Workplace injuries can be devastating, but finding out that you need to take several months off from work can make matters worse. You rely on your job to make ends meet and you may be wondering how you will put food on the table while you recover from your injury.

The good news is, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. This system provides financial support to injured workers who must take time off from work after an injury. But the insurance companies responsible for issuing benefits to injured workers will not readily compensate you. The process is much more complex than you may realize. Here’s what you need to know before filing a claim.

Benefits covered by workers’ compensation

In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation benefits pay for:

• Medical expenses. This includes adequate and reasonable medical care, prescriptions, and mileage reimbursement when traveling to medical appointments. Your medical expenses are covered for as long as they have to be until you recover.
• Wage loss if you’re unable to work. In Massachusetts, workers who miss more than six calendar days of work can receive 60% of their gross average weekly wages for the 52 weeks before an injury for up to 156 weeks.
• Wage loss if you’re able to work but earn less than you did prior to your injury. If you’re still able to work, but have to take a lower-paying job due to your injury, you can receive 75% of your weekly total temporary benefits. If you were unable to work, you would receive 60% of your gross average weekly wages. If you are able to work, you would receive 75% of the 60%.
• Permanent disability. If you’re unable to return to work because of a permanent injury or disability, you may be eligible for 66% of your gross average weekly wages for as long as you’re disabled.
• Vocational rehabilitation. If you were out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an injury, you may be able to receive vocational training in order to return to the workforce.

You must be an employee in Massachusetts or Rhode Island

Employers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are required by law to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Some businesses get around this law by classifying workers as independent contractors. In order to classify a worker as an independent contractor, a company must prove that the contractor:

• Works independently without any direction or control
• Performs duties outside of the usual course of business
• Performs duties under his or her own business or trade

If this can’t be proven, the company you work for may have illegally misclassified you as an independent contractor. If you’re in Massachusetts, you can report your misclassification of work to the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division. In Rhode Island, you can report it to the Department of Labor and Training.

You must follow specific procedures to file a workers’ compensation claim

If you were hurt on the job, you need to promptly report your injury to your employer. It’s best to do so in writing so you have a record of your report. You should also get medical attention as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis of your injury, as well as recommendations from your doctor. For example, if you sustained a knee injury, you may learn that you need an operation.

In addition, your doctor may tell you that you need to take time off from work for several months and that you should avoid certain activities until you recover. When seeing your doctor, make sure you mention that you were hurt at work. Your medical evaluation, diagnosis and doctor recommendations should all be documented so they can be reviewed by an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

In order to file a workers’ compensation claim, you need to know:

• The date of your injury or work-related illness
• The date of your loved one’s death if it was work-related
• The 1^st and 5^th calendar day you missed work as a result of your injury
• Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier
• The type of injury you sustained and the body part that was affected
• How long you will need to be out of work
• The types of benefits you’re pursuing
• Where you initially went for medical treatment
• The doctor who is currently treating you

You will also need to provide:

• Your unpaid medical bills
• Your documented medical evaluation and/or medical records
• An incident report indicating how your workplace accident occurred
• Witness names and statements

Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for help with your claim

If you were hurt on the job, you deserve to be compensated for every dollar you’re entitled to. Any errors in the filing process can result in benefits being delayed or denied. That’s why you need to put experience on your side. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl has several years of experience helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve.

We serve clients in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Contact us online or call us to get started on your claim. You won’t have to pay for your case evaluation, and we won’t charge you for our legal services unless we win your case.

It’s a public health crisis

It may not be getting the same attention in 2020 thanks to the much more prominent public health crisis, but we’re still suffering from an opioid crisis, too. A recent study published in Safety+Health Magazine found a strong link between workers’ compensation claims and long-term opioid use.

The study, which examined data among workers with significant injuries in 33 states, found that workers who were prescribed a 15- to 30-day supply of opioids within 90 days of their injuries were at substantially elevated risk of longer-term opioid dispensing. That risk increased even further among workers who were prescribed a dose of over 500 milligrams.

