Your employer should provide a safe workplace where you can earn income and security for yourself and your family. A work-related injury or illness can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Dealing with treatment, medical bills, and working with your employer through the process can challenge anybody. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights. Contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC, today for a free case evaluation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a payment to individuals injured at their places of employment. This often includes monetary compensation for medical care and a percentage of the employee’s wages. A claim is granted if the employer and insurance company acknowledge that the injury or illness was work-related. If disputed, a judicial proceeding conducted by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission will determine whether to grant compensation. In the meantime, the employee may qualify for disability payments that their award will reimburse if the Commission grants the claim.
Can I Represent Myself?
In some circumstances, a straightforward injury or illness will result in no pushback from your employer. You may represent yourself when:
- Your employer acknowledges the injury was work-related
- Your injury is minor—twisted ankle, minimal stitches, etc.
- You have no pre-existing health conditions with the part of the bodily injury
- Your injury or illness caused little to no absence from work
That said, consult an experienced lawyer to determine if your situation is as uncomplicated as it seems. A free case evaluation is available to you with one of our attorneys, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer?
If you experience a work-related accident that leaves you permanently impaired or disabled, you need a lawyer to advocate on your behalf and ensure you obtain sufficient workers’ compensation to cover the cost of your injury or illness. Some of those situations may include:
- Your employer denies the injury is work-related
- Your injury required surgery
- You receive a settlement offer from your employer that does not cover your medical expenses or lost wages
- You have pre-existing health conditions related to the same part of the bodily injury or illness
- Your injury or illness prevents you from returning to your previous job, limits the work you can do there, or completely precludes you from working anywhere
- You face demotion, decreased work hours, or reduced pay from your employer
- You receive Social Security Disability Insurance—Social Security could take a case settlement without a proper settlement contract
- You are Medicare eligible—you must submit a settlement, including funds set aside for future medical costs related to your injury
Contact a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
An experienced Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer can help you through the process and give you an honest opinion of whether you need a lawyer to assist you. Contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC, today at (844) 632-7274 or visit us online to schedule your free case evaluation.