Maryland Workers Compensation Lawyer
What are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Workplace injuries most often require a Maryland workers compensation lawyer. Usually when someone thinks of a workplace injury, it is associated with a single incident that is life-altering, for instance an explosion that hurts a mechanic or if a chef’s finger is severed from a kitchen knife incident. However, workplace injuries are not always caused by just an isolated and sudden event. Most injuries that occur at the workplace are developed over time from small, repetitive movements that take place on an ongoing basis. Luckily, employees who suffer from repetitive stress injuries are able to recover through workers’ compensation. If you have been injured from a repetitive stress injury, you may want to contact a Maryland workers compensation lawyer. You should seek to find a team of professionals who have years of experience in workers’ compensation cases and will help walk you through the intricacies of the varying aspects of your case.
Who is at Risk for an RSI?
In order for a repetitive stress injury (RSI) to develop, the action does not have to be physically challenging, difficult, or harmful on its own. With that being said, when one motion is repeated regularly for weeks, then months, and years, the effect can cause detrimental effects to the employee’s health. An RSI is capable of leaving an employee in regular, severe pain and not able to complete their typical job tasks and life functions.
Any Maryland workers compensation lawyer knows all too well that there has been a large increase of work-related repetitive stress injuries, which is commonly attributed to how frequently computers have been used in the workplace for the past several decades. Businesses now use computers for basically everything from preparing bills to data analysis to customer communication. Because of this, the most common type of RSI is a result of injury to the arms or hands caused from use of the computer. By employees spending their day performing the same keyboard motions again and again with little rest, their muscles, tendons, and joints could potentially become injured. Some common injuries caused by computer use are bursitis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
However, an experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyer will tell you that employees that use computers are not the only workers at risk of an RSI. Many careers that involve physical activities, such as manufacturing or construction, require repeated reaching, use of tools, or lifting. Other common jobs for RSIs are cashiering or retail clerks that are in use of a conveyor belt. These employees commonly scan hundreds to thousands of items each shift, which involves lifting, pulling, and turning to scan barcodes easily. Butchers, drivers, mechanics, musicians, assembly line workers, and stocking shelves are all examples of other jobs that have a high potential for RSIs. A skilled Maryland workers compensation lawyer will likely point out that all of these jobs require employees to stand or sit for long periods of time or performed frequent, repeated movements of hands, arms, or fingers.
What To Do if You Have a Workplace RSI
It can be difficult to find an RSI as it is developing. The employee may not notice symptoms and it may be too late once they decide to seek medical treatment or take time off. Employees may notice pain, loss of strength, or numbness but may consider them as aging or “part of the job”. Another reason employees do not do anything about pain could be that they are afraid if they say something, they could lose their job. Any reliable Maryland workers compensation lawyer will inform you that it is very important for employees to pay attention to RSI warning signs so they can catch it early on.
These warning signs could include:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers
- Loss of coordination
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dull or aching pain in limbs
Once an employee believes they have an RSI, they should notify their employer and make a workers’ compensation claim. It is important to make a claim as soon as the employee notices the injury.
If you have a repetitive stress injury and you have contacted your employer, you may want to speak with Maryland workers compensation lawyer to help defend and prove your case. Contact Cohen & Cohen and we will be more than happy to set you up with a workers compensation attorney on our team.
Who Gets Work Injuries?
Work injuries are as varied as the people who get them. A secretary can develop carpal tunnel from overuse typing on their computer, a delivery driver can injure their back lifting up heavy boxes, and a construction site worker can break their arm working with heavy construction equipment. Regardless of the type of injury, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills and any resulting work time lost. If you are hurt in an accident while at work, you should consider speaking with an experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyer. Contact Cohen & Cohen P.C. today to set up a consultation and determine whether you have a case.
