If you were injured on the job while working in Howard County (or in another jurisdiction while working for a Howard County employer), you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Our experienced Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys can determine if you are entitled to immediate temporary total benefits for lost income or wages due to the injury. In most cases, when you are injured on the job, you should be able to receive these benefits.
Our Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys can also ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner. This means you can receive medical attention for your injury, and the workers’ compensation insurance carrier pays for the costs of your medical appointments. There are, of course, strict notice time deadlines with respect to the employer and the workers’ compensation commission that must be followed.
To learn more about how our attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. can assist you in seeking your workers’ compensation benefits, contact us online or call for a free, confidential consultation.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Maryland?
Workers’ compensation in Maryland is designed to provide financial protection and support for workers injured on the job. The program covers a wide range of benefits to ensure injured employees can recover without the added burden of financial strain. Here’s what workers’ compensation can cover:
- Medical Expenses: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other necessary medical treatments related to the workplace injury.
- Lost Wages: Provides partial wage replacement for the time you are unable to work due to your injury, ensuring financial stability during recovery.
- Disability Benefits: Offers compensation for permanent or temporary disabilities that limit your ability to work, whether partially or fully.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Assists with job training or retraining if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous role.
- Death Benefits: Provides financial assistance to the families of workers who lose their lives due to a workplace accident.
Seeking the workers' compensation benefits you’re entitled to is crucial for both your financial and physical recovery. These benefits provide the resources you need to focus on healing and regaining your quality of life. If you’re facing challenges in accessing the compensation you deserve, legal professionals with Portner & Shure, P.A. can help you secure the support and stability necessary during this difficult time.
Common Workplace Injuries in Columbia, Maryland
The hardworking people of Columbia, Maryland, contribute significantly to their industries but can face various risks while performing their jobs. Whether you work in construction, healthcare, retail, or an office environment, workplace injuries can happen unexpectedly and disrupt your life. Maryland's workers’ compensation system is designed to provide financial and medical support during these times, offering relief while you focus on recovery.
Common workplace injuries in Maryland include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Often caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper safety equipment.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis caused by repetitive motion or poor ergonomics.
- Equipment-Related Accidents: Injuries due to malfunctioning machinery, lack of training, or unsafe operation procedures.
- Strains and Sprains: Frequently affect the back, neck, and shoulders, often from lifting heavy objects.
- Occupational Illnesses: Conditions like respiratory issues or skin irritations caused by prolonged exposure to harmful substances.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Often happen in industries where sharp tools or equipment are used, such as manufacturing or food service.
- Workplace Violence: Physical injuries resulting from conflicts in the workplace.
Unfortunately, securing the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve can sometimes be complicated. It is vital to document your injuries and workplace conditions immediately after the incident can significantly strengthen your claim. Keep detailed records, including photos, witness statements, and medical reports, to ensure you have the evidence you need to protect your rights. Employers and insurance companies may challenge claims or downplay the severity of your injuries. This is why working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is often essential to building a strong case and navigating the claims process.
Workers’ Compensation Cases We Handle in Maryland
Portner & Shure, P.A. proudly represents the hardworking individuals of Maryland who dedicate themselves to their professions every day. Workers’ compensation cases often involve those who are simply striving to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities but have experienced an injury or illness in the process. These individuals deserve both respect and the full support of the workers’ compensation system, and our attorneys are committed to ensuring they receive it. Our firm handles cases spanning a variety of industries and professions, including but not limited to:
- Firefighters who face dangerous, high-risk environments in the line of duty.
- Paramedics and EMTs handling emergencies and placing themselves in harm’s way to help others.
- Law Enforcement Officers managing hazardous situations to protect their communities.
- Construction Workers laboring in physically demanding and often perilous conditions.
- Union Members who rely on their trade skills while advocating for workers’ rights.
- Teachers working with the next generation despite facing challenges such as repetitive stress injuries.
At Portner & Shure, P.A., we recognize how vital these professions are to our communities and understand the critical importance of securing the benefits that injured workers deserve. Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for fair compensation, whether through negotiations or hearings, to help workers recover and move forward with financial stability and the support they deserve.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Our experienced Columbia work injury lawyers are dedicated to guiding clients through every stage of the workers’ compensation process. Once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), they will meticulously evaluate your case and, if necessary, file a claim to ensure appropriate disability benefits are secured on your behalf.
Permanent disability awards are based on:
- The injured body part
- The percentage of the body part that is permanently injured
- Your average weekly wage
The workers’ compensation statute is not designed to make you rich. However, it favors the injured worker as long as all of the strict code requirements are followed. That being said, without proper legal representation, you may have difficulties meeting the necessary deadlines and ensuring that your application is free of errors and omissions.
How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help
Our Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys are familiar with everything that needs to be filed, as well as all applicable workers’ compensation deadlines in Maryland. Once your medical treatment is complete, we can either negotiate a fair resolution to your claim or present your case before a Workers’ Compensation Commissioner in nearby Beltsville.
Our lawyers routinely argue and win cases before the workers’ compensation commission on complex workers’ compensation issues, including matters of “causal connection,” unpaid temporary total benefits, and permanent disability benefits. We understand the law, and we are not afraid to go before the commission whenever necessary. Our law firm has obtained some of the largest work injury awards available under state law.
To get an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer involved in your case, contact Portner & Shure, P.A. online or by phone and request a free initial consultation.
