It is an unfortunate reality that many Massachusetts residents work in dangerous professions. Construction workers, factory employees, and police officers can all face real threats in the form of heights, moving vehicles, machines, repetitive stress, and other dangerous individuals. When an individual is hurt on the job, he or she may be left with significant physical and financial harm. The good news is that an injured worker can seek to recoup some of his or her financial losses through the workers’ compensation system.
One Massachusetts worker may be thinking about doing just that after he was injured on the job. The incident occurred at a construction site in Haverhill when the worker was hit by a car. The victim was directing an aerial lift and had stepped out into the street to do so. An oncoming vehicle failed to yield to the construction worker, and was instead looking up at the piece of construction equipment, causing him to slam into the worker. The worker suffered injuries and was rushed to the hospital. No charges have been filed against the driver at this time.
Being hurt on the job means that a worker may incur medical expenses at a time when lost wages have left him or her financially vulnerable. During this time of uncertainty, though, a victim can consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. If successful, a worker may be awarded money to help him or her pay for needed medical care and recoup lost wages. Such recoveries allow injured workers to focus on getting healthy and back to work.
Unfortunately, though, many workers’ compensation claims are initially denied. This does not mean that a denied worker will not be able to recover, as there is an appeals process in place that can be utilized. By speaking with an experienced and compassionate attorney, an injured worker can learn his or her legal rights and, perhaps, develop a legal strategy that protects his or her best interests.
Source: WHAV, “Harbor Place Worker Injured After Being Struck By Car,” Jan. 7, 2015
