Under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act, an employee who has been injured on the job does not have to prove that any one was specifically at fault in the accident, nor does he or she have to prove negligence of the employer. Although the law was designed to take the issue of work-related injuries out of the court system and to provide injured workers swift and sure relief for their injuries, unfortunately that is not the case.

Employers – and their insurance companies – often try to delay action on workers’ compensation claims or refuse to pay them altogether. They are out to protect their financial interests.

As a result, workers who suffer job-related injuries and illness need to take immediate, aggressive action to protect their rights. Getting help from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is an important first step.

At Kettell & Associates, we have been standing up for workers for more than 30 years and believe those injured on the job, through no fault of their own, deserve respect and dignity – regardless of their income, occupation, or social standing.

Workers’ Compensation is designed to protect workers and their dependents against the hardships from injury or death arising out of the work environment. There are many ways employees can be injured at work, including vehicle accidents, lifting, cutting or crushing trauma, and slips and falls. Occupational illnesses are usually the result of long-term exposure or repetitive motion injuries (carpal tunnel), toxic chemicals, heart attacks and exposure to toxic materials. Workers’ Compensation laws provide money and medical benefits to an employee who has an injury as a result of an accident, injury or occupational disease on the job.

If you have been injured on the job, you should:

☛ Get medical attention if there is an emergency.
☛ Report your injury as soon as possible by giving written notice to your supervisor or someone in a supervisory position. Failure to promptly give notice to your employer may affect your right to benefits. Your employer is not responsible for paying the medical treatment or wages until you give notice of the accident or disease.
☛ If you work for a subcontractor, you should promptly give written notice of your accident or occupational disease to your direct employer and the general contractor.
☛ Report all accidents, even if the injury seems minor. A small injury can develop into a serious problem.

The types of benefits available to claimants include payment for all medical treatment (prescriptions, supplies, equipment, hospital costs, doctors’ bills) and a portion of their weekly wages. Benefits for lost wages will vary depending on whether the injury is considered a temporary total disability or a permanent disability. Compensation is based on the employee’s average weekly wage (gross earnings before the accident or disease, usually during the preceding 52 weeks) and includes overtime and other benefits provided by the employer such as meals, uniform, car and housing allowances.

The Maryland Workers’ Compensation attorneys of Kettell & Associates strongly advise injured employees to consult a professional who understands the Maryland Workers’ Compensation laws that apply to their specific circumstances. When a worker is injured, the claim is filed with the workers’ compensation insurance company (or self-insuring employer) who pays medical and disability benefits according to a state-approved formula. A Maryland Workers’ Compensation lawyer qualified to interpret Workers’ Compensation laws will be able to provide legal guidance and assistance to ensure full recovery of all funds to which the injured worker is entitled. Your employer and its insurance company will always have an experienced attorney representing their interests. You will also be dealing with insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company and whose job it is to pay as little as possible.

Some of the issues associated with Workers’ Compensation claims include:

☛ The employer can deny Workers’ Compensation claims.
☛ Employers can stop paying benefits.
☛ Employer fraud may cause workers to be cheated out of part or all of their Workers’ Compensation claims.
☛ Limitations to Workers’ Compensation laws and misunderstandings about what they mean.

An attorney representing your interests will help you deal with these issues as well as many others, including returning to work and how your claim is impacted by pension benefits and unemployment compensation.

With Kettell & Associates, there is never a charge for an initial consultation, and you will pay no legal fees unless you hire us. We strive to satisfactorily meet client objectives and goals by focusing on your case. Should you choose to have us represent you, we will do the following:

☛ Meet with you to learn all the facts relating to your case
☛ Explain to you all of your important legal rights
☛ Review your medical records in order to obtain a full understanding of your injuries and medical condition
☛ Meet with your physicians and health care providers.
☛ Answer all of your questions regarding Workers’ Compensation
☛ Keep you advised and informed about the progress of your case.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer or Attorney Today
Contact us today to discuss your work injury by calling 410-877-3966. You may also contact us via email at info@kettell