapter 152, Section 8(2)(c), workers’ compensation benefits must be reinstated if injured employees go out on comp, subsequently return to work, and are then forced to go back out of work within 28 days of their return.

• What are the other rights of injured workers in Lynn who return to work?

  According to Section 75A of the Workers' Compensation Law, injured workers must be given a preference for rehiring for any vacancies that may be present at the job. This implies that you should be given priority for rehire if you were hurt at work in Lynn, recovered your strength, and returned to work. Also, if you are a union member, you also get certain rights under your union's collective bargaining agreement.

• How will an injury qualify for workers' compensation in Lynn?

  You may qualify for workers' compensation in Lynn if you sustained your injuries while at your worksite and engaged in your work duties. Cancer and other long-term illnesses linked to a certain job can also be used as a basis to file workers’ compensation claims. To file for workers’ compensation benefits, you must be disabled for five full or partial calendar days.

• What is the statute of limitations for work-related injuries in Lynn?

  If you were hurt on the job in Lynn and sustained work-related injuries, you can file a lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries and medical expenses. Note that the time limit for you to file a workers’ compensation claim is four years after realizing the connection between your injury and work. If the work injuries resulted in a fatality, the surviving spouse or family member should file a claim within four years of the date of the employee's death.

• What if your work-related injuries prohibit you from returning to your former job in Lynn?

  According to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151 B, or the State Anti-Discrimination Law, employees in Lynn who sustained work-related injuries are entitled to a "reasonable accommodation" to help them get back to work. If unable to perform your previous job after the injury, you can be accommodated for a change of job, a change in hours, requesting assistance from co-workers, or even special equipment to make you more comfortable at work. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination can help you get these reasonable accommodations.

• 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.