Dealing With Insurance Companies

In Maryland, when a worker suffers an injury on the job, they are typically eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, dealing with insurance companies can often complicate the process. Insurance companies aim to minimize costs, which can lead to delays, denials, or reduced compensation for injured workers. If you were injured at work and are facing challenges dealing with an insurance company, you should talk to an attorney about what steps you can take in pursuit of the benefits you deserve. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our trusted Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys understand the strategies that insurers use to avoid paying full benefits, and if you engage our services, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf to help you pursue a just result.

Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and time-consuming for injured workers. While the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide financial support and medical benefits without the need to prove fault, insurance companies often implement tactics that make the process challenging. For instance, they may request extensive documentation, delay claims, or dispute the extent of an injury. These practices can leave workers without timely access to essential medical care and benefits, which can further complicate their recovery and cause financial stress.

In many cases, insurance adjusters may attempt to undervalue or deny claims by arguing that the injury is not work-related or does not require extensive treatment. For workers without legal representation, these tactics can lead to reduced compensation or denied claims.

In cases where insurance companies attempt to deny or reduce a claim, workers can appeal the decision through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. However, navigating this process can be complex and intimidating without the guidance of an attorney.

Skilled legal representation can make a significant difference by ensuring that insurance companies adhere to their obligations and provide the benefits that workers are entitled to receive.

Under Maryland law, most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured while performing job-related tasks. Eligibility depends on the employee's status and whether the injury occurred during the course of employment. Employees of companies that are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance are generally covered, while independent contractors may not be eligible unless specific conditions apply. Workers must also prove that their injury or illness was caused or worsened by their job duties to qualify for benefits.

The Maryland workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits for injured workers. Medical benefits cover costs related to the treatment of a work-related injury, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are available for workers who are unable to perform any job duties due to their injury. These benefits typically cover two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to the state’s maximum limit, and last until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement or can return to work.

If the worker can still perform some duties but at a limited capacity, they may be eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits, which cover part of the difference between the worker’s previous earnings and their reduced wages. Workers who suffer permanent impairments may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits, depending on the severity of their condition. These benefits provide ongoing financial support for workers who have suffered long-term or permanent injuries, helping them manage medical expenses and lost wages.

Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize or delay paying benefits for workplace injuries, but injured workers have rights under Maryland law that protect their access to benefits. If you were injured on the job and are struggling with insurance company delays or denials, you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our skillful Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys are adept at dealing with insurance companies, and if we represent you, we will fight for the full compensation and benefits you deserve. Our office is in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we frequently represent injured workers in workers’ compensation matters in Hyattsville, Waldorf, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Rockville, Silver Spring, La Plata, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and all counties in the State of Maryland. You can set up a confidential and free meeting by using our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.