If you were injured on the job in Owings Mills, MD, and are limited in your ability to work, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits through the state’s workers’ comp system. TheMaryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (MD WCC) defines Permanent Total Disability (PTD) as a situation where your work-related injury prevents you from working. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) applies when your injury leaves you with some lasting impairment, limiting your earning capacity.
However, to recover these benefits, you must prove the extent of your permanent disability in the sense of it being total or partial. As you might guess, there is a significant amount of evidence you must show, and certain steps are necessary. A Baltimore County workers’ comp lawyer will explain details. You can check out a breakdown of the process for employees in Maryland.
Factors to Establish a Permanent Disability Claim
The MD WCC uses a specific formula to determine the degree of your impairment. This method relies on medical evaluations and assigns a disability rating as a percentage. Because of the importance of evidence and the legal process, keep in mind what is necessary for a strong permanent disability claim:
- Report Your Injury Promptly: Notify your employer about your work injury within 10 days of the incident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical care for your injury from a qualified physician. Make sure to describe details about your work injury for the purposes of your medical records. Keep a journal regarding doctor visits and any prescribed medications.
- Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): MMI is the point where your physician determines your condition has stabilized and will not significantly improve. At MMI, you can officially file for PPD or PTD benefits.
- Independent Medical Examination (IME): You may be required to go through an IME at the request of a workers’ comp insurance company. This takes place with a healthcare professional of their choosing.
- The Importance of Documentation: Meticulously document everything, including accident reports, medical records, pay records regarding lost income, and witness statements.
How a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
While the above information is useful as a general framework, the workers’ comp system in Maryland can be complex. An experienced Baltimore County workers’ comp lawyer can assist by:
- Ensuring all deadlines are met;
- Evaluating medical documentation and disability ratings to get an accurate assessment of your impairment;
- Negotiating with the insurance company to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve; and,
- Representing you at a hearing before the MD WCC.
Take Action With Help from a Baltimore County Workers’ Comp Attorney.
It is critical to contact an experienced workplace accident lawyer if you were hurt at work and may have a permanent disability. At the Law Offices of Michael A. Freedman, our team is prepared to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive proper benefits. To learn more, please call 410.363.6848 orgo online to set up a free consultation. We are happy to meet with you at our locations in Owings Mills or Glen Burnie.