Workplace Injuries Are Common
Even in a safe workplace, accidents happen, and in an unsafe environment they can occur regularly. Some injuries are minor, but others can lead to debilitating injuries. Common types of injuries include a damaged back from lifting heavy equipment, a cut resulting from using a sharp object, a knee injury from tripping on a floor hazard, a repetitive strain injury from years of typing, and a chest contusion from an airbag injury resulting from a car crash. .
What To Do If You Are Injured At Work
As soon as you are able, report your injury to your supervisor. You should also be seen by a medical provider as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor will not result in better health outcomes for you, but it will document your condition. You should also document your injury, associated costs, and other relevant information. Recording your lost work hours, what you received for treatment, and the conversations you have with insurance companies can help you remember details later on that may be important to your case. An experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyer from a firm like Cohen & Cohen P.C. can advise you on what information to collect to support your case.
A Workers Compensation Lawyer Can Help
A work injury can leave you unable to work, without income, and a pile of bills that you are expected to pay. Insurance companies are often slow to resolve your claim and they may even deny them. The process can be convoluted and difficult to work through, which is where a skilled workers compensation lawyer can make a big difference. They will know what evidence to gather to make it difficult for the insurance company to deny your claim. A workers compensation lawyer may request an independent medical exam, take depositions from witness or field experts, and hire skilled witnesses to testify on behalf of your case.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The longer you wait following a work injury, the harder it becomes to win your case. Insurance companies generally will try to minimize workers compensation payments or avoid them altogether. In addition, employers will often try to shield the company from repercussions. A lawyer will advocate for you. Hiring a Maryland workers compensation lawyer can reduce your stress, allow you to focus on recovering, and may result in a larger settlement than if you had represented yourself. Today could be the day where you take the first step to get the compensation you deserve. To speak with an experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyer, call Cohen & Cohen P.C. today and learn how we can support you.
How to find the right workers’ compensation lawyer
Finding the right workers’ compensation Maryland workers compensation lawyer can seem daunting, but it’s important to do your research to find someone who is qualified and experienced in this area of law. Here are a few tips to help you get started. First, ask people you know for recommendations. If they’ve had a good experience with a workers’ compensation lawyer, they’ll be more than happy to share that information with you. You can also search online for reviews or ratings from previous clients. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential lawyers, set up consultations so you can ask them questions and get a feel for how they would handle your case. By doing your homework upfront, you’ll be confident in knowing that you have the best possible chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve
Why you Need Cohen & Cohen as Your Maryland Workers Compensation Lawyer
No one wants to be injured on the job. A work injury can completely change your life and you may not be able to go back to your old position, if at all. This is why it is so important that you find a Maryland workers compensation lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law as soon as possible after an accident occurs.
The workers compensation system in Maryland is confusing, and it doesn’t have to be. Cohen & Cohen has been providing compassionate representation to injured Marylanders for over 50 years, so you know they’ll be there long after the case is settled. The best thing about them? They’re a small firm with big-firm resources. That means they can take on more cases, while still giving each client the attention they deserve. And that’s why you need Cohen & Cohen as your Maryland Workers Compensation Lawyers!
Cohen & Cohen is here for you when no one else is. We’re ready to help you fight for the benefits that you deserve so that you can focus on getting better instead of worrying about money. Our team has more than 50 years of experience helping people just like us get through some very tough times and we know exactly how best to protect our clients’ interests while they recover from their injuries and return back home safely. We always put our clients first because we want them all healed up as soon as possible so they can go back home with their families where they belong!
You might not have a lot of experience with workers’ comp claims or personal injury cases, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for less than the best representation.
Cohen & Cohen has over 20 years of experience fighting for injured Maryland workers like you against insurance companies who would rather spend their money on advertising than pay out benefits when they should be doing so. We’ll fight for your rights and get you the treatment you need!
You can rest assured, knowing we’ll be there for you no matter how long it takes to get through this difficult time in your life. We know how important it is for our clients to feel safe, secure, and protected during this process, so we offer free consultations where we can sit down with you face-to-face and discuss your case at length before moving forward together as a team! Don’t wait another minute – contact us today!
