Were You Waiting For Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits Over The Holidays? Practical Strategies That Can Help

During the holidays, workers often toss aside otherwise frugal household budgets and plan time off to spend with their families. If you recently suffered on-the-job injuries in Maryland, you may wonder how you will get through the season. Our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney understands the difficulties you may be facing and offers practical strategies that can help while awaiting benefits.

Timelines For Filing A Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claim

Over 50,000 workers are injured on the job in Maryland each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Work-related accidents can happen in any job field, impacting your health and preventing you from working temporarily, and in some cases, long afterward.

Fortunately, benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission can help cover your medical costs and portions of your lost wages. If you are hurt on the job, report it to your boss or supervisor, get photos and an accident report to document what happened, and seek medical care immediately. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and work restrictions.

In the aftermath, your employer will report it to their insurer, who may contact you with a claim number. You should avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without speaking to an attorney first. To get workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland, you must file a claim with the WCC within 2 years from the date of your injury. Statute of limitations are complex matters and our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you file a claim. The following are anticipated timelines for getting your claim approved:

• After a claim is filed, the WCC generally takes several days to process the initial claim;
• Once filed, the insurer has 21 days to respond indicating whether they will accept or contest your claim;
• The insurer may need several weeks to review your medical records and other evidence;
• If your claim is contested, you will have to go to a hearing to fight to get the claim approved.

Unfortunately, when filing a Maryland workers’ compensation claim over the holidays, government closures increase the likelihood of delays and impact processing times.

Filing For Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits During The Holiday Season

On-the-job accidents can happen at any time of year. The holidays create significant distractions, which can increase the risks. In some occupations, such as the retail and service industries, injuries are more likely to occur during the holiday season.

If you get hurt on the job, you may wonder how you will get through the next month or so. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney offers practical strategies for dealing with work-related injuries at this time of year:

• Ensure your condition is well-documented, increasing the chances of a quick approval;
• Respond promptly to requests from the insurer to prevent denials and delays;
• Avoid going into debt during the holidays, as there is no way to determine when, or if, your benefits will be approved;
• Look into vacation and sick time, though payments may be deducted from your workers’ compensation benefits.

Consult Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

There is no good time for on-the-job injuries in Maryland to happen, but the holidays can make the situation even more challenging. To get the benefits you are entitled to, contact Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP.

We represent you in dealing with your employer, the WCC, and the insurers, protecting your rights. Schedule a consultation today with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.

Sources:

bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_maryland.htm

wcc.state.md.us/