New Bedford Workers' Compensation Lawyers
A workplace injury in New Bedford can disrupt every part of your life and create significant financial strain. These challenges affect workers across the city, whether you’re a cook at a local seafood restaurant who burns their hand on a hot stove or a New Bedford public school teacher who develops a repetitive strain injury from years of daily writing.
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to cover medical care and replace a portion of your income, but getting what you’re entitled to can be challenging. You don’t have to deal with the insurance companies on your own. Our New Bedford workers’ compensation lawyers are here to guide you through the system and seek fair compensation on your behalf.
Find out what your case is worth.
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Last Updated:
October 15, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Makes Rob Levine Law the Best Choice for Your Workers’ Compensation Case?
- Is Your Injury Eligible for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
- What Should You Do Following a Workplace Injury?
- What Evidence Should You Have To Prove Your Injury?
- How Long Do You Have To File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
- What Happens if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
- What Benefits Can You Get From Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
- How Long Will It Take To Receive Your Workers’ Comp Benefits?
- Call Rob Levine Law Today
- Workers’ Compensation FAQs
What Makes Rob Levine Law the Best Choice for Your Workers' Compensation Case?
When a workplace injury threatens your health and stability, you need a team that knows how to take on the system. For over 25 years, our firm has stood by injured workers across New England during some of the most challenging times of their lives. We’ve helped over 50,000 clients recover over $2 billion in injury compensation and workers’ compensation benefits—all while upholding high ethical standards and actively participating in our community.
With our Fee Free Guarantee®, our aggressive advocacy is accessible regardless of your financial circumstances. Hiring us costs nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover benefits for you. The insurance company will pay us, and there are zero out-of-pocket fees.
We’re here for you when you need us most, offering 24/7 availability. When you turn to our New Bedford law firm after being injured at work, we’ll work hard to keep the workers’ comp process as smooth as possible. Our goal is to provide clarity, reduce your stress, and pursue the benefits you deserve without unnecessary delays.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
From Start to Finish, Made Easy
This firm was everything you could possibly want, hope for, expect, and most of all, thankful that they’re there to help. My process was long and drawn out by no fault of Rob Levine Law. What I can tell you is they made it as painless as possible with making sure all my I’s were dotted and my T’s all crossed. They did it all and held my hand through it all. I want to acknowledge Daniella Martinez for helping me gather all the necessary medical records and what have you. She was an absolute pleasure to speak with, and I could sense her genuine concern to make sure I had all the proper information. She was a blessing, and I’m glad she was in my corner as my case manager. All in all, although the experience was longer than I anticipated, it was made easy by the likes of Daniella Martinez and others like her, but not quite her!
Bradley M.
Finally, a Hassle-Free Experience
Adrian was very thorough, and he made the process very smooth for me. I now finally feel like someone will help hold my hand along the way throughout this process. I’ve been waiting for this for years!
Michelle L.
Reliable and Responsive
Lovely experience with this agency. All questions & concerns are always addressed within a reasonable time. Would definitely recommend them.
Tina S.
Is Your Injury Eligible for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Under Massachusetts law, nearly all employers in the state are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers their employees, including part-time, full-time, and seasonal workers. Benefits are available when an employee sustains an injury or illness in the course of their employment.
You’re likely eligible for workers’ compensation if your injury happened on the job, during work hours, and while performing work-related duties. Our New Bedford workers’ compensation attorneys can review your circumstances and help you determine whether you qualify.
Many different situations meet these criteria. For example, a New Bedford taxi driver may be eligible for benefits if they gradually develop a knee injury after long shifts of getting in and out of their vehicle. On the other hand, a local warehouse manager might suddenly suffer a back injury while lifting heavy boxes.
What Should You Do Following a Workplace Injury?
Taking the right steps after an accident at work can ensure your health and protect your right to benefits. Start by reporting the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Document what happened by taking photos of any hazards or visible injuries and writing down your memory of what happened.
Before you seek medical care, ask your employer where to go for treatment. In Massachusetts, your employer may designate the first doctor or hospital you visit after the injury. After that initial treatment, you have the right to choose your own medical provider for ongoing care.