Other risk factors included having a higher number of opioid prescriptions early in a claim, simultaneously receiving opioids and other nervous system depressants, and length of time between the injury and the initial opioid prescriptions. The study found that workers aged 35-64 were at elevated risk.

Safe pain management is often a struggle in workers’ comp claims

Managing pain is an important part of treating many types of work injuries, both short-term and long-term. Some work injuries, such as burns and broken bones, are extremely painful for a relatively short period of time. Others, like back and knee injuries, may cause chronic pain that the worker has to live with for the rest of their life.

Unfortunately, when it comes to pain medication, it’s all too often that injured workers get the short end of the stick. They may get less time with their doctors than other patients, which means they’re less informed about their different treatment options. More importantly, there is always pressure from the insurance company to prescribe the least expensive medication possible, and opioids are often the cheapest pain medications.

Pursuing alternatives to opioids takes time and effort

While opioids are necessary to manage pain in some circumstances, it’s obvious that alternatives need to be explored to help injured workers get the best possible quality of life (and be able to return to work). For instance, physical or occupational therapy may work to mitigate pain before opioids are prescribed. Some injured workers even find relief in acupuncture.

The experience of pain is unique to the individual injured worker. Everyone has a different level of tolerance for pain. Rather than prescribing an addictive medication as one-size-fits-all treatment, doctors need to put in the time to find the safest way to effectively manage pain for each injured worker—and workers’ comp insurance companies need to foot the bill for safe and effective treatment.

The risk of opioid addiction speaks to the larger need for injured workers to stay involved in their medical care and get effective advocacy for their legal rights. If you’ve been injured on the job in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, get an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side to fight for the care and compensation you need. Contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl for a free consultation.

Construction workers have a dangerous job, especially those who work at heights. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s commonly used statistics, 1,008 out of 4,779 private industry workplace fatalities during 2018 were in the construction industry.

The workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl understand the most common types of injuries construction workers sustain on the job, including those that lead to fatalities. If you were hurt on the job and aren’t sure where to turn, we can help.

The Fatal four

The four leading causes of severe and fatal injuries in construction include:

• Falls — Construction workers who work on ladders or scaffolds are the most at risk of falling from heights. Falls accounted for 33.5 percent of all construction fatalities in 2018, making them the leading cause. Falls often occur when:
  • Ladders aren’t secured properly or are defective, causing them to shift or sway.
  • Scaffolds aren’t properly assembled or secured, causing them to lean or break apart.
  • Workers slip while carrying heavy objects.
  • Workers fall into openings in scaffolds, ramps, or other high walking areas.
• Struck by object accidents — When safety precautions aren’t put in place, it’s very easy to sustain injuries from falling objects, projectiles, machinery, or equipment. Struck by object accidents accounted for 11.1 percent of all construction fatalities in 2018.
• Electrocutions —  Electrocutions often occur when wires and circuit breakers aren’t properly secured. Electrocutions accounted for 8.5 percent of all construction fatalities in 2018.
• Caught-in/between accidents — Caught-in/between accidents occur when workers get stuck inside of or between large equipment, building materials and debris. These accidents accounted for 5.5 percent of all construction fatalities in 2018.

Other common injuries sustained by construction workers

• Lung illnesses — Construction workers often come in contact with hazardous materials such as silica (which is found in concrete). Exposure to silica has been linked to serious and fatal illnesses such as silicosis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Back injuries — Back injuries can be caused by accidents on construction sites, repetitive stress, or heavy lifting. These often include muscle strains in the back; herniated discs; fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord injuries.
• Knee injuries — Construction workers spend a great deal of time on their feet lifting and carrying heavy objects. Over time, this puts a lot of wear and tear on the tendons and ligaments in the knees, causing them to eventually tear or become inflamed.
• Broken bones — Falls, caught-in/between accidents, being struck by objects, and accidents with equipment can cause serious bone fractures.
• Puncture wounds — Puncture wounds are common when construction workers come in contact with sharp objects, are hit by projectiles, or have accidents with nail guns.

