Many people throughout Maryland earn their living working in factories. Most factories employ measures to ensure the safety of their workers, but factory accidents are nonetheless common, and when they occur, they often cause devastating injuries. Maryland law protects employees injured in the workplace by ensuring that they can recover workers’ compensation benefits under certain circumstances. As such, if you were hurt in a factory accident, it is smart to speak to an attorney promptly. The seasoned Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., understand what it takes to prevail in workers’ compensation claims, and if we represent you, we will fight to help you seek the best outcome possible in your case.
Harm Caused by Factory AccidentsFactory workers commonly use heavy machinery and are exposed to high temperatures and toxic substances. It is not surprising, therefore, that harmful incidents are commonplace in factories. These accidents can happen because of machinery malfunctions, human error, inadequate training, and breaches of safety protocol.
The harm caused by factory accidents can be severe and wide-ranging, including physical injuries such as cuts, burns, fractures, and amputations. Similarly, exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to respiratory problems or skin conditions. In extreme cases, accidents can result in fatalities. Beyond physical harm, such incidents can also lead to psychological trauma for the affected workers, causing stress, anxiety, and long-term mental health issues. The economic impact on workers hurt in factory accidents can be significant, resulting in lost wages and medical expenses.
Recovering Workers’ Benefits Following Factory AccidentsPeople hurt in factory accidents in Maryland can often recover benefits for their losses. The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) defines what injuries allow workers to recover workers’ compensation benefits. First, the injured party must be an employee. In other words, volunteers and independent contractors cannot recover benefits under the Act. Secondly, the harm in question must be an accidental personal injury. Finally, for an injury to be compensable, it must arise from the job's conditions and occur during the performance of job duties. Once an employee hurt in an accident files a claim, the Workers' Compensation Commission will review it to determine eligibility and benefits.
Generally, injured employees can recover benefits for their medical care and hospitalization. Such benefits cover treatments, surgeries, and prosthetics, among other things. If their injuries impact their ability to work, they may be awarded disability benefits as well. Disability benefits are awarded for partial and total disabilities that are temporary or permanent in nature. Temporary total disability benefits are provided to employees who are recovering from an injury and are totally disabled from working in any capacity. These benefits amount to 2/3 of the employee’s average weekly wage capped at the State average weekly wage. Temporary partial disability benefits, which equal 50% of the gap between their average and current weekly wages, up to 50% of the State average, are paid to people who can work at a reduced capacity after their accident. Those who are entirely unable to work receive temporary total disability benefits, calculated at two-thirds of the average weekly wage, with a $50 minimum, capped at the State's average weekly wage. Temporary disability benefits continue until the employee can work again or reaches maximum medical improvement.
Permanent total disability benefits may be awarded to employees with severe and total disabilities. Such benefits represent two-thirds of their average weekly wage, adjusted for the cost of living. Permanent partial disability benefits may be granted to workers with partial impairments and are based on the injury's severity and duration. Employees may also be reimbursed for the wages they lost for time spent on medical exams and Commission hearings.
Confer With a Skilled Prince George’s County Workers’ Compensation LawyerFactory accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries, and people who suffer such harm can often recover workers’ compensation benefits. If you sustained losses due to a work-related incident, it is smart to confer with a lawyer as soon as possible. The skilled Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., possess the experience and knowledge needed to help you pursue any benefits you may be owed. Our office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we regularly represent people in workers’ compensation claims in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, and all counties in the State of Maryland. You can set up a confidential and free meeting by contacting us via our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.