Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Massachusetts

The Cape Cod workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III represent clients throughout the region who have been injured in accidents on the job. From a slip and fall in an office cafeteria to a life-threatening heavy equipment accident, we understand the pain and stress that these incidents can cause for workers and their families. We also know the law as it applies to these claims, and we have successfully helped a number of clients obtain the benefits they deserve, both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

It is an unfortunate reality that workers’ compensation plan insurers are often hesitant to pay out claims, including many in which an injured worker is clearly entitled to benefits. In those situations, it’s often necessary for an injured worker to sue in order to get the benefits that the worker and his or her family so rightly deserve. Some of these cases will require a full trial. Others, however, may be able to be resolved through settlement. The latter option can save significant time and money, not to mention the stress of not knowing whether you will be paid for medical costs and missed work. Reaching an optimum settlement, however, requires thorough investigation and a strong evidentiary record. In other words, it requires the assistance of a competent and experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

It is important to understand that it’s not your employer who pays out workers’ compensation benefits. Instead, the employer pays a premium to an insurance company which in turn will pay out benefits for eligible claims. The distance between the injured worker and the entity responsible for paying benefits makes it easier for the company to decline a claim. The insurer didn’t witness the workplace accident and is used to dealing with severe and even fatal injury cases. That’s why it’s important to seek legal advice before filing a claim, as well as in the event that your claim is initially denied.

Lump Sum vs. Weekly Benefits

Massachusetts law gives injured employees the option to decide whether to accept their workers’ compensation benefits in a single lump sum or in weekly payments. This is likely to be an issue in settlement situations as well, and workers should consider the pros and cons of each type of payment. Employers and practitioners have long debated whether the lump sum payment discourages injured workers to return to the job. For the employee, the lump sum payment allows the worker to cover medical and living costs immediately without having bills hanging over their heads. On the other hand, weekly payments give workers and their families a steady income on which they can rely while the employee is unable to work.

Fighting for Injured Workers

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, our lawyers have more than 146 years of combined experience handling workers’ compensation and other personal injury cases. We know the law, we understand how to build the strongest possible claim on behalf of those we represent, and we recognize how insurance companies approach these cases. Don’t just take out word for it: Our attorneys have helped clients obtain a number of six-figure settlements in workers’ compensation cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident in Massachusetts, contact the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III. Our workplace injury attorneys offer free consultations from offices in Hyannis and Plymouth. We will also travel to you if you can’t make it to us. We don’t charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.