What to do After a Work Accident in Glen Burnie
An injury or illness contracted at work may be instantaneous or reveal itself years later. Workers’ compensation is an insurance program used in Maryland law that covers nearly all employees in the event of a workplace accident injury or occupational illness.
Despite the program’s intentions, the workers’ compensation system is not always straightforward. Consult a lawyer to understand what to do after a work accident in Glen Burnie. They could assist you in submitting your claim and protecting your rights.
Steps to Take After a Work Accident
Taking the initiative to follow workers’ compensation procedures can help the claims process go smoothly. While some steps may seem obvious, others are not, and the best thing to do is to call a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer immediately after the incident. How you explain the details of the incident is crucial to whether your claim will be accepted by your employer and its insurer as compensable. Merely telling the truth is not necessarily the same as accurately and truthfully including all of the details which will be relevant to supporting the compensability of your claim. You will never pay a WC lawyer out of pocket and there is no downside to consulting with one.
Reporting the Accident
After a workplace injury, the first thing an employee should do is report the accident to their employer. To ensure proper documentation, the employee should confirm any oral report with a written notification bearing the date of the accident or date of disablement if the employee has contracted an occupational disease.
After that, an employer may ask the injured employee to file an accident report form. This is sometimes called the employer’s first report of injury or illness. Employees should provide an accurate description of the incident and injuries as this form can later be used as evidence if a dispute arises.
Seek Medical Treatment
Under Maryland law, an injured employee may choose the medical provider they wish to receive treatment from. Glen Burnie workers’ compensation benefits should cover all reasonable and medically necessary expenses.
It is wise to record time missed from work, medical appointments, and bills. Keeping a thorough account of time and expenses will be advantageous in the claim filing process.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
An injured worker must take swift action in filing a claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. Your claim must be filed with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission within 2 years from the date of injury or date of disablement. Missing the deadline may mean a worker will be barred from pursuing their claim.
At a minimum, a claim must contain the following information:
- The employee’s full name, address, and birth date
- The date of the accident or date of disablement if claiming occupational disease
- Identification of the injured body part
- A description of how the accidental injury happened or occupational disease occurred
- The employer’s name and address
These are just the basic requirements. Meeting the statutory criteria can be a much more complicated task. An experienced Glen Burnie workers’ compensation attorney could help a client strategically prepare and file a claim to seek initial approval.
The employer or their workers’ compensation insurer will then investigate the claim. The investigation determines the employee’s eligibility. It may include a review of medical records, a medical examination to assess or corroborate the stated condition, an evaluation of work credentials, education, and experience, and a request that a worker submits to a functional capacity evaluation. This is a medical assessment that evaluates an employee’s capacity to perform work activities.
Maryland law provides 21 days for the insurance company or employer to review a claim and either approve or deny it. Regrettably, companies and insurers will find many reasons to deny claims.
A Glen Burnie Workers’ Compensation Attorney Could Help You Understand What to Do After an Accident
After a workplace accident, you should be focusing on getting proper medical care and recovering from your injury. The nuances of the workers’ compensation system are often overwhelming, particularly if your case is unusual in any way. It is common for unrepresented clients to receive a first-time denial in response to their claim.
Receiving a benefits package can be the difference between struggling and making ends meet. An attorney could assist you in putting together a claim that will get you the benefits you deserve. Contact a qualified representative today to schedule a consultation about what to do after a work accident in Glen Burnie.
