Teacher Injuries

Despite common perceptions that teaching is a low-risk profession, teachers encounter unique challenges that can lead to unexpected harm and significant medical expenses. For example, teachers face a variety of workplace hazards that can result in serious injuries, from slips and falls to student-related incidents and stress injuries. Thankfully, pursuant to Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Act, teachers injured on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical costs and lost wages. If you are a teacher who suffered a work-related injury, you should contact an attorney to discuss your rights. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our skilled Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to helping injured teachers pursue the benefits they deserve, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly on your behalf.

Teachers’ injuries can result from various sources, including falls, repetitive stress, and interactions with students. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of teacher injuries and often occur in classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds. Slippery floors, inadequate maintenance, and cluttered areas increase the risk of falls, which can lead to broken bones, sprains, and even concussions. Teachers also face risks associated with lifting heavy objects, such as stacks of textbooks, educational supplies, or classroom furniture, which can lead to back and shoulder injuries.

Additionally, teachers may suffer repetitive stress injuries due to performing tasks that involve repetitive motions. These injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis, can cause long-term pain and may limit a teacher’s ability to perform job duties. In some cases, teachers are also injured by students, whether due to accidental contact during classroom activities or violent incidents. Such encounters can result in physical injuries and psychological trauma, leading to the need for both physical and mental health care. Teachers injured on the job often face not only physical pain but also time away from the classroom, impacting their income and professional responsibilities.

Under Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Act, teachers injured on the job are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, provided the injury arose out of and during the course of their employment. Workers’ compensation is designed to cover necessary medical treatment, including hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and any specialized care required for recovery. Medical benefits are available immediately, meaning teachers should be able to seek care promptly without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

In addition to medical coverage, teachers who cannot work due to their injuries may be eligible for disability benefits. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are paid to teachers who are entirely unable to work during their recovery. These benefits provide two-thirds of the teacher’s average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum, and continue until the teacher is able to return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement. Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits are available to teachers who can work in a limited capacity but at reduced earnings. In these cases, TPD benefits help supplement the teacher’s income, covering half of the difference between pre-injury wages and post-injury earnings.

In instances where a teacher sustains a lasting impairment due to a workplace injury, they may qualify for permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits. Permanent disability benefits are calculated based on the severity of the injury and can be paid over an extended period or as a lump sum, depending on the specific case and the teacher’s needs. It is important for injured teachers to report injuries promptly and follow required documentation procedures to secure these benefits. Eligibility also depends on meeting specific timelines and accurately reporting the incident as work-related, which can be challenging without proper guidance.

The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complex and overwhelming, especially for teachers managing recovery, medical treatments, and professional obligations. If you are a teacher who suffered an injury while on the job, you should speak to an attorney about your potential claims. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our capable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys understand the devastation work injuries can cause, and if we represent you, we will gather the evidence needed to help you pursue the maximum benefits available. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we routinely help people with workers’ compensation claims in Hyattsville, Bowie, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, Upper Marlboro, 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 via our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.