Contact an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney if you were hurt in a construction accident

The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl is dedicated to helping injured construction workers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island receive fair compensation while recovering from their injuries. Our attorneys know how the workers’ compensation system works and how to work with insurance companies to maximize your chances of being compensated. We know that pursuing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing and difficult. We’ll work with you every step of the way to help streamline the process.

Contact us online today to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.

According to MayoClinic, back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work and suffer from job-related disabilities. Back pain can include dull aching, burning, or a sharp pain. It may also worsen with physical activity. If you sustained a back injury on the job, it’s important to see a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent pain that lasts more than a few weeks
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Pain that radiates down the legs
• Pain that is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in the lower extremities

What are the leading causes of work-related back pain?

Work-related back pain can be caused by workplace accidents such as slip and falls and being caught in or between objects and equipment. In most cases, back pain develops over a long period of time and is the result of:

• Poor posture
• Heavy lifting
• Working in awkward positions
• Frequent bending and twisting
• Poor workplace ergonomics

Back pain is often linked to:

• Herniated discs. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like substance between the vertebrae (bones of the spine) rupture and protrude. This puts pressure on the nerves of the spine, causing pain and discomfort.
• Damaged vertebrae. Like herniated discs, damaged vertebrae can put pressure on the spinal nerves, causing a great deal of pain and other complications.
• Muscle strain in the back. An injury to the muscles in the back can cause prolonged spasms, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

Back injuries are often treated with physical therapy, pain medication, exercise, and applying ice or heat. Serious back injuries such as herniated discs and fractured vertebrae require surgery to reduce the pressure on the nerves in the spine.

What is chronic back pain?

Workplace injuries often cause flareups of back pain that go away without treatment. For some workers, the pain never goes away, even after therapy, rest and pain medication. This is known as chronic back pain and usually affects workers who have degenerative issues affecting the spine. These include:

• Wear and tear of the discs and vertebrae
• Bone spur formations
• Overgrowth of joints and ligaments in the spine

Older workers are the most at risk of developing chronic back pain, mostly due to repetitive stress on the back and spine. For workers who develop chronic back pain, the source of the pain is often difficult to pinpoint.

Can I collect workers’ compensation if I suffer from chronic back pain?

If you sustained back pain during the scope of your employment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that compensates injured workers for medical costs and lost wages. Workers who sustain permanent or long-term injuries may be eligible for disability benefits, even if they return to work for light duty.

It’s important that you discuss your injuries with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl. We’ll help you through the complex process of filing a claim. We’ll also prepare all necessary documents and medical records to support your claim and fight for a fair resolution. To schedule your free and confidential case evaluation, contact us online or call us.

Heavy lifting is often just part of the job in some occupations. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, heavy lifting is a common cause of work-related injuries, roughly 36 percent of which involve shoulder and back injuries. Heavy lifting can cause trauma or wear and tear to the muscles, joints and ligaments.

Who is most at risk of work injuries linked to heavy lifting?

Heavy lifting is common in the following occupations:

• Construction workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Warehouse and dock workers
• Commercial truck drivers
• Maintenance workers
• Retail laborers
• Agricultural workers
• Logging workers
• Nurses and nursing assistants

How can workers prevent injuries?

OSHA has offered some suggestions on how employers can prevent injuries when heavy lifting on the job. These include:

• Utilizing the right equipment — forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, duct lifts and other mechanical equipment to lift and transport heavy items.
• Installing ramps and lift gates — employers should consider installing ramps and lift gates in areas where workers may be transporting heavy objects manually or with machinery.
• Reducing the weight of items — in some industries, employers can consider working with higher quantities of items to reduce the amount of weight workers need to lift at once.

