Maryland Workers’ Compensation Checklist
If you suffer injuries due to an on-the-job accident or have a chronic health condition caused by your work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits In Maryland. These reimburse a portion of your lost income, pay related doctor bills, and provide payment for long-term disabilities.
Unfortunately, while you may be entitled to benefits, it is not uncommon for claims to get denied or delayed. To help in getting the maximum amount you are entitled to in the least amount of time possible, follow this checklist from our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.
Checklist When Filing For Workers’ Compensation In Maryland
An unexpected mishap on the job, routine exposure to dangerous conditions, or repeated stress on certain body parts due to repetitive tasks can all put you at risk for work-related injuries. When they happen, benefits available through the Maryland Workers Compensation Commission (WCC) can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs involved.
If you are hurt, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights to benefits. Follow this checklist.
- Notify those in charge: Let your manager, supervisor, or employer know immediately.
- Get an accident report: Make sure an accident report is filed and details what happened, the circumstances, and everyone involved.
- Seek medical care: Your employer should have a list of approved medical providers. Do this as soon as possible.
- Gather evidence: Write down details about the circumstances surrounding your injuries and information for witnesses at the scene. Gather medical records documenting your condition, statements regarding lost wages, and other evidence to support your claim.
- Contact the WCC: Even if you have received a claim number from your employer’s insurer, you still need to file a workers’ compensation claim with the state through the WCC.
Protecting Yourself Throughout The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claim Process
The Maryland Department of Labor warns that on-the-job accidents and work-related injuries are unfortunately common and can happen in any industry. Following the above checklist can help to protect your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. Take these additional steps to protect yourself throughout the claims approval process:
- Avoid downplaying your condition: While you do not want to exaggerate, avoid downplaying your condition and its impacts on your life to your doctor, insurers, or the WCC.
- Follow all your doctor’s instructions: Undergo any recommended testing or treatment, attend follow-up visits, and adhere to all work and other activity restrictions.
- Refrain from discussing your case with others or posting on social media: Making statements about your injuries and how they happened or even posting about seemingly unrelated activities on social media could jeopardize your benefits.
Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
To get the maximum benefits you are entitled to with the least possible wait, contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP. We take the legal actions needed to prevent denials and delays. Request a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys today.
Sources:
wcc.state.md.us/
dllr.state.md.us/labor/research/research2019.shtml
