• Recovering from Whiplash

    If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in the Baltimore area, it’s important to seek prompt medical care for your car accident injuries. Some of these injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent after the crash. Keep a written list of symptoms as they develop to share with your injury lawyer. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for recovering from your car accident injuries.

    You can get some helpful tips on recovering from whiplash when you watch this video. It explains the benefits of keeping a positive attitude and staying physically active while healing. Of course, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities and activities that aggravate the neck. Instead, take a stroll around the block or enjoy some gentle swimming to support your body’s health while you heal. Some whiplash patients may be prescribed medications to minimize the swelling and pain.

  • Permanent Disability After an Auto Accident: What Are Your Rights?

    Car accident injuries vary widely in their severity. In some cases, survivors are expected to suffer from permanent disabilities. If you’ve sustained severe injuries in a car accident in Baltimore, it’s time to contact an injury lawyer. Your attorney will need access to your medical records and related documents. Then, your injury lawyer will explain your legal rights and discuss your options for securing compensation for your permanent disability.

    car - accident

    Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

    After a car accident, it’s common for survivors to secure compensation by filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance carrier. In the case of catastrophic injuries that lead to permanent disabilities, the settlement offered by the insurance company may not be enough to fully compensate you for your current and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, and other losses. Instead, your injury lawyer may recommend filing a car accident lawsuit. Your lawyer might ask that an independent evaluator calculate the total damages, based on your work and earnings history, your anticipated future medical needs, and similar factors. A successful jury award or out-of-court settlement can give you the money you need to support your family and provide for your medical needs despite your inability to work.

    Filing a Social Security Claim

    In addition to filing a car accident lawsuit, you may be eligible to pursue Social Security disability benefits . Since these claims are often initially denied, it’s a good idea to let your injury lawyer handle your Social Security case right from the start. First, your lawyer will consider whether you meet the definition of disability under the Social Security eligibility rules. You can only recover disability benefits if you have a total inability to work and your condition is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. If you meet this eligibility requirement, then your lawyer will consider whether your disability is on the list of disabling conditions and whether your disability interferes with basic work-related activities. These are all factors that will be considered when your disability claim is reviewed. Even if your claim is initially denied, you do have the right to file an appeal.

  • Auto Accidents 101: What Is a Claim?

    After being involved in a car accident in Baltimore , your health should be your priority. You can hire an injury lawyer to handle your case, which allows you to focus on your recovery. After reviewing your case, your injury lawyer will file a claim with the insurance carrier. This is not the same as a car accident lawsuit, although it may sometimes become necessary to file a lawsuit later. A claim is filed with the other driver’s auto insurance company. This begins the process of obtaining a settlement, which is money that compensates you for your medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related expenses.

    Your injury lawyer will calculate your total monetary losses and may include this figure in the claim. The insurance carrier may then respond with a counteroffer. Your injury lawyer will continue to negotiate with the company until both parties agree to a settlement. If a fair settlement is not forthcoming or you do not agree with the amount the insurance company offers you, then you might consider filing a lawsuit.

    Auto Accident Claims in Baltimore, MD

  • A Look at Independent Medical Exams in Workers’ Comp Cases

    Workers’ compensation cases are not always cut-and-dry. In fact, your claim might even be initially denied. To improve your chances of successfully obtaining the workers’ comp you’re entitled to receive, you can speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Baltimore. Your workers’ compensation attorney will guide you through each stage of the process, including the independent medical exam.

    workers - compensation

    Purpose

    The word “independent” can be somewhat misleading, as an independent medical exam is not necessarily conducted by a neutral medical provider. Often, the exam is arranged by a worker’s employer or the workers’ comp insurance carrier. You may be required to have this exam if there are any lingering questions or disputes about your injuries. In some cases, attorneys request that their clients undergo a second independent medical exam to counter the results of the first one. During your exam, the doctor will seek to determine the following:

    • Was your condition diagnosed correctly?
    • Was your condition caused by the workplace?
    • To which extent are you impaired?
    • Do you need work restrictions?
    • Can you return to work and if so, when?
    • Do you require further testing or treatment?

    Preparation

    Before the exam, take a few minutes to review your medical history. It’s a good idea to bring detailed notes about the diagnostic tests and treatments you’ve had, the medications you took and are currently taking, and the symptoms and functional limitations you’re experiencing. This last type of information is particularly important; write down each of your symptoms and limitations, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Bring any medical devices you’re using to the appointment and give yourself plenty of time to get there.

    Examination

    When answering the provider’s questions, be polite, respectful, and honest. Avoid exaggerating your pain and other symptoms, but also avoid downplaying them. You can expect to discuss the workplace accident in detail. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means it doesn’t matter if you made a mistake that contributed to the accident. The most important information the medical provider will glean from this conversation is whether your injury was indeed work-related or not.