Delivering Results For Over 30 Years

Maryland Worker Protection From An Experienced Lawyer

Workers’ compensation benefits protect workers and their employers. Maryland state law dictates that employers must purchase workers’ compensation insurance policies for their businesses. When an employee suffers an injury on the job, the workers’ compensation insurance policy will provide coverage for certain costs and provide benefits to the injured employee.

This system helps to ensure that workers are not injured and unable to support themselves and their families because of something that took place on the job. You will receive the compensation you are eligible for, so you can focus on recovering from your injury. For employers, the policies provide protection for them so that they do not have to take on the costs of litigation.

If you are injured at work, having a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney, such as Matthew P. Darby, will help you to navigate and understand the process, ensure that you are treated fairly and get the help and benefits that you are entitled to receive. He also can help you appeal a denied claim. He has served Hunt Valley, Baltimore and Maryland since 1988.

An Injury – The Fault Of The Employer Or The Fault Of The Employee?

One of the major highlights of Maryland workers’ compensation policies is that they cover the damages resulting from injuries that an employee suffers on the job, regardless of fault. The no-fault system ensures that workers will be covered even if the employee causes his or her injury. There are restrictions on injury coverage, however, such as when an employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when the injury was intentional.

Without workers’ compensation, employees injured at work would have to resort to filing lawsuits against their employers. A lawsuit would require that workers prove that the employer was at fault and had caused the injury.

Workers’ Compensation And What It Covers

Workers’ compensation covers many costs associated with work accidents and work-related injuries, such as medical bills, lost wages, mileage reimbursement and certain other expenses. Adjusters calculate the actual payments and off-work benefits and remit the payments. In the event of a fatality on the job, workers’ compensation will cover death benefits, which go to the family of the worker if dependency is proven.

While the benefit of workers’ compensation is that payments are guaranteed, the payout is much lower and typically not as high as it could be in a lawsuit. Workers’ compensation does not provide any compensation for pain and suffering, so payouts for workers’ comp are often less than they can be in personal injury lawsuits.

Of course, in a personal injury lawsuit, the injured individual must prove a case of negligence, so there is no guarantee of any payout at all. Also, in a typical personal injury lawsuit, the injured worker will claim damages for pain and suffering.

Workers’ Compensation For Occupational Diseases

Every injured worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, there are numerous factual and legal issues that are likely to arise in workers’ compensation claims. Our experienced attorney at Darby Law Group, LLC, will guide you through the process.

We provide sound advice based on our years of experience and aggressive representation before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, trials in the circuit courts and, if necessary, the highest appellate courts in the state.

We work with public safety employees, including:

  • Firefighters
  • EMTs
  • Paramedics
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Correctional officers

We also represent nonpublic safety employees, such as:

  • Teachers and professors
  • Transportation and bus operators
  • Drivers/tractor-trailers and trucks
  • Grocery store attendants and overnight associates
  • Construction workers
  • Warehouse workers

Occupational Diseases Develop Over Time

Occupation diseases are conditions caused over time by workplace activities and exposures. These challenging claims require an experienced legal team. Some of the most common diseases we see include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Repetitive trauma injuries
  • Certain cancers (lung, brain, leukemia, etc.)
  • Heart/hypertension issues
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While at lower risk, nonpublic safety workers are also vulnerable. They can also develop diseases like hearing loss and repetitive trauma over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation In Maryland

If you have been injured in a work-related incident or have developed an occupational disease, it is important to know what to do next. Here are the answers you may need to your immediate questions:

What steps should I take after suffering an injury at work?

In Maryland, injured workers should seek immediate medical attention for their injuries, especially if the injury is serious. Make sure to tell the hospital or clinic that the injury happened at work so that it is properly documented. Notify your employer as promptly as possible (within 10 days), and provide the date, time and information about how the injury occurred. You should then complete and submit a claim to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) within 60 days. Keep all the records of your treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions.

Can I choose which doctor I see?

Maryland is somewhat unique in that injured workers are free to choose their own doctor for work-related injuries, so long as the doctor will accept the fees for their care as outlined in the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Guide. Your employer may recommend a doctor, but you are not required to use your employer’s suggested physician.

What should I do if my claim is denied?

Workers’ compensation claims are unfairly denied all the time. If your claim is denied, request a hearing with Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Commission within 30 days from the date of the denial. You want to immediately gather all your medical records, accident reports and other documentation in preparation for the hearing.

When should I contact a workers’ comp attorney?

There are numerous scenarios when it only makes sense to hire a workers’ comp lawyer. If your employer or the insurance company is disputing the severity of your injury or its connection to your work activity, you need a lawyer. Similarly, you should have an attorney if your employer tries to pressure you into not filing a claim or retaliates against you for filing, or if you are not receiving full and fair compensation. When your injuries are serious and life-changing, an attorney can also make sure that you receive all the benefits you are due.

Free Consultation For Your Workers’ Comp Claim

If you or a loved one suffered an occupational disease, you need an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. With over 30 years of practice handling complex claims for workers across Baltimore and Maryland, we provide knowledgeable guidance.

Send an email or call our office today at 410-220-1108 for a free, confidential consultation.