OSHA also suggests that workers consider employing these smart lifting practices:

• Utilize the “power zone” — this is where items are placed from mid-thigh to mid-chest, which makes it easier to lift without having to squat or bend.
• Maintaining good posture — workers should maintain a straight and neutral spine whenever possible. Avoid rounding your back or bending when lifting. Only bend at the knees, not the waist.
• Limiting how much weight you lift — Avoid lifting weight greater than 50 lbs. If you must lift a heavier object, it should be done with two or more people.
• Avoid twisting — When lifting a heavy object, it’s better to turn by moving the feet rather than twisting at the torso.
• Keep elbows in close — Keep the load as close to your body as possible to avoid upper body strain.

What types of injuries are caused by heavy lifting?

Heavy lifting can often lead to these work-related injuries:

• Muscle strains and tears
• Tendon/ligament sprains and tears
• Knee injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Injuries to the feet, shins, or knees (if heavy objects are dropped)
• Slip and falls when lifting (usually when walking surfaces are slick)

If you sustained an injury on the job, you could be out of work for several weeks or months, unable to earn a paycheck. On top of that, you may be facing medical expenses that add up. You may be able to pursue workers’ compensation benefits to cover these losses, but doing so won’t be easy.

Workers’ compensation cases are often complex and require a great deal of paperwork and litigation. Let an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl handle your case for you. We know how the workers’ compensation system in Massachusetts and Rhode Island works and how to best represent our clients at trial. Contact us online for your free case evaluation.

Workplace accidents that result in an injury can happen when least expected. One careless mistake could lead to several months out of work and costly medical bills. If you were hurt on the job, it’s critical that you take your workers’ compensation claim seriously from the start and take the right course of action.

It could take several months to recover from workplace injuries, such as:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Severe soft tissue injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Neck, back and spine injuries
• Crushed limbs

Filing a successful workers’ compensation claim requires the right documents. Among those is a doctor’s note, which you must have in order to pursue compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

Why is a doctor’s note so important when pursuing a claim?

The purpose of a doctor’s note is to state whether you can return to work or return with restrictions. The note should only be provided by your primary care physician or another doctor who diagnosed and treated your injuries. Notes from physical therapists, occupational therapists or professionals from other medical practices don’t qualify.

It’s also important to keep your doctor’s note and other medical records on file. Doing so can eliminate questions regarding referrals to specialists, as well as authorizations for treatment.

Ensure that all information in your note is accurate

During your medical evaluation, don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s important that the instructions given to you by your doctor are clear. There should be no confusion regarding your treatment and length of recovery. If any other issues come up and you can’t return to work, it’s important that you discuss that with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

When obtaining a doctor’s note and medical records, always double-check to ensure that the information is accurate. Also ensure that the instructions given by your doctor are included and match what your doctor told you.

Let an experienced workers’ compensation attorney handle the rest

If you were injured on the job, you may not be fully aware of the rights and legal options available to you. On top of that, the paperwork involved in filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complex and confusing. Any mistakes in the filing process could lead to your financial benefits being delayed or denied.

That’s why it’s critical that you speak to an experienced attorney who knows how the workers’ compensation system in Massachusetts and Rhode Island works.

Contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.

While most serious workplace accidents are not caused intentionally, they are often preventable. Most workplace accidents occur when workers or supervisors make careless mistakes or cut corners when it comes to safety.

