Maryland Correctional Officers Injury Attorney
Working as a corrections officer is a tough and often dangerous job. One study found that the rate of violent assaults and injuries for these employees is 36 times that of the average US worker. If you are a corrections officer in Maryland, you already know that your job comes with a host of risks and that you face workplace hazards daily. When a day on the job can turn deadly in an instant, it is vital to understand your rights and how you are protected in the unfortunate event of a work-related injury.
Corrections officers in Maryland are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are in place to reduce the burden on an injured person and his or her family.
If you are a Maryland corrections officer and you suffered an injury or illness because of your job, contact the Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today. Call 410-769-5400 for a consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
How Do I know if Workers’ Compensation Insurance Covers My Injury in Maryland?
If you were injured at work, then workers’ compensation should apply. In some instances, your claim could face challenges if your employer does not believe that the injury was related to your job. For example, if your employer believes that you injured yourself while biking over the weekend rather than at work, they will challenge your claim.
In the case of a traumatic injury at work, proving the injury was work-related is fairly straightforward. Even a pre-existing injury that was made worse or re-injured on the job should qualify for coverage. In the case of occupational illnesses, proving that the condition is work-related is more difficult, but these can also be eligible for worker’s comp.
If a traumatic event took place at work, then the expenses of treating that psychological or emotional trauma should also be covered by workers’ compensation. Such instances could occur if a worker witnesses a serious injury or death of a co-worker.
In addition to accidental injuries and psychological traumas, correctional officers are also at a greater risk of developing heart disease an d hypertension than many other professions. Some correctional officers in Maryland are entitled to special presumptions that presume that their hypertension or heart disease is work-related. The expenses you incur because of these diseases are eligible for coverage. Your medication and treatment will not cost you or your family anything.
What if the Injury was My Fault?
Workers’ compensation coverage applies, with some exceptions, even when a worker did something that led to the injury. There is no need for a Maryland corrections worker to prove that his or her employer failed to make the workplace safe. In general, workers’ compensation claims are not fault-based. If, for instance, your injury took place because you forgot to do something, that should not prevent you from getting the coverage offered by a workers’ compensation policy.
There are some instances where the employee will not be covered because he or she engaged in criminal behavior that led to the injury.
If you are not sure whether workers’ compensation covers your injury, you should contact a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your case. Never assume that you were to blame and that you are out of luck. The no-fault system is designed to cover most work-related injuries.
What Benefits Can an Injured Corrections Officer Collect in a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you are a corrections officer and sustained a work-related injury in Maryland, you are entitled to benefits, including medical coverage and compensation for lost wages.
State law dictates that anyone injured at work will be covered for related medical expenses, including surgery, hospital bills, nursing services, and some other care resulting from their injury.
Coverage will also extend to the family of a corrections officer who is tragically killed on the job or dies because of a work-related injury or illness. Funeral coverage is included, and dependents can collect benefits to help cover the lost income. Speaking to an attorney will help ensure that those in need get the maximum available benefits based on the circumstances.
If a corrections officer is injured in such a way that he or she cannot work, then the benefits will include coverage for lost wages. It is also possible that the policy will cover vocational evaluations, retraining, and job development programs.
Understanding what benefits you are entitled to can help you make the decisions that are right for you and your family.
Hiring a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP’s workers’ compensation attorneys have been working for decades to represent injured workers in dangerous situations, including correctional officers. We know that our clients rely on us to help them get the help that they need during a difficult time. Contact us at 410-769-5400 to schedule a consultation.
