How Long Before I Can Collect Workers’ Compensation in Baltimore?
Workers’ compensation claims pass through specific processes before you can receive your first disability payment. After filing your claim with your employer and insurer, your employer has a 21-day to one month to reply. After your employer has investigated your request, they can either accept or contest your claim. If your claim is accepted, payment commences. If your employer contests your claim, they will submit a Contesting Issues form to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. You have to wait until the hearing to present your injuries and subsequent claims. During the hearing, you can submit evidence regarding illness or workplace injuries. The Commissioner then decides whether the Maryland Workers’ Compensation statute covers your injury or illness. You may or may not receive medical treatment for your injuries until the Commissioner comes to a decision. It can take as long as four months.
What Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Not all injuries suffered while at work will qualify for workers’ compensation. For an injury to qualify as a workplace injury, it must be accidental. It must occur during working hours, in the course of employment, or as a direct result of the job. Typically, workers’ compensation covers the following:- Loss of limb
- Illness resulting from the work environment
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Death
- Permanent impairment
- Liability insurance
- Strains and sprains accounted for 30% of claims
- Cuts and punctures for 19%
- Inflammation was 5%
- Contusion was 12%
- Fractures were 5%
Types of Workers Compensation Benefits
Work-related injuries can take a huge financial toll on workers. Employees often fail to seek the full workers’ compensation benefit available to them. That’s why you need an experienced workers’ comp attorney. Workers’ compensation is in different categories, and it’s essential to understand what may be available for you. Possible workers compensation according to the law include:- Medical benefits
- Wage loss reimbursement
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death and funeral benefits
- Partial permanent disability benefits
- Permanent total disability benefits
- Temporary total disability
- Temporary partial disability
- Hernias
- Occupational deafness
- Permanent disability due in part to pre-existing illness or disease