Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Attorney Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
If you were injured on the job, it may be in your best interest to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney Washington, DC residents trust. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In 2013 alone, thousands of workers filed workers’ compensation claims in Washington DC and million of dollars have been paid out. (Learn more about What is Workers Compensation?)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sprains, cuts, burns, bruises and fractures are the most common injuries on the job. These injuries often result from slipping and falling, overexertion and violence.
A workers’ compensation claim aims to reimburse for medical expenses caused by the workplace accident, as personal injury lawyers Washington DC locals respect can attest. In most cases, all necessary medical expenses will be covered, like hospital and nursing services, surgery and medications. Sometimes injured workers can obtain compensation for future medical expenses for treatment of the work injury. For example, if the work accident results in a brain injury, the benefits may cover rehabilitation costs.
Employees who become so badly injured that they can’t do their job anymore may also be entitled to disability payments. The amount of compensation they receive depend on the employee’s gross earnings before the injury. Additional compensation may be available for those workers who suffered permanent injuries during a work accident.
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
While it’s possible to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own, there are some instances when it may be necessary to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Washington, DC.
- Employer denies your claim: Employers can reject workers’ compensation claims for a variety of reasons. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t file an appeal with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney Washington, DC residents rely on.
- Employer terminates you or demotes you: Some employers may become ticked off when their workers file workers’ compensation claims and try to get revenge by firing or demoting them. If this has happened to you, it isn’t fair and you shouldn’t be treated this way. A workers’ compensation attorney may help protect your rights.
- Your settlement is too low: Just because an employer accepted your workers’ compensation claim, doesn’t mean it’s enough to cover all of your medical bills. If your employer’s settlement offer is too low, it may be worth it to speak to a Washington DC workers compensation lawyer.
- You suffered permanent injuries: If your injuries prevent you from doing your job again, you may be entitled to lifetime weekly payments. However, insurance companies are in the business of making money and don’t agree to these payments so easily. That’s why it may be important to have a workers’ compensation attorney Washington, DC locals depend on on your side.
Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you still sue if you accept workers’ compensation?
What should I do if I am injured at work?
If you have an accident at work, it is imperative to report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. The time limit to report varies from state to state, but your claim can and will be denied if you don’t report the accident to your employer within the required time period for the state you are in. This is especially important to do for the greater Washington DC area because jurisdictional confusion can occur and vary given the location. If you have a workplace accident and you may not think you are injured, you should still report the accident to your employer because sometimes injuries don’t become noticeable or the severity doesn’t appear until after the workplace incident. If you have an accident at the workplace, make sure to report it and get documentation as soon as possible—whether it is at the time of the accident or soon after. That will be key if you want to pursue legal matters later.
Workers’ compensation covers you for work-related injuries that are not a result of an accident. Many workers suffer due to repetitive motion injuries. Say you have suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive typing. Meanwhile, many workers who are in high-stress jobs may develop digestive disorders related to the stress of the job. Workers in automobile shops or other jobs may be exposed to car exhaust and as a result may suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning or suffer from breathing problems. A variety of different injuries or health related problems may occur depending on the job’s particular hazards. Meanwhile, some people might develop an illness as a result of the job while others workers might not. Just like each person, each case is specific.
Can I still receive workers’ compensation benefits if the accident was my fault?
One of the reasons for the existence of the system of workers’ compensation is to provide benefits to injured workers without the need to prove who was at fault for the accident. But there are examples of when a worker will not receive benefits, for example if a worker has self-inflicted injuries, those that result from fighting or horseplay, or if the injury occurs when the employee is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
If I am injured, can I see my own doctor?
That depends on the laws of your state and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. If you are unsure, you can ask your employer if they require you to see a certain doctor, or if you can choose your own doctor. If you have any questions on what doctor you should see, contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate these issues as you may be required to see a employer-chosen doctor. But you also may have the right to change doctors after a certain time has passed, or get a second opinion If you do see your own doctor, your insurance company or employer may require a medical examination by one of its doctors.
What benefits can I receive from workers’ compensation?
