According to the Watertown, Massachusetts Department of Economic Development, Watertown has more than 1,000 start-up companies in the field of information and technology, which employ more than 20,000 people. Watertown is also home to the largest custom manufacturer of titanium and carbon-fiber bicycles in the country.
Whether workers are employed in manufacturing, technology or any other field, there is risk of injury or illness as a result of performing work tasks. Massachusetts requires employers to buy workers’ compensation insurance in case an employee gets hurt or sick. This insurance provides coverage for health problems caused by work tasks, regardless of negligence. Unfortunately, sometimes legitimate claims are denied or disputes over benefits arise. A Watertown workers’ compensation attorney should be consulted for help in pursuing a claim.
Watertown Workers Face Injury RisksWatertown is a part of the greater Boston area and is located in Middlesex County. Watertown had a population of 31,915 as of the census in 2010. It is made up of six primary neighborhoods, including Bemis, Brigham, Coolidge Square, the West End, East Watertown and Watertown Square. The city of Watertown is bordered by Newton, Brighton and the Charles River.
Watertown is described as a “hidden gem,” with the “benefits of a small town” as well as access to educational and employment opportunities of a big city. There are some 33,000 residents in Watertown and 20,000 workers. More than half of the individuals living within Watertown work in management, professional and related occupations and 25 percent work in sales or office positions.
Unfortunately, workers could be put at risk in any of these professions if their employers fail to follow rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA rules address all aspects of workplace safety and set minimum regulations. When these regulations are not followed, workers’ lives are on the line and companies can face penalties. For example, one Watertown, MA employer was cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failure to provide fall protection equipment to reduce workplace hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
The threat of citations is often not enough to encourage employers to do everything they can to protect workers. However, regardless of whether an employer fails to fulfill obligations or goes the extra mile for safety, the rules are still the same for workers’ comp. An employee can’t sue an employer, but instead must make a work injury claim.
Getting Help From a Watertown Workers’ Compensation LawyerWorkers’ compensation benefits provide coverage for medical costs as well as disability income. Injured workers need to alert their employer to health problems caused by work duties as soon as possible after they are diagnosed or after an accident occurs. Benefits should begin shortly after a claim is made.
If there is a dispute over the validity of a claim or the benefits owed, Employee Claim - Form 110 should be submitted to the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) to start the process of resolving the disagreement. Our law firm can represent you in your initial claim as well as in solving problems that arise when trying to get covered for your workplace injury or illness.
Schedule your free consultation with a Watertown workers’ compensation lawyer at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers. Call (617) 777-7777 or contact us online.