Injured On The Job? Five Steps To Take Now That Protect Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Maryland
On-the-job injuries can happen in any occupation. Unfortunately, even a seemingly minor accident could have major impacts on your health and may leave you unable to work for months after. Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland provide a lifeline in this situation, helping to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. If you are hurt, our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney recommends taking the following five steps to protect your rights to benefits.
Taking These Five Steps Helps Protect Your Rights To Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation acts as a form of insurance, protecting workers who are injured on the job. It is generally required under Maryland law for employers with at least one employee. Benefits you may be entitled to through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) can help offset costs related to your injuries, including all medical expenses, current lost wages, and future lost income due to long-term disability.
Unfortunately, while you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland, many claims end up being either denied or delayed. To protect your rights in filing a claim, follow these steps:
- Report any type of accident or injury immediately.
Notify your immediate supervisor, manager, or business owner immediately when any accident happens. Make sure they complete an accident report and include exactly when and where it happened, details surrounding the scene, and the names of witnesses.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Many serious and potentially debilitating work-related injuries have symptoms that can take days or even weeks to fully appear. Regardless of your symptoms or the severity of your accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible directly following your accident or injury. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding testing, treatment, and aftercare, as well as any work and other activity restrictions.
- Make sure your claim is filed directly through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
An Employee Claim Form is available online. Carefully review this document and the types of information required. This form can be completed and submitted by you or by our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys.
- Keep copies of important documents.
Keep copies of wage statements showing income loss, medical records and statements, out-of-pocket costs, and any correspondence you receive from your employer or their insurer.
- Keep a journal detailing the impact of your injuries.
Write your daily symptoms down in a journal, include any changes in your overall health, and elaborate on how your injuries impact your ability to work, perform household tasks, and engage in your favorite hobbies and activities.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Workers’ compensation can provide a lifeline when on-the-job accidents happen. To protect your rights to these benefits, get Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP on your side. We provide the trusted guidance and experienced legal representation you need in filing a claim. To request a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer, call or contact our office online today.
Sources:
casetext.com/statute/code-of-maryland/article-labor-and-employment/title-9-workers-compensation
wcc.state.md.us/
