WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Maryland
Getting injured on the job can be a devastating and life changing event, not just for the injured worker, but for their family and loved ones as well. In addition to missing time from work and needing urgent medical care, not knowing how the complicated and confusing process of workers’ compensation claims works can be intimidating and confusing. At SR Legal Group, workers compensation claims form the foundation for over sixty-five years of combined legal experience. Steven Seigel heads the workers’ compensation department with over forty years of legal experience in all aspects of workers’ compensation claims, and has been a tireless defender of workers’ rights
Paul Rouhana rounds out the workers’ compensation department for the SR Legal Group and in addition to representing injured workers, also handles all of the workers’ compensation appeals on behalf of the firm’s clients. In Paul’s previous career, he represented employers and their insurance carriers in workers’ compensation claims, and this background allows for a unique perspective in defending injured workers’ rights in the workers’ compensation claims.
The workers’ compensation claim system is a difficult and long process, with the potential for years of medical treatment, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and permanent disability benefits to be sought and claimed. Do not do it yourself. At the SR Legal Group, attorneys Seigel and Rouhana, along with their dedicated staff, will fight for your rights, and only receive a fee contingent on your receiving benefits. If you have been injured on the job, call Steven Seigel or Paul Rouhana at 443-470-1015 and info@srlegalgroup.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To help you better understand your case and Maryland Workers’ Compensation Laws, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions. This information explains how Workers’ Compensation cases proceed.
What benefits am I entitled to?
Medical costs: All costs for reasonable and necessary medical care for your injury for the rest of your life.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): While you are disabled/recovering, you are entitled to receive 2/3 of your salary, subject to a cap. Your employer may also choose to pay you full salary instead of TTD.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): After you have recovered, referred to as reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), you are entitled to benefits for any permanent disability. The benefits vary, depending on what part of your body was injured, the extent of the injury, your average weekly wage, and the year you were injured.
Do I have to see the company doctor?
No. You are entitled to receive reasonable and necessary medical care from any physician you choose. Your employer does have the right to monitor your care and have you examined with regard to fitness for duty.
What is the consideration date?
This date, listed on the Blue Form from the Workers’ Compensation Commission, is the deadline for your employer to raise any objections it may have to your claim.
How often will I get TTD payments?
You will receive benefits either weekly or biweekly, depending on your regular pay schedule, for the time you are unable to work due to your work-related injury, until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement.
What happens when I get discharged from my doctor’s care?
After you are discharged, we will schedule you for your permanent disability rating.
What if my injury prevents me from returning to my job?
If you cannot return to work or a similar job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, where you would be assessed and trained for a new job, while being paid TTD benefits.
What happens if my employer contests my claim?
A hearing will be scheduled to determine whether your injury condition is compensable under the workers’ compensation laws.
What are “issues”?
A request for the Workers’ Compensation Commission to schedule a hearing to resolve a disputed matter.
How long does it take to get a hearing?
Approximately 3-8 months after issues are filed.
How many Commissioners are there?
There are nine (9) Workers’ Compensation Commissioners, plus the Commission Chairman, who are appointed by the Governor to decide Workers’ Compensation claims. They sit as decision-makers and cannot represent the claimant.
When/where is my hearing?
Your hearing will be held on the date and at the location listed on the Notice of Hearing, which you will receive in the mail from the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
What do I wear to the hearing?
You should wear dress clothes to show your respect to the Commissioners and to the Commission. Men should wear dress shirts and pants, with a jacket and tie. Women should wear a dress, or a skirt and blouse, or a pants suit.
How long does a hearing last?
Hearings typically last 5-30 minutes.
When will I get a decision from the Commissioner?
The Commission will mail its decision to you, usually within 2-4 weeks after the hearing.
How long does it take to receive money awarded?
The insurance company usually mails award checks within 3-4 weeks after the Commission’s award is received.
How often will I get PPD payments?
You will receive benefits either weekly or biweekly for a set period of time, based on the kind of permanent disability you have and the extent of your permanent disability.
What if I already get Social Security Disability?
Your workers’ compensation benefits are a partial offset to Social Security Disability benefits:
What happens if my condition gets worse and I need medical treatment AFTER an award?
You are entitled to medical treatment for the rest of your life for reasonable and necessary medical care needed as a result of your work-injury.
Can I get additional disability payments after an award?
You may receive additional TTD payments if you become temporarily totally disabled again as the result of your original injury.