Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Essex, MD

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.

Essex Workers’ Compensation Infographic

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.

Answers About Your Workplace Accident While On Prescription Medication

Our Essex, MD workers’ compensation lawyer knows that filing a workers’ compensation claim can become more complicated if you were on prescription medication at the time of the accident. It’s important to know how this factor might affect your claim and what steps to take to protect your rights. It is crucial that you understand which type of suit to file, so call our team for a free consultation when you are ready to move forward. Below, we answer common questions on this topic to help you move forward with confidence.

Does Being On Prescription Medication Disqualify You From Workers’ Compensation?

No, being on prescription medication at the time of your workplace accident does not automatically disqualify you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The key question is whether your medication contributed to the accident or impaired your ability to perform your job safely. If the medication was prescribed and taken as directed, it should not prevent you from pursuing a claim. However, the insurance company or your employer may attempt to use this detail to dispute your case, which makes it important to address the issue directly.

Can An Employer Deny A Workers’ Compensation Claim Based On Prescription Drug Use?

Our Essex workers’ compensation lawyer knows that employers or their insurance carriers may challenge your claim if they believe prescription drug use contributed to the accident. They may argue that the medication impaired your judgment or reaction time, which led to unsafe conditions. However, the burden of proof lies with them to demonstrate that the medication was the direct cause of the accident. Having medical records and other evidence showing your condition and prescription usage can be essential in countering this argument.

What Evidence Is Needed If Prescription Medication Becomes An Issue In A Claim?

If your prescription medication is brought up during a workers’ compensation case, having clear documentation is crucial. Medical records showing that the medication was prescribed and used appropriately can help establish that you followed your doctor’s instructions. Additionally, any evidence supporting that the accident was caused by workplace conditions or other factors unrelated to the medication will be valuable. Witness statements, safety reports, and accident investigations can all help strengthen your case.

Should I Disclose Prescription Medication Use When Filing A Claim?

Yes, it’s important to be honest about any prescription medication you were taking at the time of the accident. Being upfront prevents potential issues later, such as accusations of hiding information. Disclosing this information allows us to prepare for any challenges your employer or their insurer may raise and address them directly. Transparency also builds credibility for your case.

How Can A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help In These Situations?

We can provide legal support to address concerns about prescription medication use in your claim. From gathering evidence to counter challenges, to negotiating with insurance adjusters, we work to protect your right to benefits. Prescription medication should not unfairly discredit your claim, especially when the medication was prescribed for a legitimate medical condition.

Essex Workers’ Compensation Glossary

If you’ve been hurt on the job, speaking with an Essex, MD workers’ compensation lawyer can make a big difference in how your claim is handled. At Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we’re here to help injured employees understand the key terms involved in the workers’ compensation process. Below, we explain five essential terms and phrases that often come up during a claim. These terms are important when filing, appealing, or managing your benefits after a workplace injury.

Average Weekly Wage

Your average weekly wage (AWW) is the baseline used to calculate wage replacement benefits during your time off work. In Maryland, this amount is typically determined by reviewing your earnings over the 14 weeks before your injury. If you work irregular hours or have multiple jobs, your AWW may involve more detailed calculations.

The percentage of your AWW you receive depends on the nature of your injury and how long you’re out of work. For most temporary total disability benefits, this is around two-thirds of your AWW, up to a state-set maximum. If your injury prevents you from returning to work right away, the insurance company will use this figure to calculate what you’re owed. It’s important this number is accurate, and we help our clients review their pay history to confirm it.

Authorized Treating Physician

The authorized treating physician is the doctor you see for treatment under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. In Maryland, your employer or their insurer typically recommends or approves the provider you must use. This doctor’s evaluations and reports carry significant weight in determining your eligibility for benefits and any return-to-work status.

If the treating physician claims you’re ready to return to work but you’re still experiencing symptoms, we can help challenge that determination with additional medical opinions. It’s critical that your medical documentation matches your symptoms and restrictions, and working with a physician who understands your job duties can make that process easier.

Permanent Partial Disability

Permanent partial disability (PPD) applies when your injury causes long-term impairment but does not fully prevent you from working. Maryland law provides specific compensation for different body parts and levels of impairment, often referred to as a “scheduled loss.” PPD benefits are calculated based on a combination of your AWW and the number of weeks assigned to your injury.

For example, a back injury that limits your ability to lift or bend might qualify you for a certain number of weeks of compensation. Even after you return to work, you may still receive PPD benefits for the lasting effects of your injury. Our team helps clients evaluate whether their condition meets the criteria for PPD and calculates what they’re owed.

Occupational Disease

An occupational disease is a condition that develops over time due to exposure or repeated actions in the workplace. Examples include respiratory issues from inhaling chemicals, repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel, or hearing loss from loud machinery. These differ from sudden accidents and often involve more complicated claims due to their gradual development.

In Maryland, workers must show a clear connection between their job duties and the illness. Employers and insurers may try to argue that your condition is due to non-work factors or is pre-existing. We help gather medical evidence and workplace documentation to show the link between your employment and the condition, supporting your right to benefits.

Retaliation

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes negative action against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This may include termination, demotion, reduced hours, or unfair disciplinary actions. Maryland law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for asserting their rights under the workers’ compensation system.

If you’ve experienced changes to your job after reporting a work injury, we can evaluate whether your employer’s actions violate your rights. We take these situations seriously and work to restore your position or seek compensation for the retaliation you’ve faced. You should never be punished for filing a valid claim.

If you were injured at work and need help securing your benefits, reach out to Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC. We’re ready to protect your rights and guide you through every part of your workers’ compensation case. Let’s talk about how we can help—contact us today.

Find Trusted Help

When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to understand how prescription medication might impact your case. At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we are here to provide guidance and support tailored to your situation. If you have questions about your claim or need help moving forward, contact our Essex workers’ compensation lawyer today. Your lawyer can walk you through the process and help you understand how long it may take. We offer 24/7 live call answering. Let’s work together to get you the benefits you deserve.