Medical care for injured workers in Maryland is often covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This state-mandated benefit provides access to high-quality medical care for people hurt on the job, and a wage replacement benefit to help them pay their bills while out of work recovering. Nearly all state and private employers offer it, and coverage begins on your first day of employment.
However, many hurt workers have trouble getting all the workers’ comp benefits they’re entitled to. As you’re trying to recover and heal, going up against your employer and their insurance company may feel overwhelming. We’re here to help, so call us today. An Essex, MD, workers’ compensation lawyer from Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, helps protect your rights after a workplace accident and ensures you receive all your legal benefits.
How Can An Essex Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
Most Maryland workers’ compensation claims are pretty simple. You report the injury to your employer, go to a company-approved doctor, follow the aftercare instructions, and figure out when you can return to work. You get a partial wage replacement while you’re out of work, usually about 50-70% of your average weekly wage, so you can still pay your bills. But not every claim is problem-free. Some workers may realize that their employer or its insurance company denied the claim. How can you get the benefits you’re entitled to?
Our lawyers can help you file the initial claim for benefits and ensure that all the paperwork and medical records are submitted properly so no delays or omissions cause a denial of benefits. We can also ensure that your rights are protected in a workers’ compensation claim, including protecting your job and preventing employer retaliation.
Complications In Workers’ Comp Cases
Although Maryland workers’ comp covers most workplace accident injuries and treatment for occupational illnesses, there are some situations in which an employer may deny a claim. You may be blamed for causing the accident and have your claim denied. Or, if you contract an occupational illness, such as a respiratory disease from toxic fumes exposure, the insurance company may claim it’s a pre-existing condition or not caused by your working conditions.
A lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim in these situations and more. Evidence may include expert medical witness testimony about how your illness was caused or eyewitness testimony that proves you did not cause the workplace accident. Your attorney may subpoena safety records from your workplace to show that employer oversight or negligence caused the accident.
If you suffer retaliation, like being dismissed from your job after filing a workers’ comp claim or having your hours cut because of your claim, call us. This is illegal – and we can help you fight it.
Standing Up For Your Rights
If your employer denies your claim, the insurance company isn’t paying for your medically necessary treatment, or you suffered retaliation for filing a claim, we can help. Contact Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, today for a free case review with an experienced Essex workers’ compensation lawyer.
Dedicated Advocacy For Injured Workers
Your Essex, MD workers compensation lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve after your accident. Suffering an injury on the job can be a life-altering experience, leaving workers with not only physical pain but also financial and emotional stress. Our team is committed to providing the compassionate support and professional legal guidance that injured workers deserve.
Tailored Support For Your Case
Every workplace injury case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. We believe in a personalized approach to legal representation, taking the time to understand the specifics of each client’s situation. Our goal is to tailor our legal strategy to meet your individual needs, ensuring that your case is handled with the attention and care it deserves. Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward claim or facing complexities in your case, we’re here to provide the expert guidance you need.
Securing Your Rights And Benefits
Understanding the workers’ compensation system can be daunting without the right help. Our role is to demystify this process for our clients, advocating for their rights every step of the way. From filing claims to appealing denied benefits, our team is equipped to handle all aspects of your case. We focus on securing the maximum benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, helping you to focus on your recovery without the burden of financial stress.
Overcoming Challenges Together
We understand that workers’ compensation claims can be met with resistance from employers or insurance companies. Your Essex workers compensation lawyer can help you overcome these challenges, armed with a deep understanding of workers’ compensation laws and a commitment to defending our clients’ rights. We have the experience and determination to tackle disputes, negotiate with insurance carriers, and, if necessary, pursue litigation to protect your interests.
A Partnership Built On Trust
Building a strong attorney-client relationship is at the heart of our practice. We believe in open communication, providing our clients with regular updates and being available to answer questions throughout their case. Our aim is to build trust and ensure that you feel supported and informed from start to finish. We view our role not just as your legal representative, but as your partner in navigating through this challenging time.
