Being injured on the job and losing the ability to work can be very stressful and a life changing event for most people. Many workers believe that they will be taken care of by their employers’ workers’ compensation insurance in the event of a workplace accident, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Once a claim has been filed and the employee is in the workers’ compensation “system”, injured workers quickly discover that the compensation benefits are limited, that the system is not always fair, and that their claim is dictated by the insurance company.

Further, the injured worker quickly learns that the insurance company has a host of professionals on their side to handle the claim including insurance adjusters, nurse case managers, IME insurance doctors, private investigators, and defense attorneys – all who work for the insurance company and looking out for its interest and not that of the injured worker.

There are four main benefits available to injured workers under the workers’ compensation statute: weekly disability benefits (60% of your average weekly wage if you are totally disabled), medical benefits so long as the medical treatment is deemed reasonable and necessary and related to your accident, vocational rehabilitation services if you qualify, and permanent impairment awards. Since not all benefits are available in every case, the injured workers needs to understand what is available in his/her particular circumstances. Unlike other types of accident claims, workers’ compensation does not consider “pain and suffering” as a recoverable damage.

If you are injured on the job, you need to understand your rights. I have handled hundreds of workers’ compensation claims in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts and I can advise you of your rights. Please call me for a free consultation.