Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
If you’ve been injured on the job, you’re probably wondering if you’ll be eligible for workers’ compensation and when those payments will begin. Missing even one week of work can be financially devastating for some people. Although workers’ comp is there to protect workers from catastrophic losses following a work-related injury, benefits may not begin for weeks following the injury. In some cases, benefits are delayed for months due to application errors and missing information. Contact a Boston workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you get the benefits you deserve in a timely manner.
Workers’ Comp Timeline
All workers’ comp cases are unique, but the timeline below will give you a general idea of what to expect after filing a claim for workers’ comp.
- The injury: This is when the workers’ comp timeline officially begins. The first step is to seek medical attention for your injury. Don’t avoid this step because you can’t afford medical treatment. Without medical evidence, your chance of a successful claim is limited.
- Report the injury to your employer: Do this verbally and in writing, and keep a copy of the written report for your personal records. At this point, your employer should provide you with a claim form. Fill out the claim form in its entirety and file it immediately.
- The employer notifies their insurance company: Once you’ve returned the claim form to your employer, they must notify the insurance company of the claim. This will begin the process of arranging medical care and compensation for you.
- The insurer accepts or denies your claim: The insurance company has 30 days to notify you of its decision. Payments should begin almost immediately following the approval. If your claim is denied, however, you have the option of requesting a hearing to review the insurer’s decision. This is a time sensitive request; you typically have about 60 days after receiving a denial to request a review. The hearing date will generally occur within 30 days of your request, and the hearing officer will make a final decision within 15 days of that hearing.
As you can see, workers’ compensation benefits can be delayed for an extended period of time due to various circumstances. Some of these situations can be avoided with proper planning and attention to detail, other situations require the assistance of an attorney experienced in this complex area of the law. Contact a Boston work injury lawyer today.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Serving All of Massachusetts
If you’ve been injured in a work-related accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We’ve been protecting the rights of MA workers for more than 50 years. Our experienced, knowledgeable staff knows how to help you get the benefits you deserve in a timely manner. If negligence played a role in your injuries, you may be entitled to additional compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, transportation costs, and lost wages. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. We will analyze the details of your case to determine the best legal strategy for moving forward. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
