The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) oversees workers’ compensation claims statewide, maintaining a regional office at 100 Front St, Worcester, MA 01608. Located nearby at 188 Lincoln St., The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C., our lawyers bring over 50 years of experience helping injured workers across Central Massachusetts challenge insurance denials and secure the benefits they deserve. Workers’ compensation covers medical care and lost wages after a work-related accident, even if caused by a simple mistake – and if a third party like a contractor, equipment maker or property owner contributed to your injury, you may also have grounds for an additional claim under Massachusetts law.
Were You Injured On The Job? Our Worcester Workplace Injury Lawyers Can Help.
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C., we understand the devastating effects a serious workplace injury can have on your ability to provide for yourself and those you love. We know the law and can help you secure compensation and other benefits your are entitled to under Massachusetts law.
Ensuring Lost Wages, Rehabilitation Needs Are Met Through Workers’ Compensation
Massachusetts workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide for your needs, personal and medical. This compensation can help you recover and attempt to conform your life to the temporary or permanent disability that resulted from your on-the-job injury. The benefits may include:
- Medical benefits
- Wage benefits
- Permanent and total incapacity benefits
- Permanent loss of function and disfigurement benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Survivors’/dependents’ benefits
- Burial expenses
In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation follows a no-fault system. This means you do not have to prove your employer did something wrong to access benefits. However, it is important to understand that accepting these benefits means relinquishing your right to sue your employer for negligence.
Our law firm assists injured workers in all phases of a claim – from initial filing to fighting wrongful denials and unfair benefit terminations, as well as negotiating lump-sum settlements.
Real Help For Injured Workers In Worcester
We represent injured workers who have suffered serious and potentially debilitating injuries as a result of:
- Construction accidents: Any type of accident can occur on a construction site, often leaving workers at risk for serious construction accident injuries.
- Ladder/scaffolding accidents: Any ladder or scaffolding collapse or other accident may result in a dangerous or even deadly fall.
- Crane accidents: Crane collapses and other accidents involving cranes can injure not only workers, but also bystanders and people in buildings around the crane.
- Forklift accidents: Forklifts can be very dangerous. They carry heavy loads and are heavy themselves. Loads can fall off the forks or the forklift can tip over, strike someone or knock down materials or goods, causing injury.
- Work-related burn injuries: Burns in the workplace can occur due to a wide variety of reasons, including electrical accidents, fires, explosions and chemical exposure.
- Repetitive motion injuries: Office workers and others who perform the same work-related tasks every day are at risk of developing repetitive stress injuries such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Our lawyers can help you get the financial compensation you deserve for your workplace injuries. Whether you were injured in an accident or developed an injury over time, if it occurred while you were at work, our workers’ compensation lawyers can lend you a helping legal hand.
Compensation Above And Beyond Workers’ Compensation: Handling Your Third-Party Claim
When you work with The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C., we review your accident to see if a third party or outside entity contributed to your injuries. If someone other than your employer or co-worker caused your accident, you can file a separate personal injury lawsuit alongside your workers’ comp claim.
Depending on your situation, these parties may be responsible for accidents involving construction or building sites, factory accidents and more:
- Subcontractors working on the same job site
- Equipment manufacturers who provided defective products that failed on the job
- Property owners who failed to maintain a safe environment
- Drivers who hit you while you are driving or working on the road for your job
In third-party claims, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and extended medical expenses. We provide dedicated representation against reluctant insurance companies that most likely will attempt to minimize your claim to avoid paying out more than they have to.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Under Massachusetts Law
Massachusetts workers’ compensation follows M.G.L. c. 152, the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act. Most employees may qualify for benefits after a work injury, no matter who caused the accident. Your injury and ability to work can affect your benefits.
Depending on your injury and ability to work, the Chapter 152 benefits may include:
- Section 34: Temporary total incapacity benefits when your injury keeps you from working.
- Section 35: Partial incapacity benefits when you can work but earn less than before your injury.
- Section 34A: Permanent and total incapacity benefits when a serious injury keeps you from working.
- Section 36: Compensation for certain lasting losses of function and disfigurement, including some scars.
Worcester workers face injury risks in many local industries. Construction work along Downtown Worcester, Route 9 and I-290 corridors can involve falls and equipment accidents. Warehouses and distribution hubs across Central Massachusetts may expose workers to heavy equipment. Healthcare workers at UMass Memorial and Saint Vincent Hospital may face lifting injuries and other work hazards. Manufacturing sites throughout Worcester County may also involve heavy machinery and other risks.
Workers’ compensation may also cover needed medical care for your work injury. Medical records, accident reports, wage records and witness statements can help support your claim. Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. This helps create a clear record of what happened.
Third-Party Claims After A Worcester Work Injury
A workers’ compensation claim may not be your only legal option after an accident. Workers’ compensation usually limits your right to sue your employer. However, you may have a separate claim against another party that caused or helped cause your injury. A third-party claim may let you seek damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, including pain and suffering.
Potential third parties may include:
- Contractors or subcontractors: Unsafe work or careless actions at a shared job site may cause an injury.
- Equipment manufacturers: A defective forklift, scaffold, power tool or other machine may cause an injury.
- Property owners: Unsafe conditions at a work site may support a claim against the property owner.
- Other drivers: A driver who causes a crash while you are working may be responsible for your injuries.
A third-party claim may exist along with workers’ compensation. Our firm can review your accident, identify other parties who may be responsible and explain your legal options.
How The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C., Can Help You With Your Case
With more than half a century of experience, the attorneys of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C., have earned deep knowledge about workers’ compensation claims. After handling unique cases in Massachusetts and neighboring states, we have familiarized ourselves with the technicalities of fighting for our clients’ full and fair recovery. Regardless of a claim’s complexity, we want to be your legal advocate who stands up to protect your rights.
When assessing your case, we ensure to connect with you personally. This is so that you do not feel alone in navigating a difficult situation. We understand the impact of a work injury on your livelihood, which is why we strive to work hard in helping you. Working with us means compassionate representation that will be present during tough negotiations with insurance companies and court trials.
Getting The Most Out Of The Workers’ Compensation System
When you work with our law firm, we will analyze your claim to determine all parties that should be held responsible for your injuries. If there is an opportunity to file a third-party claim, you may be eligible to recover additional compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious on-the-job accident, we can help you seek financial coverage to take care of yourself and your family. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our Worcester office by calling 508-762-4327 today.
We handle most cases on a contingency fee basis, so you owe attorneys’ fees only if we win your case.