Workers’ Compensation Lawyers In Pikesville, MD Helping Victims of Workplace Accidents
If you have been injured on the job, you most likely are experiencing pain and suffering and emotional trauma related to not being able to work. Your work-related injuries may be preventing you from enjoying life and being able to provide for your family.
If you have been injured and have been denied workers’ comp benefits, you need an attorney who understands workers’ compensation law and the legal options you may have. The repercussions of a work-related accident can have lasting effects on both workers and their families. We are committed to getting you the justice that you deserve after your injury.
How Do I Go About Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In the State of Maryland, workers’ compensation claims can be difficult to navigate on your own. If you need assistance with filing a claim for the first time or have been denied benefits, we can offer you the legal help you need to proceed with your case. The insurance companies that pay out workers’ comp benefits often try to deny claims or pay the lowest amount of money possible.
As your legal representative, we can work on your behalf to assist you through the workers’ compensation process. We understand how to file the required legal paperwork in a timely manner. Having a lawyer represent you in a workers’ compensation claim is to your advantage in understanding each phase of the often-confusing process.
Can I Appeal My Claim if it Was Denied?
If your claim was denied, you may submit an Issues form to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission requesting a hearing. Your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance company should also receive a copy.
During the hearing, the Commissioner will oversee the meeting, listening to both you and your employer as to the nature of your injuries. A judgment will then be rendered as to whether or not you will receive your benefits. If you are turned down for benefits, you have the option of requesting another hearing, which must be completed in writing within 15 days of the Commissioner’s decision.
A new hearing is not automatically granted. In most cases, rehearings are only permitted if there is evidence that the Commissioner made a legal error or if you are able to submit new evidence that supports your case. You are, however, permitted to appeal to the Circuit Court if you lose at your rehearing.
You are allowed 30 days to appeal to the Circuit Court from the date that you lost your appeal. It should be understood that the Circuit Court operates on the assumption the Commission made the correct decision. You have the burden of proving why that decision was incorrect. Finally, if you lose to the Circuit Court, you may appeal to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.
What are Some of the Reasons the Commission Would Deny My Claim?
There may be several reasons why the Commission would feel that it is necessary to deny your claim. They are as follows:
- Your employer or the insurance company determined that your injury or illness was not work-related.
- You failed to file your claim with your employer or the Workers’ Compensation Commission in a timely manner.
- Your claim contains a procedural or clerical error.
- An allegation has been made that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of your injury.
- An allegation has been made that you intentionally caused the accident that led to your injuries or that you deliberately hurt yourself in order to perpetuate a fraudulent claim.
- It is believed that you were not injured in the accident that occurred.
Call our law offices at (410) 484-0400 and schedule a free initial consultation to speak with one of our lawyers regarding your potential legal claim. Our Pikesville, Maryland, personal injury attorneys understand that this is a difficult time in your life and are committed to serving you in your time of need.