Common Workers Compensation Claim Mistakes to Avoid
If you were injured at work, you want to receive maximum compensation in a workers compensation claim. However, you might unknowingly make mistakes that hurt your case. Here are some common workers compensation claim mistakes to avoid.
- Failing to report the accident. If you suffered an injury in a work accident, it is your responsibility to inform your employer promptly. In Maryland, you only have 10 days to report a work injury. If you don’t report your injury within that time frame, you may lose your right to benefits.
- Not seeing the doctor your employer selects. If you want to apply for workers compensation, you are required to see the doctor your employer chooses. He or she will diagnose your injury and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you refuse to see the doctor your employer selects, it can hurt your right to compensation. However, if you are not satisfied with the doctor’s assessment, you can ask your employer permission to see a different doctor.
- Being dishonest about your injury. When discussing your injury with a doctor, it is important to be completely truthful. Some workers make the mistake of exaggerating their injuries to obtain more compensation. However, your doctor can easily find out if you’re not being honest about your injury and inform your employer. To avoid losing your right to benefits, avoid providing false information.
- Handling your claim without a lawyer. If your workers compensation case is fairly simple, you might be able to handle it on your own. However, there are certain situations that call for the help of a Maryland workers compensation lawyer. For example, if your employer has denied your initial claim or is retaliating against you, contact a reputable lawyer immediately.
- Not following your doctor’s advice. After your doctor diagnoses your injury, he or she will suggest a treatment plan. It is important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan all the way through. If you skip doctor’s appointments or discontinue your treatment prematurely, your benefits may get discontinued.
- Refusing work. Workers compensation benefits aren’t intended to last forever. Once your doctor clears you to return to work, you should attempt to go back. Your employer may give you lighter duties until you fully recover. If you refuse to report to work, your benefits can end.
How to Return to Work After an Injury
If you have been hurt on the job, one of your main goals is likely to return to work as soon as you can. However, going back to work after receiving workers compensation benefits has to be done with caution. Here are some tips to return to work after suffering an injury.
- Stay in touch with your employer. No matter how long you are supposed to be out of work, it is a good idea to keep in frequent contact with your employer. Try to give your employer weekly updates about how you are feeling and when you may go back to work. Doing this will show your employer that you are serious about returning to work and give them time to provide you with the necessary accommodations.
- Take good care of yourself. Besides following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan, it is important to take good care of your body. That means eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, getting adequate sleep and keeping your stress to a minimum. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. The better you take care of your body, the faster you can recover from your injury.
- Get your doctor’s approval. If you start feeling much better one day, you might think that you are ready to go back to work. However, you should not do so without your doctor’s approval. Even if you feel better, your body still might not be ready to handle your duties at work. If you go back to work before you’re actually ready, you could reinjure yourself.
- Don’t push yourself too hard. When you first return to work, it is important to take it easy. While you may be eager to give it your all, pushing yourself too hard too fast can leave you susceptible to reinjury. Your doctor may have medical restrictions to follow at your job as you recover from your injury, such as not lifting anything over 10 pounds or avoiding kneeling.
- Know when to contact your lawyer. In some situations, it may be necessary to get ahold of your Maryland workers compensation lawyer after you return to work. For example, if you reinjure yourself or your employer is not willing to provide the necessary accommodations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your lawyer.
Workers Compensation Law
If you have been injured or become ill because of your work, a Maryland workers compensation lawyer may be able to help you more than your employer’s workers compensation insurance will.
Workplace Injuries
Work injuries can be physical and/or mental/emotional injuries or illnesses. They can occur because of a specific incident such as being involved in an accident, getting attacked, or witnessing a violent event. Workplace injuries and illnesses can also occur over a period of time such as a repetitive stress injuries, illnesses from exposure to toxic substance, or anxiety and/or depression from verbal abuse and intimidation.
