Clocking into work shouldn’t mean putting your life on the line. If you’ve been hurt on the job or if a doctor diagnosed you with an occupational disease, your right to compensation is enshrined in state law. And a Lanham workers’ compensation lawyer from GDH Law will help fight for the benefits you deserve.
We offer no-obligation, no-cost case evaluations to Lanham, Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. area.
Maryland Workplace Injury Statistics
As workers’ compensation lawyers, we do more than just fight for benefits on behalf of injured workers. It’s part of our job to understand the nature, frequency, and framework of the occupational injuries and illnesses that affect members of our community.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at work-related accident, illness, and fatality statistics for the state of Maryland:
- 2017 saw approximately 46,600 nonfatal work injuries and illnesses.
- Service-providing injuries account for 80% of injuries and illnesses.
- There were 78 work-related fatalities in 2019 and 80 deaths in 2021.
- Vehicle accidents and slip and fall accidents account for more than 50% of all work fatalities.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Lanham, MD?
Maryland state law requires “every employer in the State of Maryland with one or more employees” to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their workers. This means that, barring a few exceptions, the vast majority of employees should lawfully be covered by workers’ comp insurance as maintained by their employers.
Exceptions include agricultural employers with fewer than three employees and business owners with a payroll under $15,000 per year. If you believe you fall under one of these exceptions, please contact GDH Law immediately—we will help you determine your potential options and eligibility for compensation.
4 Steps To Take After a Work Injury
What you do in the aftermath of an accident can affect your right to benefits. If you’ve been injured on the job, follow our top 4 steps to take after a work injury:
- Notify your employer of the accident, injury, or diagnosis.
- Seek appropriate medical care. (Medical care may be provided by an employer or with your regular physician.)
- Schedule a free consultation with a Lanham workers’ compensation lawyer to learn about your rights under the law.
- File for workers’ compensation benefits.
Unfortunately, these four steps aren’t always enough to help injured or sick workers recover the benefits to which they are rightfully entitled. If your workers’ comp claim has been denied, there is still hope.
Filing an appeal under the guidance of an attorney is often an effective strategy for injury victims to successfully secure the benefits they need.
The Most Common Causes of Work Injuries and Illnesses
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the top contributing factors to workplace injuries and illnesses are:
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Overexertion
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Contact with equipment or objects
- Transportation accidents
- Violence by people or animals
- Non-classifiable accidents
- Fires and explosions
An accident can happen at any time and without warning. Your accident does not have to be considered “serious” for you to have suffered life-altering injuries.
If you’ve been hurt or fallen sick because of work, you may be entitled to appropriate benefits through the workers’ compensation system.
Injuries and Illnesses that Workers’ Compensation Covers
Workers’ compensation provides benefits for lost wages and medical care for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses. This includes:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Overexertion injuries
- Burns
- Muscle sprains, strains, or tears
- Cuts or lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Loss of limb (amputation)
- Certain cancers
- Lung disease
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hearing or vision loss
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Skin conditions
This is an incomplete list of all potential workplace injuries and illnesses. This list serves as an example of the types of conditions that may qualify an individual for workers’ comp benefits. Any injury, disease, or illness that arises out of the course of employment should be covered.
At GDH Law, our team of Lanham workers’ compensation lawyers are prepared to help you recover the benefits you need to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), no matter what type of injury or illness you may be living with.
The Different Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Maryland
In Maryland, workers’ compensation insurance pays benefits to injured workers and families who have lost loved ones. These benefits can include a portion of lost wages, related necessary medical care, vocational rehabilitation, and temporary death benefits.
Lost wages are typically replaced at a rate of 2/3 the victim’s pre-injury average weekly wage (AWW), not to exceed our state’s AWW. These may be paid as:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
It is crucial that you maintain accurate medical records and documentation during this period of time. Your medical condition, maximum medical improvement (MMI), and disability rating are all important factors for your wage replacement benefits.
If you notice an error in your medical records, do not wait to take action. Speak with a Lanham workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing your right to continued benefits.
Lanham Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You’re hurt, sick, and out of work. This is a scary period of time when everything from your medical condition to your financial stability is in question.
GDH Law strives to be a pillar of strength and support during this time of your life. As a boutique law firm with strong roots in Lanham and Prince George’s County, we are proud to provide continued legal guidance and support to members of our community.
That’s why we provide completely free case evaluations to injury victims and those who have lost loved ones to workplace accidents.
We have also compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation in Maryland. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us, and we’ll match you with a Lanham workers’ compensation attorney for a no-cost informational meeting.
Do I have to report my accident, injury, or illness to my employer?
Yes, the reporting requirements are as follows:
- Accident or injury – 10 days
- Fatality – 30 days
- Occupational disease – One year
Reporting an accident, injury, illness, or death is important and helps establish a timeline and credibility for your claim. Missing reporting timelines can jeopardize your claim, but you may still be able to recover benefits.
Can I sue my employer?
No, you cannot sue an employer for a work-related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation insurance coverage shields employers and businesses from lawsuits.
However, if a third party (like a contractor, vehicle driver, or customer) caused or contributed to your condition, you can file a personal injury claim against them. You can file both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim simultaneously.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
You have two years from the date of an accident, disablement, diagnosis, or death to file a workers’ compensation claim. Very few exceptions apply to workers’ comp statutes of limitations, so it is important to take action in a timely manner.
Victims with occupational pulmonary dust disease have three years to file their claims.
GDH Law—Standing Up for the Working Members of Our Community
With major industries like health care, seafood, retail trade, technical and professional services, and real estate, there’s a little something for everyone here in the Chesapeake Bay State. But with so many different industries operating within state lines, we also see our fair share of work-related accidents.
In all that we do, it is our goal to provide unparalleled legal guidance and representation to victims of workplace accidents, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
If your life has been upended by an injury or illness, please contact us today. A Lanham workers’ compensation lawyer is standing by to speak with you. There is never any cost or obligation associated with scheduling an initial case consultation.
