Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides injured workers with financial assistance. This insurance covers the injured employee’s medical expenses, lost wages, disability payments, etc. If you suffered injuries at work, you are eligible for compensation benefits. However, you need the help of a Laurel workers’ compensation attorney to get the financial support you deserve.

Workplace accidents and illnesses can happen anytime in any industry in Laurel. Due to this, insurance provides help until you recover and are ready to return to work. In exchange for receiving workers’ comp, the injured worker relinquishes the right to sue the employer.

The amount of compensation awarded depends on the severity of your workplace injury or illness. Ultimately, workers’ comp is beneficial for both the employer and worker. This article discusses common reasons for needing workers’ compensation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses?

As already established, workplace accidents can happen at any time. If you are sick or injured as a direct result of your job, you may be entitled to benefits. However, workers’ compensation can be a complex claim to pursue. While you can seek compensation yourself, it is encouraged to consult with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer.

Workplace injuries or illnesses result from unsafe work environments, lack of proper training in safety procedures, etc. Some common causes of work-related wounds and diseases include the following:

• Slip, trips and fall
• Vehicle accidents
• Exposure to harmful substances and environments
• Fire and explosion
• Overexertion
• Struck by or against objects
• Electrocution
• Workplace violence, etc.

Some employers or insurance carriers may downplay or deny your claim. They can try to blame you instead of taking responsibility. So, again, let an experienced workplace injury lawyer help you recover maximum benefits.

Reasons for Needing Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Maryland compensation law mandates employers to provide work comp settlements to injured employees. As a result, employers must purchase insurance from insurance brokers registered in Maryland.

However, note that not all injuries and illnesses are eligible for compensation. You are only entitled if your injury or illness arises out of and in the course of employment.  But you can recover benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident as work comp is a no-fault system.

The most common reasons for needing workers’ compensation include:

• It Provides Valuable Protection

A work-related injury or illness can be devastating. Workers’ comp provides financial resources needed until you can return to work. It also minimizes the economic impact of missed workdays.

• Employees Receive Benefits Quickly

Injured workers can quickly receive their benefits with a workers’ comp in place. This is faster than having to pursue a workplace injury lawsuit.

• It Eliminates the Need for a Civil Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit can be complex and time-consuming. By agreeing to receive workers’ comp benefits, you waive your right to use, thereby eliminating the need for a trial. However, this means you give up further recourse in exchange for guaranteed compensation from the company.

• Protection by State Law

As earlier stated, employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance coverage. The State law protects the rights of injured employees. As a result, you can file workers’ comp claims without fear of being fired or demoted. Penalizing a worker for filing a workers’ comp claim can result in civil or criminal charges.

• Workers’ Compensation Encourages Workplace Safety

Employers would prefer not to pay workers’ compensation benefits. One of the ways they can achieve this is by ensuring the workplace is safe. So, to avoid paying settlements to injured workers, employers pay more attention to employees’ safety by following industry best practices and providing appropriate work gear.

What Does Workers’ Comp Insurance Cover in Laurel, Maryland?

Again, the benefits available to you depend on the nature and severity of the injury and illness. After filing a claim, your employer must forward a copy to their insurance carrier.  The insurance company will then either pay you benefits or deny the work comp request.

If the insurer agrees to pay, you’ll get one or more of the following types of benefits:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits

TTD benefits are for injured workers who cannot return to work temporarily. The benefit is two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage.

• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits

This benefit is for those who can perform part-time work duties at a lower wage. Payment is usually 50% of the difference between the workers’ average weekly wage.

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits

You are eligible for this benefit where your injury is so severe you are permanently unable to work. The compensation continues until you are 75 years old or for life if you don’t qualify for social security benefits.

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits

This benefit is for employees with permanent impairment resulting from a job-related injury or illness.

• Medical Benefits

Your employer and their insurance provider cover the payments of your medical expenses. However, you must adhere to their requirements. Under Maryland workers’ compensation, medical benefits, if approved, cover the following:

• Medical care
• Surgery
• Doctors visit
• Physical therapy
• Artificial or other prosthetic devices
• Medicine cost
• Hospital services, etc.

• Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

You may receive vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous position following a workplace injury. The benefit ranges from job replacement to retraining to workstation adjustments.

• Death Benefits

When workers die due to a workplace injury or illness, their dependents receive compensation. In addition, they get weekly death benefits for the financial loss. Funeral and burial expenses are also available to surviving families.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Laurel, MD!

The effect of a workplace injury and illness can be devastating. We understand the financial pressure it puts on you and your loved ones. If you are hurt while performing your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. But first, you need a competent attorney to handle your claims process.

At Pinder Plotkin LLC, we have extensive experience handling workers’ comp cases. We will fight to ensure you get maximum compensation. Also, if your claim is denied, we will appeal and ensure you receive your benefits. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Laurel, MD.