Workplace Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured or ill because of your work in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., there are many, many different kinds of workplace injuries an experienced workers compensation lawyer from Cohen & Cohen may be able to help you with. The laws in each of these states are specific to each state even though there are many similarities between the three. A significant difference between Virginia workers compensation insurance requirements and those of Maryland and D.C. is that in Maryland and D.C. for the most part, employers are required to have workers compensation insurance if they employ even just one employee. Virginia law though only requires that employers carry workers compensation insurance if they regularly employ three or more part-time or full-time employees.
If you are looking for a workers compensation lawyer, it is important to find one that is licensed to protect workplace injury and illness victims in the jurisdiction occurred. For example, if your injury or illness was from being employed someplace in Maryland, you will need a workers compensation lawyer who is licensed to practice law in Maryland if you need someone to represent you in court.
The MD, DC & VA Area
Some of the top workers compensation lawyers are licensed to practice in more than one jurisdiction. With so many people living and working in Washington D.C., and a huge portion of people commuting from Maryland and Virginia to do this, Cohen & Cohen’s team of experienced workers compensation lawyers are particularly well suited to serve this area. We have lawyers who are experienced with successfully defending the rights of injured and ill employees and who are licensed to do this in all three of these jurisdictions.
We have someone available to take your call any time of the day or night, any day of the year. Contact us as soon as you can so that we can set up a free case consultation and evaluation. If we feel like we can help you, we may be able to start protecting your rights to compensation for your injuries, right away. If we do not have a workers compensation lawyer who is especially suited to your Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. workplace injury or illness claim, we would like the opportunity to help you find one that is.
For a highly rated Maryland workers compensation lawyer who is licensed to protect the rights of workplace injury victims in MD, VA, and DC, contact Cohen & Cohen, today.
If you have been injured in a work related accident or become ill because of work, even if you have a pre-existing condition, Maryland workers compensation lawyers may be able to help.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Workers Compensation Benefits
An injured worker may hesitate to file for workers compensation benefits if they re-injure an old injury while on the job. After all, what if their employer thinks they’re faking an injury just to get benefits? This is a scenario very familiar to our workers compensation lawyers at Cohen & Cohen. There may be additional concerns or complications as well, but the rights of an employee who is hurt while working should be protected. A serious injury, even a pre-existing one that was recently aggravated, may require expensive medical treatment and a long recovery time. Though the worker could take personal days off for all or a portion of that recovery period, should they have to?
If you are concerned about filing a claim for an aggravated, pre-existing condition, contact us at Cohen & Cohen. Our Maryland workers compensation lawyers can consider the details of your case and may be able to provide you with guidance and possible solutions. This initial consultation will be free and you will be under no obligation as a result.
What qualifies as a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is a medical ailment that at one time was diagnosed as such by a medical professional. As a result, medical documentation exists that includes this diagnosis and any treatment or medications that were recommended by the medical professional.
What are common examples of a pre-existing condition?
The list is extensive, but in the context of a work-related injury, some of the most common pre-existing conditions include these:
- Back injury: misaligned discs or vertebrae, bruised back muscles.
- Neck injury: torn or sore muscles, ligaments, tendons, and/or fascia.
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Eye strain: can lead to severe headaches, including migraines.
Post-traumatic stress syndrome: triggers could emerge in one’s current work environment.
If you have had any of the above or work related problems not mentioned here, it may be in your best interest to discuss your rights with Maryland workers compensation lawyers.
When a Workers Compensation Claim was Denied Because of a Pre-Existing Condition
If your claim was denied with the reason that your injury is a pre-existing condition and therefore does not qualify for benefits, contact our Maryland workers compensation lawyers at Cohen & Cohen immediately. After a review of your case, our lawyers may determine that your claim should not have been denied.
