What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation provides temporary disability benefits while you’re unable to work, payment for medical treatment, and compensation for permanent disability.
Common benefits include:
- Medical Benefits — Workers’ compensation pays for proper and necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries or occupational illnesses at no cost to the employee. Medical treatment includes doctor visits, prescriptions, surgery, physical therapy, and other treatment needed for you to recover. The state or the employer’s insurance company pays for the treatment.
- Lost Wages — An employee who is unable to work because of a job-related injury or illness is eligible to receive partial compensation for lost wages. In Maryland, these benefits amount to two-thirds of the average weekly wages.
- Permanent Disability Benefits — Workers left with a permanent impairment that results in a total disability or a partial disability are entitled to compensation for that injury.
- Death Benefits –If a worker is killed on the job or dies from complications of a job-related injury or illness, his or her family members may be entitled to collect benefits, including funeral costs.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured at Work?
If you have been injured at work, you should immediately obtain first-aid or any other necessary medical treatment. You must also notify your employer in writing about the injury as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, you may forfeit your right to workers’ compensation benefits. To be eligible for benefits, you must also file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Workplace injuries and illnesses can have devastating and long-lasting consequences. If you have been injured at work, you need a highly skilled and compassionate attorney on your side. Not only are workers’ compensation laws complex, but your employer or his or her insurance company may try to deny payment of your benefits. Our workers’ compensation attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. Attorney’s fees are determined by state law, and you will only pay a fee if you win a disability award.
Call our office at (410) 996-4488 or complete our online form today for a free consultation.