Once you’ve taken care of your immediate needs, contact our workers’ comp attorneys for further guidance. We can explain your rights and pursue the benefits you deserve.
What Evidence Should You Have To Prove Your Injury?
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful workers’ compensation claim. Our work injury lawyers can help you gather the following types of evidence and more:
- Medical records documenting your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery
- Workplace incident reports showing how and when the injury occurred
- Witness statements from co-workers or others who saw the incident and its aftermath
This evidence helps us prove that your injury was work-related and how it’s affected you. For instance, a truck driver in New Bedford who injures their back while lifting heavy cargo may rely on both medical documentation and an incident report to support their claim.
How Long Do You Have To File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
You must report your injury to your employer as soon as practicable in Massachusetts. Additionally, you have up to four years from the date you first realized the injury was work-related to file a formal claim.
These deadlines can apply differently depending on the type of injury. An office worker in New Bedford might not realize their carpal tunnel syndrome is job-related until years of daily computer use cause serious pain. When a doctor ties the condition to their work, that’s when the worker needs to report it—and that’s when the four-year clock to file a claim begins.
What Happens if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If the insurer denies your claim, you’ll receive a denial letter in the mail explaining the reasoning for the decision. This is a good time to contact our workers’ comp lawyers. We can review the decision and guide you through your next steps.
We can help you file an Employee’s Claim, Form 110, with the Department of Industrial Accidents, or DIA. This form must include medical documentation that links your injury or illness to your work. For example, if a grocery store employee in New Bedford sprains their ankle after slipping and falling on a wet floor, we would work with their doctor to submit reports confirming that their job-related activities caused the injury. We’ll gather that documentation and submit it to both the DIA and the insurer.
The DIA will then schedule a conciliation, where our attorneys and the insurer will try to reach an agreement. If this process is unsuccessful, we’ll support you through any additional stages, including mediation and hearings.
What Benefits Can You Get From Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Workers’ compensation in Massachusetts provides several categories of benefits to ease the financial burden of a work-related injury or illness. These include:
- Medical benefits: Coverage for treatment, medication, and rehabilitation that is reasonable, necessary, and causally related to the work injury or illness.
- Wage replacement: Weekly payments that replace up to 60% of your pre-injury income while you’re fully or partially unable to work
- Permanent disability benefits: Additional compensation if your injury causes lasting impairment or loss of function
- Vocational rehabilitation: Training or placement services if you cannot return to your former job
- Survivor benefits: Financial support for dependents and burial expenses if an employee dies from a work-related injury
Each employee’s benefits vary based on the severity of their injuries. For instance, a warehouse manager with a back injury may be eligible for medical benefits to cover physical therapy and surgery expenses. If they’re out of work for an extended period, wage replacement benefits can help them cover their lost income.
How Long Will It Take To Receive Your Workers’ Comp Benefits?
While medical coverage is usually available immediately, wage replacement benefits may take longer to process. Many injured workers receive an initial check within three to four weeks, but the timeline for receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Massachusetts can vary significantly, especially if the claim is contested.
Our workplace injury attorneys in New Bedford can prevent unnecessary delays by filing your claim correctly, submitting medical records on time, and pressuring the insurer to meet its obligations.
Call Rob Levine Law Today
Life after a workplace injury is stressful enough without the added burden of managing a workers’ comp claim. Our New Bedford workers’ compensation lawyers can handle the details while you focus on your recovery.
We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case, and there are no fees unless you win. Call us at 800-742-3920 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Workers' Compensation FAQs
We answer common questions from injured workers in New Bedford below.
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation if My Injury Is a Result of My Own Actions?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Massachusetts, meaning you can qualify for benefits even if you caused the accident. However, you may not be eligible if you intended to harm yourself.
What Should I Do if My Employer Asks Me to Return to Work Before I’ve Fully Recovered?
Do not return to work before your doctor clears you. Returning too early can harm your health and your workers’ compensation claim. If your employer pressures you, contact our legal team for guidance.
Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim if My Injury Didn’t Happen Immediately But Developed Over Time?
Yes. Workers’ compensation covers gradual work-related injuries and illnesses, such as repetitive stress injuries or respiratory problems from chemical exposure.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work if I’m Injured During a Work Trip Outside of New Bedford?
