Author Archives: Site Administrator
It’s A Fall And Injury, Not A Slip And Fall
In addition to motor vehicle collisions, another type of case commonly seen by personal injuries attorneys is the “slip and fall.” First, I don’t call them slips and falls; that is too general and carries a negative connotation with some of the general public and especially with tort reformers. Plus, many “slip and fall”… 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 »
How Long Does It Take For My Maryland Workers’ Compensation Hearing To Be Scheduled?
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) Number of hearing requests filed… Read More »
I’m Not The Type Of Person To Sue
Are you affected by TORT REFORM? The short answer is “yes.” We all are, but how do you know? I know because my clients keep apologizing to me when you come into my office. It is very common for me to meet with a new client for the first time and hear, “I am… Read More »
How To Find Out Your Monthly Social Security Disability Benefit Amount
Each year the Social Security Administration (SSA) used to send out statements to each taxpayer. These statements would indicate what earnings had been reported to the SSA, whether the taxpayer had contributed enough to qualify for benefits, and what the monthly benefit would be for both disability and retirement benefits. As a cost saving… Read More »
5 Things To Understand About Maryland’s Inheritance Tax
It’s All About Who Inherits Maryland has both an estate tax and inheritance tax. The estate tax is assessable if more than one million dollars passes at death. The total dollar value of the property determines whether there is an estate tax. The inheritance tax is not dependent upon the value of the estate,… Read More »
More Cancers Presumed To Be Caused By The Job – Just Not Yet
Maryland fire fighters and fire instructors both paid and most volunteers, paramedics, most volunteer rescue squad members and advanced life support unit members, and State Fire Marshals are eligible to claim a presumption under Maryland Workers’ Compensation law that certain cancers are caused by their jobs. Until May 31, 2013, the cancers are: Leukemia… Read More »
Liver Disease, Alcoholism & Social Security Disability
The most common forms of liver disease I see in my disability practice are liver cancer, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic liver disease. All of these medical conditions can be severe enough to prevent a person from working. This post describes the most common types of liver disease and how they may be used as… Read More »
Power Of Attorney: Why Should I Give My Agent The Power To Make Gifts?
The idea behind a Durable General Power of Attorney (POA) is to appoint someone (your agent) who can manage your financial affairs if you (the principal) are unable to do so. The overwhelming majority of the language in the document describes the various things that your agent can do. Most POAs (including mine) contain… Read More »
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 »