In Massachusetts, any employee who is injured on the job has the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. All employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employees that sustained an injury at work have explicit rights regarding work-related illnesses and injuries. But there are certain factors that determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Factors to Determine if you Qualify for Worker’s Compensation Benefits
An employee who is injured is not automatically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits just because a claim is filed. Instead, your claim is reviewed, and multiple factors determine if you are qualified to receive compensation.
These factors include:
- The type of injury or illness
- If you followed the correct procedures to inform your supervisor of your injury or illness
- If you filled out the claims documents correctly
- If you went go to all of the medical appointments necessary to verify and treat the illness or injury
- If you sent in all of the requested additional information
- If the illness or injury is clearly associated with a work-related incident or accident
Employees Should Report Injuries as Soon as Possible
Many people do not qualify for workers’ compensation simply because they do not appropriately report their illnesses or injuries. Some people do not report their injury right away because of fear of retaliation.
However, it is necessary to report your injury even if it does not seem serious at first. Some conditions get worse with time, but if you do not report it in a timely manner, you may not qualify for compensation later.
Call our Worker’s Compensation Lawyers Today to Determine if you Qualify for Benefits
If your workers’ compensation benefits claim has been denied, or if you are receiving inadequate benefits, please call our office today to learn more about how we may be able to help. To ensure that you are treated fairly, the experienced worker’s compensation lawyers at Powers and Caccavale will help you through the process. Please call us toll free at (617) 379-0016 or send us an email today.