Understanding workers’ compensation and legal fees

Injured employees often face a challenging path when navigating the workers’ compensation system.

This program offers financial support and medical benefits to those harmed while performing their job duties. However, to maximize these benefits, it is often necessary to seek assistance.

Navigating complex procedures

Workers’ compensation regulations and procedures can be intricate and challenging to understand. Legal professionals have a deep understanding of these processes, ensuring that injured workers follow the right steps, submit the necessary paperwork, and meet crucial deadlines.

Maximizing benefits

With legal representation, injured employees can often secure more comprehensive benefits. Legal professionals can negotiate for a fair settlement, ensuring that injured workers receive the appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages and any ongoing disability or rehabilitation needs.

Legal fees and how they work

Concerns about legal fees can be a significant barrier for injured workers seeking legal assistance. However, understanding how these fees function can alleviate some of these concerns. Legal fees in Massachusetts’ workers’ compensation cases are generally contingent, meaning they hinge on the case’s outcome. Attorneys are only compensated if they successfully obtain benefits or a settlement for their clients. The fee is typically a percentage of the awarded benefits, and the client pays nothing upfront.

Fee regulations

Legal fee regulations vary. In general, the span from 10% to 25% of the awarded benefits. These fees are subject to Massachusetts-specific maximum limits. This shields injured workers from exorbitant legal costs.

In 2021, 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred, many of which meant the inability to work for many people. While legal representation in workers’ compensation cases is not mandatory, it can be highly beneficial in navigating the complex system.