If you’re injured while performing your duties at work in Maryland, then a workers’ comp claim must be filed. Most employers with one or more employees are legally bound to purchase and carry workers’ compensation insurance; the only exceptions being agricultural companies with fewer than three personnel or yearly payrolls of less than $15,000.
All other businesses will reimburse medical costs as well as two-thirds of salary loss if an employee suffers any accidental occupational injury or disease caused by workplace conditions.
Uncovering the 5 Most Common Errors to Dodge Following a Workplace Injury in Maryland
Workers’ comp is unique in that it doesn’t require you to prove your employer’s fault for any illness or injury, and likewise, there won’t be any retaliation if a claim is filed. This does not mean, however, that successfully obtaining fair benefits will come easily.
To increase your chances of getting the assistance you deserve from the Maryland Workers Compensation Commission, make sure to stay away from common mistakes often made by claimants. Timely meeting of deadlines and procedural requirements are key steps towards this goal!
Procrastinating on Reporting Your Injury Could Prove Costly
To ensure that your rights and interests are protected, you should notify your supervisor of any work-related accident as soon as possible. Even if no injuries were sustained or the symptoms seem insignificant at the time, it’s important to document everything in writing and gather proof (a signature) to confirm submission – within 10 days. Furthermore, by reporting incidents immediately after they occur prevents complications that may arise later on down the road due to a lack of evidence or recollection for both parties involved.
Submitting a Claim Beyond the Expiration Date
It’s essential to take quick action when you’ve been injured at work—filing an incident report is only the beginning. You must also fill out a C-1 form with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (MWCC) within 60 days, or your employer’s insurer may use any delay in reporting as evidence that your injury isn’t as serious as you claim it to be. It is highly recommended by MWCC that claims are filed online rather than sending hard copies; faxes and emails will not be accepted.
Hiding Pre-Existing Workplace Accidents.
When completing medical history forms related to your workers’ compensation claim, always be truthful about past injuries you’ve had while working. You might think that it’s better not to mention them in hopes of avoiding denial of the claim, but doing so could make insurers consider this as fraud and ultimately lead to rejection when they look into your workers’ comp records – which are not private documents!
Ignoring the Need for Immediate Medical Attention for Any Injury.
Regardless of the severity, you should consult a medical professional immediately following any work-related injury. Even minor symptoms such as bumps and bruises can evolve into something more serious if left unchecked; broken bones or other spinal damage could worsen over time without proper treatment.
Don’t take chances with your health – seek medical attention now! Be sure to inform your doctor of any physical pain or discomfort you experience during your initial visit after the accident so that there is a record of its potential connection with all subsequent injuries. It can be almost impossible to prove and get compensation for multiple ailments which occur later on if not reported immediately following the incident.
Waiting Too Long To Return to Work? Jumpstart Your Career Now!
One of the most misunderstood aspects of worker’s compensation is that you have a right to be off work until your physicians decide you have achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI). Once they give clearance for you to return, even with lighter duties than before, it’s vital that you make every effort to take up the job and get back into the flow.
If the new job pays less than your previous position, you can receive ongoing benefits that make up for some of the difference in pay. However, if you decline this offer, you may lose all workers’ compensation benefits and potentially be fired.
Don’t make the mistake of navigating workers’ compensation without a Maryland Civil Trial Attorney
The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim is complex and requires attention to detail. Missing deadlines or making mistakes can potentially hurt the outcome of your case, which is why it’s essential to have an experienced lawyer on your side. The right attorney will ensure all paperwork and requirements are completed in full and accurately so as to maximize your chances of obtaining fair benefits from the claims process.
