Workers' Compensation Attorney in Boston, MA
If you were injured on the job in Boston, Massachusetts law entitles you to medical benefits, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent disability. Getting those benefits when an insurer disputes your claim requires an experienced workers' compensation attorney who knows the Department of Industrial Accidents process. Call DGK Law at (508) 677-4900 for a free case evaluation.
Why Injured Boston Workers Choose DGK Law
DGK Law's workers' compensation attorneys have represented injured workers throughout Boston, Suffolk County, and Massachusetts for decades. Deborah G. Kohl brings over 40 years of workers' compensation experience, an AV Preeminent peer rating, Massachusetts Super Lawyers recognition, and a 10.0 Avvo score to every case. Attorney Ryan Benharris, named one of Boston's top five workers' compensation lawyers by Boston Magazine, has represented injured workers for more than 19 years. Our firm holds recognition as a Best Law Firms firm from 2019 through 2022.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is capped by Massachusetts statute and paid only from your recovery. There is no upfront cost and no fee if we do not recover benefits for you.
Workers' Compensation Claims Across Boston Industries
Boston's economy produces specific workers' comp exposure across major sectors, and different industries produce different injury patterns and evidentiary challenges:
- Healthcare workers. Boston's concentration of major hospitals (Mass General, Brigham and Women's, Boston Medical Center) drives a high volume of claims involving overexertion, needlestick injuries, patient-handling injuries, and clinical-setting slip-and-fall incidents.
- Construction workers. Active development throughout Greater Boston and Suffolk County produces high rates of fall injuries, equipment injuries, and repetitive stress claims. Multi-employer worksites often raise questions about which insurer is responsible.
- MBTA and transit workers. Transit employees are covered under Massachusetts workers' compensation law and face injury risks including back injuries from lifting, assault incidents, and slip and trip hazards in high-traffic station environments.
- Restaurant and hospitality workers. Boston's service sector generates burn, cut, overexertion, and fall claims in kitchens and dining rooms across the city.
- Office and professional workers. Repetitive stress injuries, ergonomic conditions, and stress-related conditions are compensable under Massachusetts workers' comp when properly documented.
Benefits Available to Injured Boston Workers
Massachusetts law provides several categories of workers' compensation benefits:
- Section 34 (Temporary Total Incapacity). Up to 60% of your pre-injury average weekly wage during recovery, subject to statutory maximums.
- Section 35 (Partial Incapacity). Wage replacement when you return to work at reduced capacity or reduced hours.
- Section 36 (Specific Compensation). A separate benefit for permanent loss or loss of use of specific bodily parts.
- Medical benefits. All reasonable and related medical treatment covered by the employer's workers' compensation insurer, including hospital bills, physical therapy, prescription costs, and related travel.
- Vocational rehabilitation. Available for workers who cannot return to their previous occupation.
- Death benefits. Payable to dependents where a work-related injury or illness results in death.
Under Massachusetts law, you generally have four years from the date you knew your injury was work-related to file a claim. Reporting the injury to your employer as early as possible protects your eligibility.
How Boston Workers' Comp Cases Actually Move
Massachusetts workers' compensation disputes are administered through the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). The DIA Boston office at 1 Congress Street, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02114 handles Suffolk County claims. The formal DIA process moves through four stages:
- Conciliation. An initial informal meeting between the parties to attempt settlement.
- Conference. A non-evidentiary hearing before an Administrative Judge, who may issue a temporary order.
- Hearing. A full evidentiary proceeding where witnesses testify and the judge issues a binding decision.
- Reviewing Board and Appeals Court. Appellate review of hearing decisions, followed by Massachusetts Appeals Court where further review is warranted.
DGK Law represents injured Boston workers at every stage of this process. Most cases resolve at conciliation or conference. When insurers dispute claims or offer inadequate benefits, we take the case through DIA hearing and appeal.
Our Boston Workers' Compensation Process
Step 1: Free Consultation. Call (508) 677-4900. You speak directly with a workers' comp attorney who reviews your claim, explains your options, and answers your questions. No cost. No obligation.
Step 2: Claim Filing and Investigation. We file or review your claim with your employer's insurer, preserve medical records and witness information, and identify the full scope of compensable damages.
Step 3: Negotiation and DIA Process. We negotiate with the insurer where possible. Where the insurer disputes or delays, we move the case through the DIA on your behalf.
Step 4: Recovery. Our fee is contingent on your recovery. You pay nothing upfront. Related
personal injury and
Social Security disability matters can also be handled in parallel where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Comp Attorneys in Boston
Do I need a workers' comp lawyer in Boston to file a claim?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney. Represented workers in Massachusetts consistently recover more than unrepresented claimants, particularly when an insurer disputes the injury or delays benefits.
What does a workers' compensation lawyer cost in Boston?
DGK Law takes workers' comp cases on a contingency basis. Attorney fees are capped by Massachusetts statute and paid from your recovery only. If we do not recover, you do not pay.
Can my Boston employer retaliate against me for filing a workers' comp claim?
Massachusetts law prohibits retaliation for workers' compensation filings. If your employer changed your duties, reduced your hours, or terminated you after filing, contact our attorneys right away.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Massachusetts?
You generally have four years from the date you knew your injury was work-related to file. Reporting your injury to your employer as early as possible protects your eligibility.
Does DGK Law represent workers outside Boston?
Yes. We represent injured workers throughout Massachusetts, including our Fall River office. See our reviews on our Google profile.
Get Your Free Boston Workers' Comp Case Review
If you were injured on the job in Boston, call DGK Law at (508) 677-4900 or use our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation. We will review your claim, explain your options, and give you a straight answer about what the case is worth.