If this is the case, you may have several options yet available to you:
Our workers compensation lawyers can review your original Maryland claim and resubmit it with additional medical documentation and other proof of your eligibility to receive benefits. For example, your lawyer may recommend a third-party physician who can examine you and may conclude that your new injury is related to but separate from your pre-existing injury.
Our Maryland workers compensation lawyers can file a personal injury claim on your behalf to your employer if their insurer refuses to honor your workers compensation claim. In this way you might qualify for compensation of additional damages such as pain and suffering which are not included in workers compensation benefits.
Our workers compensation lawyer can file a civil lawsuit against the party responsible for injuring you. This is an option to be avoided if possible, but can be pursued if necessary.
If you re-injured a pre-existing injury while on the job, call Cohen & Cohen without delay to speak to our workers compensation lawyer about your options for receiving fair compensation.
For highly rated Maryland workers compensation lawyers, contact Cohen & Cohen as soon as possible for a free case consultation with no obligations.
Common Workplace Injuries
A person can be injured in any work environment. Whether they are sitting behind a desk each day or are welding underwater, there are some risks associated with their position. You may feel that you are unable to seek workers compensation because of the nature or circumstance of your injury. However, it is best to consult with an experienced lawyer to understand if your case has merit. We know that trusted Maryland workers compensation lawyers are hard to find, and we are here to help. Call or sign up for a free case evaluation with Cohen & Cohen P.C. today. Common workplace hazards and resulting injuries include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
One of the most common causes of workplace injuries are slips, trips, and falls. This can range from someone injuring their wrist from tripping on uneven carpet in their office to a construction worker falling off a platform at work and breaking multiple bones in their legs. Slippery surfaces are likely to be present at some point no matter what environment you work in. Regardless of the injury, if reasonable precautions weren’t taken to protect employees from the hazard, you may be entitled to damages.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injuries, or RSI, can be challenging to pinpoint. Since the injury can come on slowly rather than one event it can sometimes be more difficult to tie it to working. Employers and insurance companies may try to argue that the activities you participate in out of work resulted in the injury. A skilled lawyer will know what evidence to gather and legal strategies to use to support your case.
Loud Noise Exposure
You only get one set of ears. Once your hearing is damaged it is often irreversible without medical equipment like hearing aids, which can be expensive. Similar to RSI’s it can be difficult to prove that your hearing was damaged at work. For the best outcome, you will want to consider hiring experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyers from a firm like Cohen & Cohen B.C. to work on your case.
Vehicle Accidents
Employees use all varieties of vehicles while working including cars, trucks, semis, heavy equipment, motorboats, and even airplanes. Even at a relatively low speed they can result in lots of damage. It’s therefore important that employers take measures to create a safe workspace that minimizes accidents. Even if precautions were taken and you were injured, you should receive workers compensation unless you were grossly negligent.
Cuts
Cuts can range from a paper cut on a finger to major trauma resulting from motorized equipment such as a chain saw. Cuts can damage much more than the skin. They can sever ligaments, tendons, muscles and even damage bones. It can take months to recover from this kind of injury and it can even leave you permanently disabled.
Regardless of what kind of injury you have, you may be eligible to receive workers compensation. If you have sought workers compensation through your employer or an insurance company and they denied your claim, you should speak with a lawyer before giving up. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to review your case and provide you with an unbiased opinion. Our Maryland workers compensation lawyers have years of experience successfully winning our clients the compensation they deserve. Contact our staff at Cohen & Cohen now to learn what we can do for you.
What is a Maryland Workers Compensation Lawyer?
When you are injured on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should help cover your medical costs and lost wages. But what happens when the insurance company denies your claim or offers you a fraction of the benefits you deserve? That is when you need a workers compensation lawyer.
A Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer is a legal professional who helps injured workers receive the benefits they are entitled to under state law. If you have been injured on the job, it is important to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. A lawyer can help you understand the process and ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
They are usually hired by employers, insurance companies and self-insured plans to represent them before state workers compensation agencies that regulate them. A lawyer may also be consulted by injured employees or their families for legal advice on how to proceed with a claim. Maryland workers compensation lawyers can help you with any sort of issue that may arise from an injury on the job, such as obtaining medical treatment or financial compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses.
Accidents happen. If you are injured at work, your Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer can help make sure you get the benefits you need while you recover. Cohen & Cohen is a experienced workers’ compensation firm that can help guide you through the process and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help you.
Why You Need Cohen & Cohen as Your Maryland Workers Compensation Lawyers
Workplace injuries are common in Maryland and can lead to serious financial and emotional stress. If you have suffered an injury on the job, we want to help. Unfortunately, getting the compensation you deserve isn’t always easy.
You may need a workers’ comp attorney who understands your concerns about medical bills, lost wages, and more. We know how hard it can be to get back on your feet after an accident at work because we’ve been there too! That’s why our experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyers fight for injured workers like you every day in courtrooms across Maryland.
Our team is committed to helping people just like us who have been hurt through no fault of their own while they were working hard so that they could support themselves or their families – maybe even both! When someone gets injured at work, it means not only dealing with pain but also worrying about finances as well as trying to keep up with everyday life tasks without being able to do them properly due to the injury.
With over 30 years of experience helping injured victims get justice, it’s no wonder why so many people trust their case with us. Our Maryland workers compensation lawyers know how to win against large insurance companies because they’ve done it time and time again. If you want an experienced team who knows how to handle your case then look no further than Cohen & Cohen!
You don’t need to be stuck fighting with insurance companies or worrying about whether or not your claim will be approved. Let us take care of everything while you focus on recovering from your injury! Our team of experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyers will handle every aspect of filing a successful claim, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies and filing appeals when necessary. If it’s time to file a worker’s comp claim in Maryland, call us today!
When to Hire a Workers Compensation Lawyer
Many people wonder if they should hire Maryland workers compensation lawyers after suffering an injury at work. In certain situations, it is possible to handle a workers compensation claim on your own. For example, if your injury was minor and your employer admitted the accident occurred at work, you may not need legal representation. In other situations, however, working with a lawyer may be beneficial. Here are a few signs you may need to hire a workers compensation lawyer.
Your workers compensation claim was denied
It is actually not that uncommon for initial workers compensation claims to get denied. Unfortunately, some workers believe there is nothing they can do and just give up. Even if your initial claim was denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. An experienced workers compensation lawyer can help you file the appeal.
The settlement doesn’t cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Just because your employer’s insurance company offers you a settlement, does not mean that it is sufficient. If the settlement does not cover all of your medical expenses and lost wages, you should not accept it and get a skilled lawyer involved.
You suffered permanent disability
If your work injury was so severe that it rendered you permanent disability, you may not be able to work again. This can make you eligible for higher compensation. However, insurers are not willing to give up this kind of money so easily. That is why it is critical to have an experienced workers compensation lawyer on your side. He or she will work hard to negotiate fair compensation for your disability.
Your employer has retaliated against you
It’s completely within your right to file for workers compensation if you get injured at your job. However, that does not stop some employers from retaliating against their workers. If your employer has demoted you, cut your pay or fired you, it is time to get a lawyer involved.
You have a pre-existing condition
If you suffer from a pre-existing condition, it can make your workers compensation claim more complicated. For instance, if you have had back problems before straining your back at work, your employer’s insurance company may try to argue that the injury didn’t occur at work. For this reason, it is in your best interest to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Qualities to Look for in a Workers Compensation Lawyer
Experience
Be sure to do research about the level of experience of the lawyer you plan to retain to assist you with your workers compensation claim. The lawyers at Cohen & Cohen P.C. have years of experience representing clients in a wide range of specializations, including workers compensation. When you work with a lawyer who has a proven record of success in the area of workers compensation, your odds of achieving the desired outcome are much greater. Less experienced workers compensation lawyers may have a thorough understanding of local laws, but lack relationships and connections that can benefit the outcome of your claim.
