If you are hurt at work, it can be confusing and scary. Youāre not sure if your supervisor or employer is going to treat you fairly. Often times you donāt know how long youāll be out of work. Consider the following tips with regards to being hurt at work:
Should I Report the Injury to My Supervisor or HR?
Disputes arise when an employer claims they were never told about the injury at work. If you are hurt, tell your boss. They should fill out an Injury Report and Employerās First Report that documents your injury if you need to miss work for more than three days.
Am I Able to Choose My Doctor?
Under Maryland Workersā Compensation law, you have the right to see any doctor of your choosing for your injuries. The workersā compensation insurance company often times does not let you know about that right. Sometimes they will recommend you see one of their preferred medical providers. Consult with an attorney or your local primary care doctor for the reputation of the medical provider recommended.
Comply with Doctorās Orders
If the hospital or urgent care facility recommends you take three days off work, take it. Give yourself time to heal. If the treating orthopedic recommends you work light duty, give your body the best chance of recovery.
Communicate with Your Employer
Continue to keep your supervisor or HR in the loop about your work status. Send them off-work slips. Let them know you want to be back as soon as you are able but have not yet been released. If your doctor thinks you can do light duty, ask your supervisor or HR for light duty!
Should I Call a Maryland Workersā Compensation Attorney?
Unfortunately, the Maryland workers’ compensation system is an even less ādo it yourselfā process than a car accident case and you have even less of a chance to be treated fairly in these types of cases.
Most cases have to go to at least one hearing in front of a Maryland Workersā Compensation Commissioner. Even though our Commissioners are very good at what they do and do their best at weighing the evidence to fairly assess the real issues of the case, the rules of evidence still apply. This means that a competent workersā compensation defense attorney will successfully be able to limit any benefits you are entitled to if you do not have an attorney well versed in the Maryland workersā compensation law and process. The sooner you get an attorney, the better.
Individuals are almost never able to get Permanent Partial and Permanent Total Disability Benefits without the help of a Maryland Attorney.
Call Trollinger Law LLC for help with your workersā compensation case at 301-965-8500, there are no fees unless we win AND you are entitled to a free consultation on your case.