Some of the most devastating workplace accidents linked to careless mistakes include:

• Falls from same level or from heights
• Accidents involving large machinery
• Transportation incidents
• Electrocutions
• Workers being struck by falling objects
• Caught in/between equipment or objects

Some of the most common injuries workers sustain in these accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Crushed limbs or amputations
• Severe injuries to the neck, back and spine
• Internal bleeding and damage to organs
• Severe burns, lacerations and bruises
• Paralysis
• Death

Common mistakes that lead to workplace accidents

• Not properly securing ladders or scaffolds: Serious falls are common when ladders or scaffolds aren’t stable or properly secured. Falls linked to poorly set up ladders and scaffolds are common in the construction industry. In fact, falls accounted for more than 33 percent of deaths in that industry during 2018.
• Leaving clutter and debris in walking areas: Failure to keep walking areas clear of clutter and debris can lead to slip, trip and fall accidents. This often occurs when items, loose wires and spilled liquids are left in walking areas.
• Leaving equipment and machines on when not in use: It’s important that all electronic equipment and machinery is shut off and locked out when not in use. When a machine suddenly turns on unexpectedly, someone can be seriously injured. Incidents like this often lead to amputations. In some cases, this can even lead to electrocutions.
• Careless mistakes linked to workplace stress and fatigue: When workers are stressed or fatigued on the job, they may be more likely to skip important safety measures in order to be more productive. All it takes is one small misstep to cause a serious accident.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals: When hazardous chemicals aren’t secured or sealed, they can lead to toxic exposure, fires and even explosions. Workers may become ill due to exposure or suffer serious burns.
• Transportation incidents: Transportation incidents are common among roadside construction workers and warehouse workers. They may involve cars, trucks, trailers or forklifts.

What should I do if I was injured on the job?

If you sustained an injury on the job, it’s important that you first report the incident to your supervisor so an incident report can be filled out. You should then see a doctor as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and to begin medical treatment before your condition gets worse.

You should then speak to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to file a claim for financial benefits. You may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and possible disability benefits. To learn more, contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl and schedule your free case evaluation.

It’s difficult to imagine any other workplace accident more serious than an amputation. Losing an arm, leg, foot, finger or any other body part can be emotionally devastating and have a significant financial impact.

Unfortunately, amputation accidents on the job happen all too often. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), these accidents are widespread and involve a variety of activities and equipment.

What types of workplace equipment are dangerous?

Machines associated with amputation accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Food slicers
• Meat grinders
• Printing presses
• Drill presses
• Milling machines
• Power presses
• Slitters

Accidents typically happen when workers don’t have enough safeguards against injury. Workers can get harmed while operating a machine or while setting up or breaking down and cleaning equipment. Amputation accidents occur in in a variety of industries, but are common at construction sites or at factories. Some amputation accidents occur in kitchens at restaurants or even on the road when workers are in car or truck accidents.

How can employers keep workers safe from amputations?

Businesses have a responsibility to keep workers safe from amputation accidents and other injuries. To prevent accidents, employers should ensure an employee is properly trained before using a machine. Machines should be safeguarded. For example, a physical barrier, such as a guard, should be used with a hazardous machine. The guard should be strong and secure. A device that can interrupt the normal operation of a machine can be used to prevent contact with a hazard.

What are your rights as a worker?

If you work with a machine, your employer must ensure the conditions do not put you at risk of injury. You have a right to obtain information and receive training about workplace hazards. You also have a right to review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

If you notice a serious hazard or your employer is not following the rules, you have a right to file a complaint with OSHA requesting an inspection without retaliation.

How a workers’ compensation attorney can help

Accidents around machinery happen quickly, but the impact can last a lifetime. You may need a prosthetic limb. You may need to use a wheelchair or a cane or crutches to get around. You may be unable to work, or may be limited in what you can do to earn a living. An amputation also can impact your enjoyment of hobbies.

After an on-the-job accident, you have a right to file workers’ compensation claim in Providence, RI, or Fall River and Foxborough, MA. Workers compensation is a no-fault system, so you have a right to benefits regardless of who was at fault. Your employer is required to carry insurance.

An experienced attorney can help make sure you get the compensation and benefits you need for your accident. In some cases, a third party (someone other than your employer) might be responsible. If that is the case, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to the workers’ comp claim.

Contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl for a free consultation. Our firm can fight for you while you focus on your recovery.