Massachusetts generally awards workers’ comp only for injuries arising “out of and in the course of employment.” That means injuries from ordinary commutes usually aren’t covered, but travel that’s part of your job duties may qualify for benefits. If your duties require you to be on the road, move between job sites, or take a work-related trip, injuries that happen in those circumstances may be compensable.
What Happens if My Doctor Says I Can Return to Work, But I Still Feel Like I Can’t Perform My Job?
If you disagree with your doctor’s release, speak to our attorneys. We may help you request another medical evaluation or gather additional documentation to show that you’re not ready to return to work.
What Is the Department of Industrial Accidents’ Role in the Claim Process?
The DIA oversees workers’ compensation in Massachusetts. It reviews claims, schedules conciliations and hearings, and resolves disputes between employees and insurers.
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Notable Case Results
$330,000.00
Client was renting an apartment in New Bedford, MA, and while going down stairs in the dark due to a broken light, he slipped on the steps and fell down the remainder of the stairs.
$90,000
Veteran living in North Dartmouth served in both the Navy and the Coast Guard during the 60’s and 70’s. Veteran served in Vietnam in the 60s and suffered exposure to Asbestosis which lead to breathing issues. He also had PTSD. We earned the veteran over $90,000 in benefits.
$77,913
Client living in North Dartmouth MA Anterolisthesis ,Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Migraines, High Blood Pressure.
$90,000
Client was riding their motorized scooter at night, and was hit by a car. The insurance companies argued about liability as our client did not have lights on their scooter. The insurance company was forced to pay 90% of the policy out as they accepted 90% responsibility for this case. The client did suffer broken […]
$330,000
Client fell on poorly maintained stairs on Hazard Court in New Bedford. Lost conciousness when the fall happened. Was rushed to St. Lukes, but the injuries, including internal bleeding of the brain were so severe they rushed him to Boston Medical Center where the client was in ICU for several days.
$70,000
Client was driving in New Bedford on Chaffee Street, Defendant ran a stop sign. Client was rushed to St Lukes Hospital with left side pain and numbness. Treated with PT and ortho and settled the file months later.
$18,000
The client was in Wareham driving on Swift’s Beach Road when the defendant failed to stop at the intersection, hitting our client. The client suffered from neck, back, and shoulder injuries.
$75,000
Client was driving straigh, defendant had a medical emergency cross lanes and hitting our client head on. The client suffered from broken ribs and time missed from work. This occured on Chase Road in Dartmouth Massachusetts
From Start to Finish, Made Easy
This firm was everything you could possibly want, hope for, expect, and most of all, thankful that they’re there to help. My process was long and drawn out by no fault of Rob Levine Law. What I can tell you is they made it as painless as possible with making sure all my I’s were […]
Bradley M.
Finally, a Hassle-Free Experience
Adrian was very thorough, and he made the process very smooth for me. I now finally feel like someone will help hold my hand along the way throughout this process. I’ve been waiting for this for years!
Michelle L.
Compassionate Legal Assistance
Delaney Grune was very professional, helpful, friendly, and treated me with nothing but respect. She showed me she cared about me and my needs. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone I know who is in need of legal representation.
Evy R.
Top-Notch Communication & Care
I would highly recommend Attorney Austin Millis and his team, Michael and Jesus. They were over-the-top amazing with customer service and communication. I am so extremely happy with the treatment I received throughout this entire process. Thank you all so much!!!
Brian M.
Supportive & Timely Communication
Andrea Zannos and Leonardo Chinchihualpa have been extremely helpful and supportive in all my needs. They follow up in a timely fashion for medical updates and also to see how I feel, which is a personal touch. I’m very pleased with their expertise and how they’ve handled all my questions and the entire process, which […]
Maria C.
Thorough, Thoughtful, and Supportive Legal Care
I am happy that I received help with my VA disability claim. Rob Levine Law is professional, caring, and thoughtful about your injuries, and they are only concerned with ensuring you get the best representation you deserve. You cannot do this alone; the paperwork is confusing and stressful. Seek Rob Levine Law for your legal […]
Jaqueline K.
Additional Resources
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