The type of benefits you might be entitled to depends on your injuries and the laws in your particular state, as each state’s laws vary. If your workplace injury now prevents you from working, you may be able to receive temporary disability benefits. Those benefits are typically two-thirds of your regular wages.
However, if a workplace accident has left you with permanent damage, you might be entitled to permanent total or (in some states) permanent partial disability benefits. Workers’ compensation can also cover the expenses of your medical treatment for as long as necessary. If you need vocational rehabilitation as a result of your injuries in order to get back to your job or to train you for a new job, that may be covered as well. The benefits you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and your state’s laws.
Do I need a lawyer to help me with my workers’ compensation claim?
Contacting a lawyer is advisable due to the confusing nature of workers’ compensation claims. Depending on the severy to your workers compensation or illness, you may want an attorney’s help for your workers’ compensation claim.
The more severe your injuries, the more you have at stake in the workers’ compensation process. If you have been greatly injured or may be disabled for a long time or permanently, you may want to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney so that you get all of the benefits you may be entitled to.
If you’re considering settling your workers compensation claim, it might greatly benefit you to talk to a well-experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in the DC area.
At Cohen & Cohen, we understand how devastating it can be to suffer an injury at work and want to help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you would like to set up a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney Washington, DC offers, call us today.
If you have been injured or harmed in the workplace, it would be advantageous to contact a workers’ compensation attorney in Baltimore, MD today and schedule a risk-free consultation.
What is considered workers’ compensation?
When a worker is at their place of employment and sustains injury, harm, or neglect, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Employers and employees have legal rights when it comes to the treatment and mistreatment received at work. If a worker has sustained an injury while working on the job, they have the right to pursue accountability, justice, and compensation for the accident. Businesses and cooperations need to be held liable for unsafe working conditions, and faulty equipment. If an injured employee is questioning whether their accident is eligible for workers’ compensation, they should contact an attorney.
What should victims of workplace accidents do following an injury?
Immediately following an accident, or incident in which a worker is harmed, they should receive medical attention. If they can take themselves to the hospital, they should do so as soon as possible. If they are unable to move, emergency services should be contacted by calling 9-1-1. Ambulances can transport the victim to a nearby hospital while paramedics work to assess injuries and perform life-sustaining medical treatment. Even if an injured worker appears physically unharmed, they should still seek a medical evaluation. Concussion, internal bleeding, and brain trauma need to be ruled out. Medical evaluations can be used as evidence later on.
How can a workers’ compensation attorney help their clients?
A workers’ compensation attorney can assist their clients in many ways. They can gather evidence, investigate, find eyewitnesses, and negotiate settlements. The skilled lawyers at Cohen & Cohen work hard to put the needs of their clients first. If a workers’ compensation case is strong, the client may receive higher compensation. Some clients choose to settle outside of court with an insurance company. Although the compensation is typically lower outside of court, a settlement is usually a quicker process. An experienced Baltimore workers’ compensation attorney can help counsel their clients and their specific case situation to determine the best course of action.
What are some examples of common workplace accidents?
Accidents and injuries in the workplace can range from mild, moderate, severe, to catastrophic. Common examples of injuries sustained in workplace accidents include brain trauma injuries, broken bones, burns, sprains, amputations, concussions, and internal bleeding. Accidents occur in work environments for a myriad of reasons. For example, if a business neglects to do a quality check on its equipment, a worker may be harmed while using it. Operating faulty equipment can be extremely dangerous for workers. In this instance, the business and the employers in charge would be considered liable for not providing a safe working environment for their employees.
What damages should clients pursue compensation for?
Damages in a workplace accident may include medical bills, time off work, loss of income, loss of job, decreased quality of life, emotional, and mental pain, and physical injuries. When a worker is injured, they may require hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, expensive medication, and outpatient treatment in order to fully recover. All of these medical interventions add up to costly medical bills, even if the victim has insurance. Survivors of workplace accidents should not be expected to pay for what was unjustly done to them. Working should be expected to be a relatively safe place for employers and employees alike.
Contact a Baltimore workers’ compensation attorney today, and start your journey toward justice.
