Chicopee Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

How Our Chicopee Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Our attorneys are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve under Massachusetts laws.

Your employer has certain responsibilities when it comes to maintaining insurance and benefits. Additionally, claims are processed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through its Department of Industrial Accidents. To ensure you do not get lost in the government’s system and can successfully battle the red tape, your best bet is to retain an advocate.

Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney Manages Your Claim

If you suffered an injury at work, you should contact a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. A workers’ compensation lawyer will need to act fast to ensure you remain eligible for benefits. There are strict deadlines for notifying your employer and filing claims.

In certain cases, you may be able to seek compensation from a third party. The workers’ compensation system protects your employer from lawsuits and liability for damages. However, if a third party is liable for your injuries, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that third party to sue for a work injury. Consulting with a Chicopee personal injury lawyer can provide you with the guidance needed to navigate this complex legal area effectively.

Third parties that could be liable for injuries include:

• Manufacturers or distributors of defective products;
• Contractors in construction accidents;
• Negligent or reckless drivers in car accidents; and/or
• Homeowners in a premises liability accident.

One advantage to third party claims is that you can seek noneconomic damages. These are damages that are not easily quantifiable because there are no receipts or monetary value directly attached, such as pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation claims do not include noneconomic damages, but third-party claims can.

Our Chicopee Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Get You the Benefits You Need and Deserve

The Department of Industrial Accidents explains the system and the benefits that are available to you in the event of a workplace illness or injury. The benefits can include:

• Medical coverage;
• Reimbursement for lost wages;
• Vocational rehabilitation; and/or
• Death benefits to survivors if an accident was fatal.

Not every claimant will receive all of the benefits above. Below is a short explanation of each.

• Medical coverage: This benefit is to pay for your reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your on-the-job injury. This can include hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and doctor appointments.
• Lost wages: Under certain circumstances, you will receive a proportion of your lost wages. The amount you receive and the duration of benefits will depend on your specific situation.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Vocational rehabilitation will provide victims with educational opportunities and job training if their injuries are severe enough to stop them from returning to their area of work. Vocational rehabilitation will allow you to be qualified to work in a different line of work so you can find employment and stop receiving workers’ compensation benefits and lost wages.
• Death benefits: Death benefits are available to certain survivors. They will pay for the worker’s final medical expenses and funeral costs and reimburse lost wages to support dependents.

Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicopee Handles Denials

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault benefit but claims still get denied. By denying claims, money gets saved and not paid out to you. Therefore, when you file a claim, you go up against a team looking for reasons to deny it.

Some reasons claims get denied include:

• Failing to submit supporting medical documentation;
• Failing to follow rules and missing deadlines;
• Mistakes on the application;
• Pre-existing conditions;
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and/or

Video footage of the injured employee doing work or a task outside the home.

Some of the reasons for denial can be combatted, while others are valid. Your Chicopee workers’ compensation attorney will analyze your claim and determine how and if a denial can be overturned. We will advocate for your rights and pursue appeals as high up the chain as necessary. Your best chance of success is engaging a workers’ compensation attorney to represent you.

Why Choose Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Massachusetts

Our workers’ compensation attorney believes in empowering you. We take a client-centric approach of listening to your story, advising you on your best options, and working together toward a favorable outcome. This translates to excellent customer service, personal attention, and regular communication. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure you understand the process and why we do what we do.

Our workers’ compensation lawyer will provide guidance, reassurance, and compassion. At Cava Law Firm, we are determined to obtain the maximum benefits available. Our attorneys have experience navigating the workers’ compensation systems that are confusing and intimidating. We assist with Temporary Total Incapacity Benefits, Partial Incapacity Benefits, and Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits.

Our workers’ compensation attorney has a reputation for excellence and integrity. After you decide to work with Cava Law Firm, you can feel more confident about your claim getting handled properly and resolved favorably. In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation attorneys are limited to a portion of what you receive in benefits, so representation is affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

We will always answer your questions before moving forward, and some of the most common questions people ask us include:

How long do I need to work for my employer to be covered?

The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act covers all employees from the moment they are hired. There is no waiting period for coverage, but there is a waiting period for payment of weekly compensation.

I contributed to my own workplace injury. Can I still file a claim?

Generally, yes. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so there is no need to worry about if you are to blame for your injuries. If your injury occurred at work while you were performing job-related activities, then you should be eligible for benefits and your employer cannot stop you from filing. Some exceptions may apply for gross misconduct, willful recklessness, intoxication, and illegal activities.

Can I sue my employer for my injuries?

No, workers’ compensation is designed so an employee only needs to show they suffered an injury in the course of employment, and they are eligible for benefits. No fault is needed. The trade-off is that the benefits are limited and do not include compensation for pain and suffering.

Do I need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?

It is recommended that you work with an experienced lawyer who can ensure your claim is handled properly. Your employer might not handle their own responsibilities to ensure your claim gets filed, or they may try to dissuade you from filing or pressure you to return to work too soon. Your claim may be disputed. Having a skilled construction accident lawyer in Springfield in your corner can provide support in navigating these complexities.

There are many intricate details about workers’ compensation claims in Massachusetts. It is hard to provide all the information you need to know here. Therefore, if you have additional questions or want more personalized advice, call Cava Law Firm at (413) 737-3430 or (413) 781-CAVA (2282).

At Cava Law Firm, Winning Is NO Accident

If you were injured on the job and need the help of a workers’ compensation attorney in Chicopee, contact Cava Law Firm today. Having our experience on your side will help maximize your recovery.