Your Complete Guide to Hiring A Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Baltimore

Work-related injuries have the power to alter a person's life completely. One moment you might be doing your usual work, and the very next moment you could be dealing with pain, medical bills, job insecurity, and stress. At a time as difficult as this, knowing your rights and the available choices is a must. This is the point where an experienced Baltimore workers' compensation attorney is necessary.

It is a workers’ compensation lawyer who takes you through the legal maze, ensures that your claim is your right, and stands up for the benefits that you are entitled to. In this comprehensive guide, we will first look into the necessity of hiring a lawyer, then we will explain how workers’ compensation works in Maryland, and finally, we will talk about the steps that the injured workers need to take in order to safeguard their legal ​‍​‌‍​‍‌rights.

Workers' compensation refers to an insurance program imposed by the state that aims to provide both financial and medical aid to employees who are hurt during their work. In Maryland, it is mandatory for employers to have this insurance for their employees.

Firstly, the aim of workers’ compensation is to ensure that employees obtain the necessary support without delay, including treatment, such as:

• Medical treatment coverage

• Partial wage replacement

• Disability benefits

• Vocational rehabilitation

• Death benefits for surviving family members

And yet, it is not always quite as simple to obtain these benefits. One’s claims may be denied, delayed, or disputed. At such times, the assistance of a competent Baltimore workers' compensation attorney can be really ​invaluable.

Workplace injuries are possible anywhere. Baltimore workers of the local market, such as those in construction, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and office environments, are exposed to different risks daily.

Some commonplace workplace injuries are:

• Slip and fall accidents

• Back and spinal cord injuries

• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Burns and chemical exposure

• Heavy machinery accidents

• Work-related vehicle accidents

•  Fractures and sprains

•  Occupational illnesses (lung issues, toxic exposure)

Every type of injury can accompany different medical treatments and long-term care. This is the reason why legal assistance is necessary to figure out the full extent of the benefits you should be given.

It’s a common belief among the workers that filing a claim is a simple process. However, the truth is quite different. Insurers usually behave this way: They try to lower the money that they have to pay, they question the severity of the injuries, or they reject the claims in full.

There are solid reasons for seeking the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer in Baltimore:

1. To Protect Your Rights

Insurance companies are concerned about their profits. A lawyer who knows what he is doing makes sure that your rights are not infringed upon and that your claim is dealt with properly.

2.​‍​‌‍​‍‌ To Simplify Intricate Paperwork

With legal documents, medical reports, deadlines, and filings, it can be quite a challenge to keep up with everything at once. Missing out on one detail could mean the rejection of the case. An attorney is the one who ensures that all the paperwork is handled properly.

3. To Respond to Denied or Delayed Claims

It is the case that many claims are turned down due to the presence of a technical error or "lack of evidence." On your behalf, an attorney will be able to file an appeal and also put up strong arguments.

4. To Increase Your Monetary Award

First and foremost, a lawyer will take a close and professional look at your health condition, the loss of your wages, and the eventual impact of the situation so that you are the one who will get the maximum benefits.

5. To Be Your Legal Counsel at Hearings

In case your issue is going to be solved by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission, you are in need of firm and powerful support. Attorneys are familiar with the ways of presenting your case in the most persuasive ​‍​‌‍​‍‌manner.

With the help of a Baltimore workers' compensation lawyer, you can claim benefits such as

✔ Medical Benefits

These benefits primarily cover the expenses of doctor visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any emergency treatment that a patient may require.

✔ Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

When you are not able to work temporarily, you are given a certain amount of money, which is a substitute for your wages, known as wage replacement benefits.

✔ Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

When you are allowed to work but only under reduced hours or certain limitations on the work that you do, you are given partial compensation.

✔ Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

In case your injury results in a certain degree of long-term partial impairment, you might be awarded monetary benefits that depend on the extent of the impairment.

✔ Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

An injury that completely disables you from working in any field is the case of total permanent disability.

✔ Vocational Rehabilitation

If you are unable to go back to your old job, there are training programs that will prepare you for a new job.

✔ Death Benefits

If a workplace accident causes the death of a worker, these are the benefits that his/her family members will receive.

After an accident, to strengthen your case and keep your rights intact, you should adhere to these steps without delay:

1. Report the Injury

It is very important to inform your supervisor about the incident as soon as you can. The law in Maryland requires that the reporting be done without any delay.

2. Seek Medical Attention

One must not wait to see a doctor in the event of an injury—even if the injury appears to be minor—medical records are the most important pieces of evidence. ​‍​‌‍​‍‌

3.​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Document Everything

Maintain documentation of:

• Medical visits

• Medications

• Wages not earned due to injury

• Witness statements

• Accident details

4. File a Workers' Compensation Claim

This is a must. It should be sent to the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission.

5. Baltimore Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Having a lawyer on your side from the very beginning makes sure your case is done properly, and the possibility of getting a positive outcome is higher.

The steps that your workers' compensation lawyer takes include:

• Obtaining medical evidence

• Interviewing your doctors

• Inspecting the employer’s safety records

• Interviewing witnesses

• Negotiating with insurance companies

• Preparing the necessary legal paperwork

• Being your representative during hearings and appeals

With their legal knowledge, they create a powerful case to secure the benefits you rightfully deserve.

At times, insurance companies provide denial reasons for claims, such as

• “Lack of support for claim”

• “The injury is not related to the job.”

• “Failure to meet deadlines”

• “Health problems that already existed”

• “Not following medical advice.”

Experienced Baltimore workers' compensation lawyers are able to refute these reasons and petition for their client's case to be approved by filing ​‍​‌‍​‍‌appeals.

When finding a lawyer, you should check for the following:

• Experience of the lawyer with the laws of Maryland concerning workers’ compensation;

• Good feedback and client testimonials;

• The lawyer has good negotiation skills.

• The lawyer communicates well with you.

• No payment of fees upfront (most work on a contingency basis).

The use of the correct attorney is the difference in your case going in your favor.

Workplace injury can weigh you down and make a mess of your life physically, emotionally, and financially. It is not necessary, however, that you fight this legal battle all by yourself. Employing a competent Baltimore Workers' Compensation Attorney will give you peace of mind because your rights will be fully safeguarded and you will get all the benefits you are entitled to by Maryland law.

It is always a good idea to see a lawyer even if your injury is minor. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure your claims are processed smoothly. With the help of a professional, you can be on a path to recovery while your lawyer takes care of the legal ​‍​‌‍​‍‌issues.