No matter where you work, there is always the likelihood of sustaining a serious injury on the job. Some industries are generally more dangerous than others, however.

EHS Today has once again released its yearly top 10 ranking of the most dangerous jobs in America. The ranking was based on 2018 workplace injury and fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The same occupations on this list were also listed in previous years.

COVID-19 can change this ranking significantly in the coming years, however. For example, in 2022, we could see healthcare occupations listed within the top 10 most dangerous jobs. In the meantime, the list has stayed consistent for several years.

What are the most dangerous jobs?

According to the BLS data, 2018 saw a two percent increase in workplace fatalities from the previous year (5,147 to 5,250). The ranking was based on workplace fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers across the United States.

The most dangerous jobs based on that data include:

• Logging workers — 56 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal worker injury rate of 97.6
• Fishers and fishing workers — 30 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 77.4
• Aircraft pilots and flight engineers — 70 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 58.9
• Roofers — 96 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 51.5
• Refuse and recyclable material collectors — 37 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 44.3
• Truck drivers — 966 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 26
• Farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers — 257 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 24.7
• Iron and steel workers — 15 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 23.6
• Construction first-line supervisor — 144 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 21
• Landscaping first-line supervisors — 48 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 20.2

What injuries do workplace accident survivors sustain?

Those who work in these industries and survive devastating accidents often suffer from severe injuries and disabilities. These include:

• Severe traumatic brain injuries
• Bone fractures
• Spinal injuries
• Crushed limbs
• Soft tissue injuries
• Amputations
• Lacerations
• Paralysis

If you were hurt on the job, you may be wondering how you will afford to pay for your medical bills. You may also be wondering how you will afford to make ends meet if you can’t return to work or perform the same job functions.

The good news is that you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and lost wages while you’re unable to work. Getting the compensation you need won’t be easy. Any errors on your paperwork or other glitches during the claims process can lead to the insurance companies denying your compensation.

That’s why you need a strong legal advocate on your side who can ensure that the process goes smoothly and you are treated fairly. To learn more, contact The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl and schedule your free case evaluation.

If you were injured on the job, you must first promptly notify your employer so the incident is documented. Failure to notify your employer of an injury can hurt your chances of getting workers’ compensation benefits.

Once you have notified your employer, you must then see a doctor as soon as possible. During your medical evaluation, your doctor can find out what injuries you have sustained, provide a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.

When do workplace injuries require surgery?

In many cases, you can recover from a workplace injury with the proper rest, therapy and use of pain medication. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend surgery for a severe or potentially long-term injury.

We often see this with:

• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries, such herniated discs or damage to the vertebrae and/or spinal cord
• Amputations
• Crushed limbs
• Damage to nerves or organs
• Paralysis
• Severe lacerations
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Knee injuries
• Soft tissue tears

Injuries like this can happen in any workplace. We usually see them in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and other occupations with high injury rates. Surgery may also be required if a less severe injury doesn’t show any signs of improvement.

How can I afford the cost of surgery?

Surgery can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the nature of your injury. If your claim gets denied, you may find yourself paying a lot of money out of your own pocket, even if you have health insurance.

Some reasons why your claim may be denied include:

• You didn’t report your injury on time. You have 7 calendar days (excluding Sundays and certain holidays) to report your injury to your employer.
• You didn’t fill out the paperwork correctly. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, it’s critical that all paperwork is properly filled out. Any errors can lead to your claim being denied.
• You waited too long to get medical treatment. It’s important that you seek prompt medical treatment after a workplace accident. Never delay seeing a doctor, even if you think you can wait or recover on your own. Insurance companies can argue that your injuries aren’t legitimate.

To maximize your chances of getting the compensation you need, it is best that you speak to an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney who can help you through this complex process.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are dedicated to helping injured workers get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. To learn more about how we can help, contact us online. Our case evaluations are free and confidential.