Suffering an on-the-job injury can kick off a string of hardships for a Massachusetts worker. There is, of course, the physical pain with which a victim must cope, but in many cases there is also a significant financial toll. Lost wages can leave a victim and his or her family on rocky financial footing. Medical expenses can leave a victim with debt that he or she never expected and never deserved. This is why filing a claim for workers’ compensation is so important.
Workers’ compensation benefits can provide financial relief, helping a victim cover medical expenses and part of their lost wages. However, in order to obtain these benefits, an injured individual must successfully navigate the system. Many of those who try to do so fail. But those who have had their claims denied always have the right to appeal the denial.
If an individual wants to appeal a denial, then he or she needs to complete certain steps. First, Employee’s Claim – Form 110 needs to be filled out and submitted to the Department of Industrial Accidents. Medical documentation that helps prove the injury, its relation to work, and medical expenses should be attached. The injured worker should also send a copy of Form 110 to their insurer. Once this is all completed, a Conciliation will be scheduled.
The workers’ compensation claims process can sometimes seem intimidating and confusing. But persistence, knowledge of the law, and the ability to present strong legal arguments based on the facts can often overcome the insurance company’s denials and lead to the recovery of benefits.
Source: Office of Labor and Workforce Development, “What To Do If You Wish To Appeal Your Denied Claim,” accessed on July 23, 2016
