We can all agree that getting hurt is an unpleasant experience. However, sustaining an injury at work can be even more distressing as you fear your job is on the line. Fortunately, the law provides employees with certain rights that protect them in the event of an on-the-job injury. If you’ve been injured while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Please continue reading to learn what rights you’re entitled to after a workplace injury and how a trusted Prince George’s County Work Injury Lawyer can help protect your rights during this complex process.
What Are My Rights as an Employee Following an On-the-Job Injury in Maryland?
In Maryland, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation and maintain a safe workplace for their employees. As an employee, if you’ve sustained an injury while working, you are afforded the right to workers’ compensation. Employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses are not obligated to prove that their employer’s negligence was the direct cause of their injuries. Instead, they need to prove that they were injured while within the scope of their job duties.
However, the tradeoff for employers providing workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees’ injuries is that employees are barred from suing their employer for damages. Nevertheless, if you have a valid claim and you’re wrongly denied workers’ compensation, you can take legal action against your employer to recoup what should have been provided through your workers’ compensation benefits.
How Can I Protect My Rights?
Following a workplace injury, your top priority should be seeking immediate medical attention. To protect your rights, you need to report your injury to your employer. In Maryland, you have ten days from the accident date to report the injury to your employer. However, it’s advisable to report the incident as soon as possible. The next step you can take to protect your rights is to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Once you’ve successfully filed your claim, you have the right to receive all workers’ compensation benefits to which you’re entitled. This may include medical treatment, wage replacement, and permanent disability compensation. Death benefits are available to dependents of workers who have died as a result of their employment.
In addition, you have the right to appeal a workers’ compensation denial. If your claim is denied, you have the right to a workers’ compensation hearing and to be represented by a lawyer throughout the process. As such, it’s in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Prince George’s County work injury lawyer who can help you navigate your legal options.
At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we understand that a workplace injury can seriously impact your life. Please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team today, who can help you take legal action to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
