Workers’ Compensation Services in Glen Burnie, MD
Offering Answers to Workers’ Compensation Questions
Workers’ compensation can be a complex subject, especially when the courts get involved. You need a workers’ compensation attorney with the right insights and experience to walk you through the process, guide you through all of your next steps, and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and illness under the law. At the Law Offices of Attorney Jack J. Schmerling in Glen Burnie, MD, workers’ compensation is our specialty. For more than 40 years, we have helped thousands of ill and injured employees secure the monetary and medical resources they need after an accident or suffering from unsafe conditions at work. To help you understand workers’ compensation from the onset, our practice has compiled some of the most frequently asked questions. Take some time to review, then contact our office to schedule your free legal consultation.
Do You Need A Lawyer For Workers’ Compensation?
In workers’ compensation cases in the state of Maryland, you will be asked to present your case in writing to the Workers’ Compensation Commission. You may hire an attorney to represent you, present the facts and timeline of your injury or illness, and get the best possible outcome for your case. You may also want to hire an attorney if your employer or their insurance company fights your claim, does not pay out your benefits on time, or pays you less than you believe you deserve. As a workers’ compensation attorney, Jack J. Schmerling knows the law intimately and the methods responsible parties may use to deny your claim. Having an expert legal advocate on your side can only help you get the benefits you are entitled to and make the process easy.
Can You Sue For Workers’ Compensation For Pain And Suffering?
Unfortunately, in Maryland, workers’ compensation cases largely ignore the pain and suffering you experience from serious injuries or illness. However, if there is a third party at fault for your accident or illness due to negligence, you could file a personal injury lawsuit in tandem with your workers’ compensation claim. This will help you get the full amount you deserve.
What Benefits Are Available In A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
For any approved workers’ compensation claim, there will be benefits paid out to you. These benefits will vary in amount and length of time based on the severity and treatment required to get you back to what is called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), or the point where you are healthy enough to halt further benefit payments. Benefits can include temporary benefits, long-term and permanent benefits, wage reimbursement, and more.
How Do I File A Claim?
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Maryland, you must fill out a standard Employee Claim Form from the Workers’ Compensation Commission and mail it in. If you cannot obtain one of these forms from your employer, the Commission will send you one (with instructions) at no cost to you. You can also make a claim online with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. You can hire an attorney to handle these steps for you and represent you in any subsequent courtroom proceedings. Doing so may help you get your desired compensation amount and protect you from employer/insurance company inaction or disputes.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured at Work?
If you are injured or take ill on the job, note the location and severity of said injuries and tell your employer right away. Do not wait to see if you heal or try to manage your job with injuries or illness. After that, contact Attorney Jack J. Schmerling for a free legal consultation. Our practice will analyze your injuries and illness, set proper expectations for your benefits, guide you through the filing process, and be your advocate should your employer or their insurance company try and minimize or deny your claim.
What Are Medical/Hospitalization Benefits?
When you’re injured or contract an illness during the execution of your professional duties, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Among these entitlements are medical and hospitalization benefits. Your employers or their insurance company must pay for things relating to medical treatment including, medical or surgical therapies, hospital and nursing services, medicine, crutches, artificial limbs, and other prosthetic appliances. These benefits can last a very brief time (until you are MMI), or they can be permanent, such as in cases of lost limbs or full bodily functions.
What If I Sent in My Claim and I Was Denied?
If you are denied your workers’ compensation benefits, you have the right to appeal the ruling with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you appeal the denial and win, in Maryland, you will receive all the benefits you claimed after your injury or illness. At this point, it is essential to have an experienced attorney with you for this appeal, as they can effectively argue against your employer and the insurance companies and obtain the compensation you need to recover.
Can I Get A Settlement From Workers’ Compensation If I Go Back To Work?
Once you reach MMI after an on-the-job injury or illness, you should be able to return to work. If you cannot return to work after reaching MMI, you should pursue permanent disability benefits. Some employees can return to work and perform light duties. If light duties are not available, your workers’ compensation benefits should continue. You should also consult a doctor for their medical opinion. They could release you to go back to work and help you determine what duties you may be fit for.
Are There Any Special Laws For Firefighters, Police Officers, And Other First Responders?
Maryland recognizes that police, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders risk their lives for the public good and face threats and hazards not common in other professions. Because of this fact, they receive higher benefit amounts for permanent disabilities from job-related injuries. Their benefits are calculated on a higher tier than civilians. Additionally, there are presumed illnesses – such as many types of cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia – for first responders as well. These illnesses do not guarantee workers’ compensation benefits, but it does make it easier for firefighters and EMTs to receive benefits once diagnosed.
Contact Attorney Jack J. Schmerling Concerning Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
After you’ve been injured or taken ill while at work, there are many things to think about. Paying bills, recovering, and getting back to doing what you love should top the list. Workers’ compensation claims shouldn’t be one of them, but you need resources and time is of the essence. Talk to Attorney Jack J. Schmerling concerning your claim and get the clear answers and steadfast advocacy you need in a difficult time. Schedule your free consultation with our law office today.