Maximizing Your Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Tips for Injured Workers
August 27, 2023
While Maryland law entitles you to Workers’ Compensation benefits when you have suffered a work-related injury, things are not always that simple. There is a range of outcomes that you can experience in your case. You have some control over what happens in a Workers’ Compensation claim when you follow specific helpful guidance. Here is how you can try to maximize your Maryland Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Seek Immediate Medical Care for Your Injuries
The first thing you need to do, along with notifying your employer of your injury within 10 days, is to see a doctor. Your doctor will be the one who diagnoses your condition. They will provide you with the medical records you need to prove you were injured. In addition, your doctor will also be available to testify in case your claim is denied or you experience other legal challenges along the way. If you delay getting medical care, it could lead to a complication for your claim that could see it denied entirely or lead to you leaving money on the table.
Thoroughly Document Your Claim
Your Workers’ Compensation claim and its success chances will depend mainly on the documentation you submit. Of course, this documentation includes your medical records. You may also have other evidence that shows your condition. You should save and organize your documentation to present it to the insurance company. If your claim is denied, this documentation can be helpful when you are forced to file an appeal.
Be Prepared for the Independent Medical Examination
An independent medical examination is a milestone in your claim process, although it can present a grave threat to your interests. Once you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement, the insurance company wants you to see a doctor other than your treating physician so they can look at you themselves.
The word “independent” is a misnomer. The insurance company hires the doctor. If you are unprepared for this examination or say the wrong thing, it could cost you money. Thus, it is vital that you are prepared for this exam and know what to expect. Your lawyer would help you get ready for an independent medical examination.
Be Honest About Your Symptoms
It would be best not to “sell” doctors on your symptoms to persuade them that you cannot work. Instead, you should be completely truthful about what you are facing. You can always push back legally if an independent doctor draws an incorrect conclusion based on your examination and medical records. However, your credibility can suffer if you are not honest about your symptoms or exaggerate them. Then, your eligibility for benefits, or your disability rating, can be jeopardized.
Hire an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You may have difficulties with the insurance company at several points of the Workers’ Compensation process. You may have had your claims denied in its entirety, and you need to file an appeal. Your disability rating could have returned lower than expected, and you may need to challenge it.
An experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you at many points during the process. If you need to push back on something you believe to be wrong or you must negotiate a settlement, your lawyer can work for you. It is challenging to handle the Workers’ Compensation process independently, especially when dealing with physical injuries.
Contact a Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton for Legal Help
Contact a Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton if you need help with your claim. Not every Workers’ Compensation case is straightforward. Call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.