View Our Practice Areas Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Attleboro, Massachusetts
I have handled workers' compensation cases since the day I became a lawyer more than 30 years ago.
Workers' compensation claims continue to be a core area of my law practice. I represent people injured in workplace, construction and industrial accidents in Attleboro and throughout southeastern Massachusetts. If you have been injured on the job, I offer a free and confidential consultation to answer your questions and explain your rights.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle My Workers' Compensation Claim?
You may not need a lawyer's help to receive some of the workers' compensation benefits you deserve. However, if a dispute arises, such as whether your injury truly was work-related, you will be at a disadvantage without a lawyer's guidance. These types of disputes are not uncommon for workers alleging a repetitive stress injury, such as carpal tunnel, or for workers suffering due to a pre-existing injury that has worsened as a result of a work incident.
Massachusetts was one of the first states to offer workers' compensation benefits, and the law has been amended many times over the years. Our workers' compensation system has been described as a minefield for the unwary. The average person who is injured likely doesn't know all of the rules and procedures that need to be followed in order to successfully obtain the benefits they are entitled for their workplace injury.
I always advise people to consult a knowledgeable workers' compensation lawyer at the beginning of their case. In most cases, my attorney's fees are paid by the workers' compensation insurance company.
What Types of Benefits Are Available From Workers' Comp?
Workers' compensation benefits include:
- One hundred percent payment of your medical bills
- Temporary wage replacement while you are unable to work
- Partial disability payments if you can return to work but have limitations
- Permanent disability if you are unable to return to work
- Compensation for damages, such as scars on the face and hands
- Retraining benefits if you need to change careers due to a work injury (vocational rehabilitation)
Alternatively, workers' compensation death benefits can provide monthly income benefits for the spouse and dependents of a fatal work injury victim.
Can I Sue My Employer for My Work Injury?
In most situations, injured workers cannot file a lawsuit against their employer for injuries sustained on the job. Instead, Massachusetts requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover work-related accidents and injuries. However, if you are injured by someone other than your employer (such as a car accident occurring on the job or a construction accident caused by defective machinery), you may be entitled to additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. These are known as third-party claims.
If your employer discriminates against you or retaliates against you for filing a workers' compensation claim, you may have a separate employment law claim against your employer for damages you incur as a result of the discrimination or retaliation.
View my Workers' Compensation FAQ for additional information.
Free Attorney Consultation
Contact me, attorney Dennis Bisio, to schedule a free initial consultation to answer your questions about workers' compensation. In-home, evening and weekend consultations are available by appointment.
