Insurance for Injured Workers

A lot of people think of Workers' Compensation as a lawsuit against their employer -- that's not what it is.  Workers' Compensation is actually insurance which employers are required to carry  in order to provide medical care, sick pay and other compensation for their workers who are injured on the job.   Workers' Compensation is an employer's responsibility.

A Claim for Worker's Compensation is simply a claim for benefits that you are entitled to have by law when you are injured on the job, so that you can get the medical care you need and payment of wages when you are recuperating and unable to work. 

It does not represent a battle against your employer.  Worker's Compensation can also provide you with compensation for injuries which turn out to be permanent.
 

Making a claim for Workers' Compensation may oftentimes become complicated.  Frequently, the employer's insurance company which controls benefits, does not agree with you or your doctor's opinion of the treatment you need, or your need to remain off work for a time.   That's when an attorney can assist you by pursuing your claim with the Maryland Worker's Compensation Commission.  The Commission has the authority to order the insurance company to pay benefits that you are entitled to have.

Experience Counts
Ed Pinder has tried hundreds of cases before the Workers' Compensation Commission since 1990.  He is often consulted by other attorneys to take cases which they feel are too complicated.  Experience counts, and our office has the expertise to help you through your time of need.

Attorney Fees and Costs

The Workers' Compensation Laws are designed so that an injured worker does not have to pay money out-of-pocket to hire an attorney.  The attorney who assists you with your case may be entitled to a fee at the end of your case, from any award you may receive for injuries which are permanent.  Our fee is usually 20% of the first $12,000 in permanency benefits, 15% of the next $15,000, and 10% of anything over that.  The law sets out the maximum fees allowable, and all fees must be approved by the Workers' Compensation Commission
 
You do not pay us out of picket.  Unless we win your case, we cannot charge you a fee.
 

Compensation for Accidental Injuries and Occupational Diseases

In order to quality for benefits a worker must suffer an "accidental injury" or "occupational disease" arising from his employment.  Not every injury on the job is covered, and so the meanings of "accidental injury" or "occupational disease" are very important when determining your eligibility for benefits.  this is another reason why the help of an attorney from the very beginning can be critical for protecting your interests.
 

Several Benefits May Be Available

There are several benefits that may be available to help you in your time of injury.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits are disability benefits paid to an injured worker during the time of recuperation from an injury or a surgery.  This is intended to help make up for the wages that the worker has lost while he or she is temporarily totally unable to work.  Our trained staff can help get the documents needed to keep your checks coming when you need them the most.

Medical/Hospitalizations Benefits - You are entitled to free, lifetime treatment of injuries which are related to your Workers' Compensation case.  You have the right to choose your own doctor and physical therapist.  We can help you find the right specialist for your particular injury.  Documentation of your injuries is extremely important, and we can help get the right information to the insurance companies so that you can concentrate on the more important job of protecting your health.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits - Some injuries are so serious that a worker is permanently, and totally disabled.  In Maryland, the loss (or loss of use) of any of the following constitutes a permanent total disability: both arms, both eyes, both feet, both hands, both legs.   Likewise, the loss (or loss of use) of any of two of the following also constitutes permanent total disability: an arm, eye, foot, hand or leg.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits - Some permanent injuries may leave a worker only partially disabled.   The state of Maryland has given each part of your body a monetary value, and the degree of disability determines how much of that full monetary value will be paid to you.   In some cases, you may also be additionally entitled to compensation for the loss of earning capacity which results from your disability.   When your doctor releases you and tells you that your condition will not improve with further treatment, then our office will help you find a doctor with experience in determining how much loss of use that you have suffered.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits - If you are not able to return to your normal job as a result of your injuries, then after discharge from the doctor, you may be entitled to job retraining or job placement services.   Our office helps find the best counselor for you to make sure that you have an opportunity for a real future -- not just whenever the insurance company thinks you ought to have. 

Again, experience counts.  The Pinder Legal Tem has the expertise to protect your every step of the way.  Put our team to work for you.