A workers’ compensation attorney near Baltimore helps injured employees navigate the state-mandated insurance program that provides compensation for those who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. While the federal government has a workers’ compensation program for federal workers, each state has its own laws regulating state workers’ compensation programs. The best way for someone to get up-to-date information about his or her state’s workers’ compensation is by meeting with a workers’ compensation law firm.
Medical bill coverage
Workers’ compensation pays hospital and medical expenses necessary to diagnose and treat the injury. However, it also provides disability payments for anyone unable to work due to the work injury or illness. This is usually about two-thirds of the worker’s regular salary. The workers’ compensation program may also pay for retraining, rehabilitation, and other benefits. Meeting with a workers compensation attorney is the best way to understand what extent of coverage the state offers.
Injury classification
While workers’ compensation may cover most on-the-job injuries, it does not cover all. As a workers’ compensation lawyer would explain, the system is designed to provide benefits to all injured workers, even if the injury was caused by the employer’s or employee’s carelessness. However, there are coverage limits if the employee was intoxicated or using illegal drugs at the time of sustaining the injury. Coverage may also be denied if the injuries are self-inflicted, sustained away from the job, or suffered while the employee was committing a crime. For a full list of workers’ compensation limitations, an injured worker should consult with a local workers’ compensation law firm.
Work-related injury definition
In order for someone to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, he or she must show that the injury is work-related. Usually, an injury sustained while doing something for the benefit of the employer meets the definition of work-related injury. However, the injured worker still needs to meet the other eligibility requirements to qualify. Though this may seem like a simple rule, but when an injury falls into a gray area, the worker should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to learn about eligibility and benefits.