Prince George’s County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Work-related injuries cause numerous problems. Missing just one day of work can cause a chain reaction for many people working to support themselves and their families and can trigger a lack of funds needed for monthly bills — such as rent or a mortgage, utilities, and even your child’s school or college tuition payments. In addition to these mounting bills, you may also be receiving medical bills for treatment you’ve required as a result of your work-related injury. If you were injured on the job or in the commission of your job, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation awards. The Maryland Workers’ Compensation program is an insurance program mandated by the state and administrated by the federal government. Workers compensation is a highly complex topic and pursuing such compensation can be costly and frustrating for anyone who tries to do so on their own. If you have been involved in an accident at your workplace, or someone you love has been so injured, you should immediately consult with a Prince George’s County workers’ compensation lawyer.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims in Prince George’s County
The are a variety of workers’ compensation payments and programs that you may be eligible to receiving depending on the type of injury you suffered and the extent of those injuries. That can include medical care, such as doctor’s visits, treatments, medications, therapy, surgeries, and medical equipment — such as a wheelchair. In Prince George’s County , you can often select the medical provider who treats you. However, if you can’t find one in your area willing to provide treatment or who accepts the state’s medical fee guide, you can speak with a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney who has successfully litigated these kinds of claims for assistance.
If your illness or injury prohibits you from returning to work, you may be eligible for re-education and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation ranges from physical therapy to new job training. Disability benefits includes:
- Permanent total disability, which is awarded if a doctor determines that you cannot work ever again.
- Permanent partial disability, which is an option if your physician finds that injury partially impairs your ability to work but that you can function for certain tasks.
- Temporary total disability, which occurs when are totally disabled, but only for a limited time. For instance, you are unable to work for six months as you underwent surgery and recuperation, but you will be able to return to your job once your doctor says it is safe to do so.
- Temporary partial disability. In some cases, workers’ compensation may cover for reduced hours or job duties. In the future, as your work-related injury or illness improves, you’ll be able to complete all the job duties you used to perform and will no longer require any compensation.
A dedicated Prince George’s County workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to determine whether you are eligible for compensation and will have experience in filing the necessary forms and paperwork for your claim. An attorney is also prepared to challenge any initial rejection of such claims, which is not uncommon, and can cut through the bureaucratic red tape that often binds wokers’ compensation claims.
Eligibility for Prince George’s County Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation only pays you for injuries suffered in the duties of your job. Simply getting hurt “at work” isn’t enough to pursue to workers’ compensation claim. To be eligible to receive workers’ compensation payments, there are three basic requirements to determining your eligibility:
- Your injury or illness are directly linked to your job duties or, in the event of the latter, as a result of your job/workplace.
- You are directly employed by the company or individual where your injury occurred.
- Your employer pays into Maryland Workers’ Compensation system or is legally required to do so.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility requirements, contact a Prince George’s County workers’ compensation lawyer. You also want to discuss receiving compensation for your injury if your employer isn’t covered by workers’ compensation. Not all employers are required to provide coverage. There are other legal options to receive money to cover medical bills and lost wages.
Fighting for Workers’ Compensation
Once you have applied for compensation, it takes at least two to three business days from the date the state receives your application to process your claim. An incomplete application that has missing information will be returned to you. This will delay your claim. Other factors, such as an employer disputing your claim, can cause complications and delays. If your employer chooses to dispute your claim, a hearing is ordered. All parties, which includes you and your employer, are sent a hearing notice. This notice includes the day, time, and hearing location. Your employer, or an attorney representing your employer, will present their case. You are able to present your side too. It is wise to consult with and have an attorney present to represent your needs in these situations.
After the hearing has concluded, the Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) will make its decision. If approved, you’ll receive your payment. There is a chance that a workers’ compensation is denied. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. A Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorney can file your appeal. A workers’ compensation lawyer will also be familiar with all the potential pitfalls that can derail a claim and he is best-suited to deal with these stressful and challenging situations. To completely understand your workers’ compensation or work-related injury claim, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. That attorney will be able to discuss the facts of your specific claim and explain all the available options. Call today to learn more what a workers’ compensation lawyer can do to help you in your pursuit of a Prince George’s County workers’ compensation claim.