Reputation
The reputation of a lawyer’s effectiveness in court is important to consider prior to making a selection. Our law firm has received many accolades over the years and is considered to be one of the most revered in the DMV area. To form your own opinion about our reputation, be sure to check out our press room page, and testimonials. When you retain legal representation from Cohen & Cohen P.C., you can be confident that your claim will be handled with care and individualized attention to detail. We have the reputation in the DMV area for being one of the most effective firms by clients and news organizations.
Availability & Punctuality
When selecting a lawyer to assist you with your workers compensation claim, availability and punctuality are an essential attribute to look for. Our firm is readily available to evaluate the unique needs of your workers compensation claim. Contact Cohen & Cohen P.C. anytime, nights, weekends, 24/7. We are available 24/7.
Our paralegals work closely with our lawyers to provide a quick and accurate analysis of your case. For immediate assistance, call our offices. We understand the sense of urgency there is when you are injured or sick because of work and are now unable to work. Understand that we are here to help during this time when you and your family need it most.
Compassion
At Cohen & Cohen P.C., we treat each client with compassion and respect with the goal of delivering the best legal services in the area. If you are encountering difficulties with your claim, we hope that you will contact our office to learn more about our practice and the various ways we can be of assistance. We will do our best to help you feel confident in your decision to retain a lawyer from our firm to help you with the claims process. We will work to identify the unique needs of your claim and develop a personalized strategy to get the maximum amount of compensation for your workers compensation claim.
Contact an Experienced Maryland Workers Compensation Lawyer
Cohen & Cohen has been practicing throughout the DMV area for years and we have helped our clients collect millions in damages for personal injury related matters. We understand that workers compensation claims may be particularly complex when factors beyond your control influence the direction of the claims process. Our firm is well prepared with the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to effectively handle disputes that arise during the workers compensation claims process. Even if you are unsure about the viability of your claim, we are available to review your case and help you understand what your options are.
To find out more information about our law firm, or to set up a consultation with an experienced Maryland workers compensation lawyer, contact Cohen & Cohen today.
Common Reasons Why Workers Compensation Claims Are Denied
If your workers compensation claim was recently rejected, you likely feel very frustrated. However, you are not alone. As Maryland workers compensation lawyers can confirm, many initial workers compensation claims get denied for one reason or another. Here are a few common reasons why these claims are denied.
Pre-existing medical conditions
If your employer’s insurance company believes that your workplace injury is actually a pre-existing condition, they may likely deny your claim. For instance, if you claim that you suffered a back injury after lifting a heavy object at work, the insurance company may argue that you had back problems before the accident.
You didn’t report the injury soon enough. Every state has specific deadlines for reporting injuries that occur at work. In Maryland, you have only 10 days from the day of your accident to report your injury to your employer. If you miss that deadline, your workers compensation claim may get denied.
You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when you got injured
Fault is not a factor considered in workers compensation cases. If you got injured because you weren’t paying attention or didn’t receive proper training, you can still be eligible for benefits. However, if you got into an accident at work because you were intoxicated, your claim will get rejected.
You didn’t suffer the injury at work
To be eligible for workers compensation benefits, you must have sustained the injury while performing work related duties. If your employer does not believe that you suffered the injury at work, your claim may get rejected. However, there may be some gray areas with this. For instance, imagine that you clocked out for your lunch break and your boss asked you to pick up food for your coworkers. You got injured in a car accident on your way to pick up the food. Your employer may try to reject your claim because the accident happened while you were clocked out. However, you were still performing work related tasks, so you may still have a legitimate workers compensation case.
You didn’t seek medical care promptly
It is important to see a doctor right after a work accident, even if you don’t feel too bad initially. If you wait days or weeks to seek medical attention, your workers compensation claim may get denied.