Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog

June 28, 2014

Fowler v Vista Care – Court Declines to Limit Access to Workers’ Compensation

The New Mexico Supreme Court recently issued a ruling in Fowler v. Vista Care, holding that a worker was not limited in the amount of time during which she could receive compensation for a work-related injury.

Workplace accident lawyers know that while this decision doesn’t impact Massachusetts workers directly, state supreme court decisions are often carefully weighed by other jurisdictions when similar legal questions arise.

According to court records in this case, the worker suffered a back injury while working for her employer in 2003. That same year, she underwent back surgery. She was granted temporary total disability until three years later, when her doctor determined she had reached maximum medical improvement – or a medical improvement plateau for the foreseeable future. At that point, her benefits were terminated.
Continue reading

June 28, 2014

Lightning Safety Awareness Week a Reminder to Boston Workers of Summer Storm Risks

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Summer weather brings many risks for workers. In addition to concerns about heat, summer thunderstorms could also potentially result in workers facing the risk of a lightning strike. To draw attention to the dangers of lightening, the National Weather Service holds Lightning Safety Awareness Week. This year, Lightning Safety Awareness Week ran from June 22 through June 28, 2014.

Employers and workers both need to be aware of the dangers that lightning can prevent and take steps to avoid exposure to dangerous weather. A worker who is hurt on-the-job by a lightning storm should consult with an experienced workplace injury attorney for help pursuing a claim for compensation.
Continue reading

June 27, 2014

Most Costly Workplace Injuries

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering are only a few of the negative consequences that can trail a work-related injury. Though workers may be able to recover some of their losses through workers’ compensation benefits, many suffer lasting or permanent injuries that can leave them struggling for life. In addition to the direct costs suffered by every injured worker, companies will also suffer financial losses associated with worker injuries. This should be another incentive to keep every workplace safe and to follow state and federal regulations.

Companies suffer immediate losses after a worker injury, including direct costs of medical expenses and wages. They must also pay additional costs that can lead to an overall bottom-line loss. Our work injury attorneys are primarily interested in helping workers recover personal and financial losses after a work-related injury. In addition, we are dedicated to raising awareness to improve workplace conditions and to prevent future accidents and injuries. Individuals as well as business owner should be aware of the most expensive risks and the potentially long-term financial detriment of workplace injuries.
Continue reading

June 23, 2014

Dollar-Tree Facing OSHA Fines for Safety Violations

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Dollar Tree is under investigation and currently facing OSHA fines nearing $360,000 for egregious worker safety violations. According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports, the company was initially investigated after numerous safety complaints. In one location, authorities identified a minimum of four violations that created dangerous working conditions. The severity of these workplace dangers sparked a nationwide investigation.

OSHA is the agency responsible for ensuring that businesses and corporations are in compliance with federal safety regulations. The agency is also charged with enforcing regulations through routine inspections and investigations, and can impose penalties. In many cases, a business will be inspected after an accident or injury. Fortunately, in this case, no workers were reported harmed prior to the investigation. Our workplace accident lawyers are committed to raising awareness to protect worker rights and safety. We are also staunch advocates for injured workers and their loved ones and will explore every opportunity to collect compensation after an accident.
Continue reading

June 21, 2014

Bridge Repair Safety: Construction Workers Injured in Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

With several bridge collapses in recent U.S. history, the government is making investments in repairs and construction projects to improve infrastructure. As local, state, and federal authorities initiate projects to repair these bridges, construction workers must also be properly trained and secured against falls. Contractors and other construction companies must make sure that employees have proper training and equipment to prevent future injuries.

As the need for bridge repairs continues in Boston and nationwide, construction workers are at risk of significant injuries. Our workplace injury lawyers are experienced in representing individuals who have suffered in a work-related accident. We will take the time to review your case, identify all potential sources of recovery, and pursue maximum benefits and compensation on your behalf. Our legal team understands the significant losses faced by our clients and their loves ones and take necessary steps to seek a timely and effective claim.
Continue reading

June 15, 2014

Advice to Entrepreneurs on Worker Safety

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

New businesses and small businesses may not be aware of their obligations for worker safety, or may not devote sufficient resources to keeping employees safe. Worker health and safety must be a top priority for anyone hiring employees, whether they are a start-up company or an established business with hundreds of employees.

Victims who are injured on-the-job need to understand their legal rights in pursuing a work injury claim after an accident or illness. A workers’ compensation lawyer should be consulted by those who are injured or by family members who lose loved ones due to workplace accidents.
Continue reading

June 14, 2014

Preventing Fatal Four Construction Injuries

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The construction industry is the largest creator of summer jobs in the United States. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous industries nationwide. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 19.3 percent of all worker deaths happened in construction in 2012.

While many different types of injuries and accidents can happen on a construction site, there are four primary causes of workplace deaths in construction. These include falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and being caught in or between objects. As the summer season approaches and construction workers get busy, our construction injury lawyers have some tips for construction workers to reduce the risks of these “fatal four.”
Continue reading

June 13, 2014

Preventing Deaths and Injuries Within the Restaurant Industry

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The restaurant industry is second only to construction in terms of creating summer jobs. As Restaurant News reports, an improving economy means that there will be many more workers hired in eating and drinking places this summer. Nationwide, 2014 is expected to be the second summer on record where at least half-a-million restaurant jobs will be added.

Restaurant jobs can be a great source of income for teens and college students who are off from school. The busy summer season can also present an opportunity for people who have been looking for work to get their foot in the door of the restaurant industry. Unfortunately, this field has some risks for workers and it is essential that the millions who get restaurant jobs follow safety tips to avoid getting hurt at work. Our work injury lawyers have some tips to help workers stay safe and get through to the fall with the minimum risk of injury or death-on-the-job.
Continue reading

June 10, 2014

Preventing Teen Injuries On-the-Job

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the youth labor force grows sharply each year between April and July. While a summer job can provide invaluable experience and open the door to employment upon graduating from high school or college, it can also be risky. Teens are in danger of being hurt or even killed when they work during the summer, especially if they do not receive the proper training.

Our workplace injury lawyers have some tips for teens working this summer to help young people stay safe and reduce the risk of getting hurt on the job.
Continue reading

June 7, 2014

OSHA Not Effectively Limiting Exposure to Chemicals

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In Massachusetts, there was one worker killed in 2012 as a result of exposure to harmful substances or a harmful environment on-the-job. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, this death occurred in a year when there were a total of just 33 workplace fatalities, down from 68 in 2011. Exposure to chemicals on-the-job can also cause cancer, birth defects or other serious and sometimes fatal damage.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is supposed to protect workers and ensure that they are not exposed to dangerous chemicals in their workplaces. OSHA should do this by identifying hazardous chemicals that are likely to be found on job sites and by setting rules for permissible exposure. Unfortunately, the agency vested with the job of protecting workers is falling far short of fulfilling its duties when it comes to chemical exposure. Workers injured or who become ill as a result of exposure to chemicals should consult with a workplace accident attorney for help making a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Continue reading