10 Tips To Protect Your Rights In A Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claim
On-the-job accidents in Maryland pose serious risks. Fortunately, Maryland workers’ compensation benefits are available to most employees and can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney offers ten tips to protect your rights to benefits.
Protecting Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Maryland
According to the state Department of Health, close to 100,000 people are involved in work-related accidents in Maryland each year. They can happen in any occupation and can cause serious harm. Benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) help to cover medical care, lost wages, and ongoing impacts due to long-term disabilities.
These benefits are issued through insurers, who have a tendency to deny or dispute claims. To protect your rights, follow these 10 tips:
- Report work-related injuries immediately to your employer.
When any type of work-related accident happens, report it immediately to your supervisor, boss, or the company owner.
- Make sure an accident report is filed.
Make sure an accident report is completed at the scene, including details on how and when your injuries happened and the circumstances involved.
- Get the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene.
Witness statements can provide important evidence when filing a claim. Get contact information for everyone involved or at the accident site.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible for your injuries.
Your employer may have a list of medical providers for injured workers to choose from. If there is no list, seek medical care at the local emergency room or from your own provider.
- Follow all doctor instructions regarding treatment and any work or other activity restrictions.
Refrain from going back to work until cleared to do so by a doctor. If you are unable to return to work, you must provide a doctor’s note to your employer for any days missed due to the injury.
- Follow up with the WCC to ensure a claim is filed.
In Maryland, there is a two-year statute of limitations to file a claim with the WCC. Notifying your employer is not the same as filing a claim. Contact our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys to file a claim on your behalf or file your own claim within the limitations period.
- Keep copies of all medical records, lost wages, and other costs.
Keep a file containing all medical records, income statements, and receipts for out-of-pocket costs.
- Keep a journal detailing how your condition impacts other areas of your life.
Use a journal to document your injuries and the impacts they have on your ability to work and in other areas of your life.
- Avoid posting on social media while waiting for your claim to get approved.
Social media is one of the first places insurers look for information that can help in denying your claim. Temporarily disable accounts or do not post until your claim is resolved.
- Be aware that you have the right to appeal denied Maryland workers’ compensation benefits.
If you are denied workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland, contact our office for trusted legal guidance in filing an appeal.
Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP helps injured workers get the compensation they need to recover. To request a consultation with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys, contact our office today.
Sources:
health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/EH/Pages/occupational-safety-and-health-in-maryland.aspx
wcc.state.md.us/gen_info/wcc_benefits.html
