Disability

Disability benefits are a cornerstone of Maryland’s workers’ compensation system, ensuring that employees who suffer temporary or permanent impairments can maintain some stability while they recover or adapt to their new circumstances. Accessing these benefits can sometimes be a challenging process, though, as employers or insurance companies may dispute the extent of an employee’s disability or the connection between the injury and the workplace. If you are seeking disability benefits after a workplace injury, the experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., can assist you. We are committed to helping injured workers secure the benefits they need and deserve, and we represent clients in Greenbelt, Hyattsville, and throughout Maryland.

Disability benefits under Maryland’s workers’ compensation system are designed to provide wage replacement and financial support to employees who are unable to work due to injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. These benefits play a vital role in helping injured workers cover essential expenses while they recover or adjust to new limitations. Disability benefits can be awarded in several forms, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.

Temporary total disability benefits are available to workers who cannot perform any job duties for a period of time due to their injury. These benefits typically provide two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly wage, up to a state-mandated maximum, until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement or is cleared to return to work. Temporary partial disability benefits are available to employees who can return to work in a limited capacity but at a reduced earning level. These benefits help offset the difference between pre- and post-injury earnings.

For workers who suffer lasting impairments, Maryland offers permanent partial disability and permanent total disability benefits. Permanent partial disability benefits provide compensation based on the severity and permanency of the injury, such as the loss of function in a limb or other body part. Permanent total disability benefits, which are less common, are awarded to employees whose injuries prevent them from performing any gainful employment. These benefits are often calculated for an extended period or, in some cases, for the rest of the worker’s life.

Under Maryland law, workers’ compensation benefits, including disability benefits, are available to most employees who sustain injuries or illnesses that arise out of and during the course of employment. Eligibility extends to full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, provided their injury or illness is job-related. However, independent contractors are generally excluded unless they have been misclassified and should legally be considered employees.

A key issue in determining eligibility for disability benefits is establishing the link between the injury or illness and the worker’s job duties. For example, an employee who develops a repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, due to job-related tasks may qualify for disability benefits if they can demonstrate that the condition was caused or aggravated by their work. Similarly, a worker injured in a sudden workplace accident, such as a fall or machinery malfunction, is generally eligible for benefits.

Disputes can arise when an employer or insurer questions the severity of the worker’s disability, the connection between the injury and the workplace, or whether the employee has reached maximum medical improvement.

If you are unable to work due to a workplace injury or illness, disability benefits can provide critical financial support as you navigate this challenging time. The process of obtaining these benefits can be complex, however, and you should speak to an attorney about your options. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys have extensive experience helping injured workers secure the disability benefits they are entitled to under Maryland law, and if you represent you, we will help you fight to protect your rights. Our office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, La Plata, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, as well as all counties in the State of Maryland. To arrange a free and confidential consultation, please contact us online or call us at (301) 441-2022.