Did you suffer an injury or become ill at work in Maryland? By law, most employers must provide workers’ compensation for medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages while you recover. But even though state law guarantees these benefits to qualifying workers, insurance companies don’t always make it easy to collect full and fair benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney from Trollinger Law LLC can discuss how to maximize your settlement in a free consultation.
Firm founder Matthew Trollinger is an accomplished workers’ comp lawyer representing clients throughout Southern Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our legal team can help you apply for workers’ compensation benefits and resolve any disputes that may arise with the insurance company. Call or contact us today for a free case review.
Ways to Maximize Your Workers’ Comp Claim
The value of your workers’ compensation claim depends on the extent of your injuries and how long it will take you to recover. You can strengthen your claim by:
- Reporting your injury to your employer right away – Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws give you 10 days to report a workplace injury to your employer. Reporting the injury within this time frame may help you avoid administrative hurdles that could delay your claim. You could still obtain workers’ compensation benefits if you miss the deadline, but the process could be more challenging. Ask a trusted family member, friend, or coworker to report the injury for you if you cannot do it yourself. Whoever makes the report should do it in writing.
- Talking to a workers’ compensation lawyer – Your employer’s insurer does not benefit from giving you a big payout, even if you deserve one. Never assume the system is designed to work for you. In reality, employers and workers’ compensation insurers work hard to find justifications for claim denials and reduced benefits. A workers’ compensation attorney can place a fair value on your claim so your settlement reflects the full extent of your losses. A skilled lawyer can also help you gather evidence to support your claim, file the necessary paperwork, prepare for any hearings or medical appointments, and assist with appeals. Put simply, they take the burden off you.
- File your documentation correctly – You can strengthen your case by providing detailed documentation of your injuries or illness. Failing to provide crucial information or making a small error could impact the amount you receive in benefits and the success of your claim. Make sure to collect all the necessary medical records and required information before submitting your claim. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can prepare the documents you need to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Keep all records of your job injury – Keep all medical records, bills, and communications with your employer about the injury. Write down as much as you can remember about the accident. It also helps to start a daily journal to track how your injury or illness affects your ability to participate in everyday activities. Filing for workers’ compensation in Maryland is a document-heavy process. Taking these steps can protect your claim.
- Get ready for the independent medical exam (IME) – There is a good chance that the insurance company will ask you to submit to an independent medical examination (IME) before approving your claim. An IME is not the same as any other doctor’s appointment because the doctor is not the one overseeing your treatment. Instead, they report their findings to the insurer. The IME is how insurance companies check for evidence of fraud or another reason to deny your claim. A workers’ compensation lawyer can advise you on what to expect and do during an IME.
- File an appeal if your claim is denied – Sometimes, a workers’ compensation claim gets denied even when an injured employee does everything right. Don’t despair if your workers’ comp claim gets rejected. You have the option to file an appeal to push for the benefits you need. If you didn’t hire an attorney when you applied for benefits, speak to one before filing an appeal. Your lawyer can gather additional evidence and represent you in hearings to give you the best possible chance of success.
Turn to an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
You can improve the odds of winning a workers’ comp case with legal representation. No matter where you are in the workers’ compensation claims process, reach out to Trollinger Law LLC. Maryland workers choose us because they know we fight aggressively for the money they need to get back on their feet. Call or contact us today for a free case review.
