Work Accidents

Whether a person works in construction, healthcare, retail, or an office, no workplace is completely free from risks. A work accident can occur in the blink of an eye, leaving employees with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about their future. From falls and machinery accidents to repetitive strain injuries, workplace incidents can have devastating consequences that impact an employee’s ability to earn a living and provide for their family. Fortunately, Maryland’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured employees by providing medical care, disability benefits, and other essential benefits to aid in recovery. If you suffered an injury on the job, it is critical to understand your rights, and you should speak with an attorney promptly. The dedicated Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., are skilled in helping injured workers protect their interests, and we can guide you through the process of securing the compensation you deserve.

Work accidents can occur in various industries and workplaces, ranging from construction sites to office settings. Common workplace accidents include falls from heights, machinery malfunctions, slip and falls, electrical accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials. These accidents can lead to injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, burns, and repetitive stress injuries.

The consequences of work accidents extend beyond physical injuries. Many injured workers experience financial strain due to lost wages and medical expenses. In addition, severe injuries may require long-term rehabilitation, prevent workers from returning to their previous jobs, or even result in permanent disability.

Understanding the full scope of harm caused by work accidents is essential for ensuring that injured workers receive the necessary medical treatment, wage replacement, and, if needed, vocational rehabilitation to transition to new employment.

Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of fault. To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, the injured worker must have been performing job-related duties at the time of the accident. It is important to note that only employees can recover such benefits, as independent contractors, volunteers, and certain other categories of workers may not be covered under traditional workers’ compensation laws.

Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland include coverage for medical expenses and disability benefits. Medical benefits cover the cost of any care needed to address the harm caused by the work accident, including hospitalization, surgery, physical and occupational therapy, and adaptive devices.

An injured worker who cannot perform their job duties, either in whole or in part, may be eligible for disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits are paid to employees who have a lower wage earning capacity due to their injury. They are paid at a rate of 50% of the difference between the employee’s pre-injury and post-injury weekly wage. Temporary permanent disability benefits are available for employees who cannot work in any capacity, and are paid at a rate of two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage.

If an employee is deemed permanently disabled and unable to perform any gainful employment, they may qualify for permanent total disability benefits, which provide financial support for the remainder of their life. Partial permanent disability benefits are available for those who can still work but have suffered a significant reduction in earning capacity.

If a worker is unable to return to their previous job due to their injuries, they may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, which provide job training and career counseling to help them find suitable employment. Vocational rehabilitation services may include tuition for retraining programs, assistance in finding a new position, and guidance from career placement specialists.

Work accidents can have devastating consequences for injured employees and their families. If you have suffered a workplace injury, it is critical to seek legal representation to help you seek the full benefits to which you are entitled. The experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to navigate the workers’ compensation system and protect your rights. We are based in Greenbelt, Maryland, and proudly serve injured workers in Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, La Plata, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across the state of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, you can contact us through our online form or call us at (301) 441-2022.