If you sustained injuries in a workplace accident in Waldorf, MD, you deserve to understand your rights, including what financial compensation you can receive through the state’s workers’ compensation system. Here’s what you need to know.
Workers’ Rights After a Workplace Injury in Maryland
Maryland workers’ compensation laws give qualifying employees the right to certain financial benefits from their employer if they suffer a work injury or are diagnosed with an occupational disease. With few exceptions, every employer in Maryland with one or more employees must purchase workers’ compensation insurance to cover employee injuries.
The benefits available under Maryland’s workers’ compensation law include the following:
- Medical benefits – Pays for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation for a work injury
- Temporary total disability benefits (TTD) – Partial reimbursement for lost wages for employees who can’t work at all after an injury
- Temporary partial disability benefits (TPD) – Partial reimbursement of the difference between a worker’s pre-injury wages and reduced earnings during their healing period
- Permanent partial disability benefits (PPD) – Compensation for workers who suffer permanent impairments that do not prevent them from returning to the workforce
- Permanent total disability benefits (PTD) – Financial benefits for workers who become disabled from gainful employment
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits – Training and job placement services to workers who cannot return to their pre-injury jobs
In case of fatal injuries, Maryland provides death benefits to the deceased worker’s family members.
In general, workers’ compensation benefits are no-fault benefits, meaning you don’t have to prove anyone did something wrong to qualify. However, the injury must have occurred while you were performing work-related duties. For example, you would not qualify for workers’ comp benefits if you got hurt in a car accident during your morning commute. But if you are a delivery driver and suffered injuries in a collision while dropping off a package, you would likely qualify for benefits.
Steps to Take After a Job Injury
You can protect your rights to workers’ compensation benefits by taking the following steps after an on-the-job injury:
- Report your injury to your employer within 10 days of the diagnosis.
- Seek immediate medical attention and inform your doctor of the work-related nature of your injury.
- Request copies of your medical records.
- Keep copies of any bills or invoices you get for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Gather your pay stubs or income statements if you need to take time off work.
Finally, contact a work injury lawyer for help pursuing the financial benefits you deserve from your employer.
Common Challenges in Maryland Work Injury Cases
Unfortunately, employers and insurers can make it hard for injured workers to obtain the financial benefits they’re guaranteed under the law. They might deny claims by arguing the worker did not suffer a work-related injury, failed to report the injury to their employer promptly, or has a pre-existing condition. The employer might pressure the worker to return to work before fully recovering from their injuries. Contact a lawyer immediately if you encounter these or other challenges when pursuing your claim.
When to Consider Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit
Workers’ compensation laws shield employers from personal injury liability under most circumstances. However, if someone other than your employer or a co-worker is responsible for your injury, you could have grounds for a third-party lawsuit in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. Doing so can provide you with additional resources not available through workers’ comp, such as:
- Full reimbursement of lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Long-term disability care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
How Trollinger Law LLC Can Assist Injured Workers in Waldorf, MD
A work injury lawyer from Trollinger Law LLC can handle all aspects of your workers’ compensation claim so you can focus on healing. We will:
- Evaluate your legal options for recovering compensation, including workers’ compensation or third-party personal injury claims
- Investigate your injury to recover evidence supporting your case
- Document your injuries and losses
- File your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and manage any disputes
If you need help filing a workers’ compensation claim in Waldorf, turn to the legal team at Trollinger Law LLC. Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation.