Results That Matter
Our success is measured by the outcomes we achieve for our clients. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver results that make a real difference in the lives of our clients, helping them to move forward after a workplace injury with the financial security and support they need.
Start Your Journey To Recovery
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, don’t face the workers’ compensation process alone. The team at Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC is here to offer the legal guidance and support you need. We invite you to reach out to us for a consultation, where we can discuss the details of your case and how we can help. Get in touch with an Essex workers compensation lawyer from our office today to learn more.
Why Was My Claim Denied?
Workers’ compensation provides critical financial support to employees who are injured on the job. However, many workers face the challenge of having their claims denied. This is why working with an Essex, MD workers’ compensation lawyer right from the beginning is important. At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, our lawyers are dedicated to making sure our clients get the benefits they deserve.
Failure To Report The Injury Promptly
One of the most frequent reasons workers’ compensation claims are denied is failing to report the injury promptly. Most states have strict deadlines for notifying your employer about an injury, ranging from a few days to a few weeks after the incident. If you fail to report the injury within the required timeframe, the insurance company may deny your claim, arguing that the injury wasn’t serious or didn’t happen at work.
Why It Happens: Some workers may not realize the full extent of their injuries right away or might be hesitant to report an injury, fearing it might affect their job. Others may not understand the importance of reporting injuries quickly.
Lack Of Medical Evidence To Support The Injury
Workers’ compensation claims often rely heavily on medical evidence to demonstrate the severity of the injury and the link to the work environment. If you don’t seek medical attention right away, or if there’s insufficient documentation supporting the severity and nature of the injury, the insurance company may dispute your claim. For instance, an employer’s insurer might argue that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to your job.
Why it Happens: Sometimes, workers are reluctant to seek medical care immediately after an injury, thinking they can “tough it out” or that it’s not serious. Other times, the medical provider may not thoroughly document the connection between the injury and the workplace.
Pre-existing Conditions Or Aggravation Of An Existing Injury
Workers’ compensation covers new injuries sustained at work but doesn’t always cover pre-existing conditions unless the injury aggravated or worsened the condition. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as back pain or joint problems, and you experience a work-related injury that exacerbates it, the insurer might claim that the injury wasn’t directly caused by the job.
Why it Happens: Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are due to a pre-existing condition rather than the work environment. They may also dispute how the workplace injury aggravated the condition. Even if you had a pre-existing injury, an Essex, MD workers’ compensation lawyer can appeal your denial and present evidence to prove that the accident caused your condition to worsen.
Failure To Follow Workplace Safety Protocols Or Employer Negligence
If an injury occurs due to the worker’s failure to follow workplace safety protocols or if the injury was caused by reckless behavior, the insurance company may deny the claim. Workers’ compensation does not cover injuries due to intoxication, willful misconduct, or violations of safety regulations. If you were engaging in risky behavior, such as operating machinery without following proper procedures, or you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the injury, your claim may be denied.
Why it Happens: Sometimes, workers skip safety procedures due to time pressures or lack of training. In other cases, the employer may have failed to provide adequate safety training or equipment.
Don’t Lose Your Benefits. Call Our Office For Legal Assistance
If your claim has been denied, it’s important to understand the specific reason for the denial and take steps to address it. An Essex workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your case and determine what grounds for an appeal you may have. Call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC today to find out how we can help you get the benefits you are entitled to.
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"I had an amazing experience with Parker, Pallett, Slezak and Russell. My lawyer was Carmen Slezak she was amazing her and her team worked with me every step of the way. Amazing staff always an amazing atmosphere, friendly, and if you like dogs they have one or two at the office. I'm so thankful and greatful to have met the staff and feel almost like family. Thank you again Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell law office."
G Amato
Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC
11450 Pulaski Hwy
White Marsh, MD 21162
Toll free: (410) 779-3590