Lost Wages

A workplace injury can disrupt nearly every aspect of a person’s life, particularly when it renders them unable to work. Lost wages are among the most significant financial burdens workers face when recovering from an on-the-job injury or illness. Fortunately, Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to help alleviate this burden by providing wage replacement benefits to employees who cannot perform their regular job duties due to work-related injuries. If you are struggling financially because of lost wages after a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and you should talk to an attorney. The knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. are well-versed in what it takes to recover the maximum benefits available, and if you hire us, we can help you navigate the claims process and pursue the benefits you deserve.

Lost wages refer to the income an employee cannot earn due to a work-related injury or illness that prevents them from fulfilling their job responsibilities. These losses can accumulate rapidly, especially for workers who live paycheck to paycheck. Lost wages may include the total income forfeited during the time the employee is unable to work, as well as any reductions in earning capacity for employees who must take a lower-paying job due to their injury.

The impact of lost wages extends beyond the financial strain of unpaid bills and mounting expenses. Injured workers may experience stress and anxiety over their inability to provide for themselves and their families. In many cases, the loss of a steady income forces employees to deplete their savings, incur debt, or make difficult decisions about their future. 

Maryland’s workers’ compensation system recognizes the issues lost wages can cause and provides wage replacement benefits to help injured workers maintain financial stability while recovering.

To qualify, the worker must demonstrate that their injury or illness arose out of a workplace accident or condition. This typically involves providing medical documentation, accident reports, and evidence of the connection between the injury and the job. Notably, in most instances, only employees are eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits, which means that volunteers, independent contractors, and other non-employee workers do not qualify for such relief.

Workers’ compensation benefits for lost wages include temporary total disability benefits, temporary partial disability benefits, and permanent disability benefits, depending on the severity and duration of the injury. Temporary total disability benefits are available to workers who cannot perform any work during their recovery period. These benefits are typically calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to statutory limits set by Maryland law.

Temporary partial disability benefits are available for workers who can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than they did before their injury. These benefits provide compensation for half the difference between the employee’s pre-injury earnings and their current reduced earnings. Permanent disability benefits, including permanent partial disability and permanent total disability benefits, apply to workers who suffer lasting impairments that affect their ability to work or earn wages in the long term.

It is important to note that Maryland law requires employees to report their injuries promptly and adhere to specific procedural requirements to preserve their right to workers’ compensation benefits. Failing to meet these obligations can result in delays or denials of wage replacement benefits, making it essential to seek legal advice early in the claims process. 

Losing income due to a workplace injury is a stressful and challenging experience, but workers’ compensation benefits can provide the financial support you need to focus on your recovery. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our trusted Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys understand the significant impact a workplace injury can have on you, and if we represent you, we will help you seek any workers’ compensation benefits available under Maryland law. Our office is conveniently located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, Upper Marlboro, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and the state of Maryland. Contact us today at (301) 441-2022 or through our online form to arrange a confidential and free meeting.