Injured Worker’s Medical Marijuana Claim Goes Up in Smoke

March 3, 2019March 3, 2019

Injured worker’s medical marijuana claim ‘goes up in smoke’ at a time when the opioid epidemic continues to make headlines, here in Massachusetts and nationwide. Many doctors have begun prescribing medical marijuana as an alternative to addictive opioids and narcotics for patients suffering with chronic pain. Because of this, marijuana/cannabis/THC pills and edibles are becoming …

Social Media Can and Will Be Used Against You in a Court of Law

November 1, 2018March 3, 2019

Social Media Can Be Used Against You in a Court of Law

Social media isn’t always a friend in this is the age of “sharing” so beware, it can and will be used against you in a court of law. Everything from what we ate for breakfast to what we did last weekend is posted on a regular if not continual basis. It is not just words …

When Working is Your Retirement

October 22, 2018November 11, 2018

Due to the cataclysmic financial meltdown of the mid-2000s, many seniors find themselves in a position that requires them to keep working long beyond their intended retirement goal. Some had retired already and found themselves forced back into the workforce, many times in a much different capacity than their former careers. It is fair to …

Accidental Disability Retirement ADR

September 5, 2018November 11, 2018

Accidental Disability Retirement ADR vs. Worker’s Compensation Benefits When employees of the State of Massachusetts, a town, city, or county suffer a workplace accident, they are potentially entitled to both state Worker’s Compensation benefits as well as Accidental Disability Retirement benefits (ADR). Although these benefits have elements in common there are significant differences. First, Worker’s …

Hiring the Right Attorney is the Difference Between Winning and Losing

August 1, 2018November 11, 2018

Attorney Sarah Clymer of the Law Offices of Juliane Soprano recently received a favorable decision in a Social Security Disability claim that dragged on for nearly five years. After a denial of benefits at a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, an appeal to the Social Security Administration Appeals Council and a further appeal to …

Sick Pay and Vacation Pay

July 1, 2018November 11, 2018

If I am Terminated, am I Entitled to Sick Pay and Vacation Pay? Controversy regarding sick pay and vacation pay in Massachusetts causes concern for employees and employers. In Massachusetts, The Wage Act, G.L. C. 149, requires employers to pay employees’ wages on a weekly or biweekly basis. If an employee leaves the employment by …

I Was Injured on the Job, Can I Sue My Employer?

June 3, 2018November 11, 2018

I was injured on the job, can I sue my employer? The short answer is no. In Massachusetts, Worker’s Compensation is an “exclusive remedy”. This means that if you are injured at work, and your employer carries worker’s compensation insurance, you may only recover benefits under the Worker’s Compensation System. Purpose of the Worker’s …

PARTIAL DISABILITY – WHAT IS IT?

May 5, 2018November 11, 2018

Understanding Partial Disability By far, the most common question injured workers have is what kind of benefits are available under the Workers’ Compensation system if an injury prevents a return to their former job. In many people’s minds, if they cannot return to their usual type of work, they are disabled. To understand the concept …

What Is PWOP and Should I Sign Form 105?

April 11, 2018November 11, 2018

Pay Without Prejudice Period (PWOP): IF YOU RECEIVE A LETTER CONTACT A LAWYER BEFORE SIGNING IT! When you report an injury to your employer one of two things can happen: (1) the workers’ compensation insurance company (WC) will either deny benefits or (2) they will pay them. When the WC immediately agrees to pay benefits, its …

Medical Evidence Needed For Disability Benefits Claim

March 3, 2018November 11, 2018

Medical Evidence Needed For Disability Benefits Claim There are many sources of evidence you will submit to support your claim for disability but by far the most important is the medical evidence. Get Copies Of All Medical Records You must take care to get copies of your records from all the doctors and other …