Author Archives: Site Administrator
Medicare and Old Workers’ Compensation Claims
A letter from Medicare is in the mail. The envelope doesn’t look much different from others you have received from Medicare. You open it without thinking or much concern. What it says shocks you. Medicare (actually an outfit called MSPRC) is alerting you that it no longer will pay for treatment or wants money… Read More »
Medical Treatment Rights Under Maryland Workers’ Compensation Law For Out Of State Treatment
By Clifford B. Sobin, Esq. Last month I discussed medical treatment rights stemming from a compensable Maryland Workers’ Compensation claim. Since medical costs are controlled by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation system, you never have to pay anything for treatment required for injuries sustained as part of your compensable claim – with one catch –… Read More »
How Long Does It Take For My Maryland Workers’ Compensation Hearing To Be Scheduled?
By Clifford B. Sobin, Esq. The Short answer is – it depends. Generally, hearings are scheduled within three to four months after they are requested. However, some cases take longer and others less. The following things seem to impact the timing of hearings: Location of the hearing (some locations are inherently busier than others)… Read More »
How Are Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commissioners Selected?
By Clifford Sobin, Esq. Workers’ Compensation Commissioners are nominated by the Governor. The Maryland Senate must then approve the appointment. Their appointment is for twelve years unless a Commissioner leaves office before their term is up. If so, the new replacement Commissioner only serves for the remainder of that term. After a Commissioner’s term… Read More »
Hearing Loss and Tinnitis Claims – Maryland Workers’ Compensation Law
By Clifford B. Sobin, Esq. Occupational Deafness claims under Maryland Workers Compensation generally involve two different medical problems. The first is actual inability to hear sounds. This is referred to as hearing loss. The second often shows up as “ringing in the ears” and frequently is caused by tinnitus. Despite the fact that they… Read More »
Fire Fighters in Maryland Have a Great Day in the Court of Appeals
Clifford B. Sobin, Esq. It is nice to be able to toot the horn of somebody you respect greatly. It is even nicer when that person is your partner. Yesterday, the Court of Appeals unanimously found in favor of a Maryland fire fighter injured in a car accident while on the way to his… Read More »
File a Maryland Worker’s Compensation Claim – Reporting Your Injury is Not Enough!
By Clifford B. Sobin, Esq. You were injured on the job. You reported your injury to your supervisor and your boss filled out a form that you signed. The insurance company gave you a claim number and paid your medical bills. You had no contact with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. You thought all… Read More »
Do You Need An Attorney For Your Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If You have been injured at work and have been dealing with the insurance company’s adjuster without any problems (for now), should you still hire a lawyer? The short answer is YES. Insurance company adjusters often formulate their questions in a way that encourages people to reveal more information than is needed or required…. Read More »
10 things you need to know about IMEs (Independent Medical Evaluations)
The insurance company has the right to send you to a doctor of their choice for a medical opinion. This doctor is not going to provide you with any treatment or become your doctor, but rather only give an opinion. Here are 10 things you need to know: The IME is for the benefit… Read More »
Three Problems Caused by Maryland’s Medical Fee Guide for Workers’ Compensation Claims
By Clifford B. Sobin, Esq. The Workers’ Compensation Commission regulates the amount a Maryland medical provider can charge for treating work related injuries. The permitted amounts are found in a document entitled, “Guide of Medical and Surgical Fees”. The medical provider may not charge the injured worker an amount in excess of the amount… Read More »