Tag Archives: Claims Process
The Importance of Documenting All of Your Injuries
All too often when workers are injured the focus is on the most severe parts of the body hurt. Frequently the minor pains and bruises from other parts of the body are ignored. However, in a workers’ compensation claim it is very important to report every hurt, bruised, or swollen body part no matter… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation Claims Process – How long does it take to get a hearing and what is a “consideration date?
One of the most common questions I receive from clients concerns how long it takes to get a hearing before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. As with any court or judicial body, the Commission sets its own schedule and the claimants and attorneys appearing before it are subject to that schedule. Generally speaking, however,… Read More »
Why Should I File A Claim With The Workers’ Compensation Commission If My Employer’s Insurance Is Already Paying For My Doctor?
Attention Injured Workers! There is a huge difference between filing a workers’ compensation claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission and your employer’s insurance company. Many injured workers do not realize this and may miss out on all the other benefits entitled to them under the law if they had only filed their claim with… Read More »
Advice for the Apprehensive Injured Worker
By Charles Schultz, Esq. A few times a week I get a call from an injured worker who is considering filing a workers’ compensation claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission but is concerned about the repercussions that may take place after filing their claim. While it is understandable, and in certain circumstances a… Read More »
What Are Your Medical Treatment Rights Under Maryland Workers’ Compensation Law
By Clifford B. Sobin, Esq. The easy answer is that you have the right to medical treatment reasonably related to your injury on the job. Furthermore, once accepted by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier, you do not have to pay deductible or co-pay if the medical provider is in Maryland (see my next blog… 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 »
The First Week After Your Maryland Workers’ Compensation Injury
By Clifford Sobin, Esq. What you do during the first week after being injured on the job will set the tone for the rest of your claim. It is the most important time. You must: Report the injury to your employer. Get medical treatment as soon as possible. Don’t let several days pass. Give… 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 »
Gap In Medical Treatment And Effects On Social Security Disability Benefits
Medical records are the focus of every social security disability case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will thoroughly comb through your medical records to assess the extent of your treatment in order to determine the severity of your disability. In many instances in a social security disability case, a claimant will stop treating with… Read More »
The Importance Of The “Disability Onset Date” In Social Security Disability Decisions
The “Disability Onset Date” (DOD) is the date that the Claimant has met the evidentiary requirements to prove “disability” as defined by the Social Security law. This date is extremely important in evaluating disability cases. For instance, if the DOD is after the Claimant has turned 50 years old, the Medical Vocational Guidelines might… Read More »