I would say this. What we’re seeing now is really an economy that seems to be at an inflection point. And that’s because of widespread vaccination and strong fiscal support, strong monetary policy support. We feel like we’re at a place where the economy’s about to start growing much more quickly and job creation coming in much more quickly.
The economy is picking up steam. Hiring is on the rise. Building and development is increasing. According to the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, the economy is about to boom.
With hiring on the rise, more and more people are back to work. Some warehousing and distribution centers are even advertising for new employees. Let us all hope that does not mean quick, incomplete training. That always leads to work injuries.
If you have been injured on the job in the state of Maryland, you should follow these steps to protect your workers’ compensation rights and yourself:
1. Notice to Your Employer
You must inform your employer about your work injury. It is also imperative to report the nature, severity, and a description of how you were hurt on the job. It is also imperative to report ALL injuries, not just the one that hurts the worse at the time. Insist on and get a copy of an accident report. Typically, your employer should report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Additionally, injured workers should know that reporting the injury to your employer IS NOT the same as filing a claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. There are statutory deadlines to report an injury to the Commission.
2. Get Medical Treatment
Medical treatment is critical. It does not matter whether the injury is severe or not. DO NOT just brush it off. Injuries tend to worsen over the short term. It is also important to remember that ‘gutting it out’ can actually worsen the injury. An important distinction in Maryland, in comparison to Pennsylvania, is in Maryland you can and should seek medical treatment from a medical provider of your choosing. It is also critical to explain clearly the way you were injured, all body parts that were injured, and the symptoms that you are having. No need to be dramatic or exaggerate. Just provide detail to your doctor.
3. Track of Expenses and Missed Work
You want compensated for your work injury. You want paid for missed time from work. You want reimbursed for out of pocket costs. YOU play a role in helping that. You should diligently track and record out of pocket expenses, unpaid medical bills, and record all dates that you miss from work due to the work injury.
4. Do Not Speak with an Insurance Company Representative
When you are injured at work, your employer should report the work injury to their workers’ compensation carrier. You will know when it is reported. You will likely be contacted by the insurance adjuster and they will want to do a recorded statement. Recorded statements combined with the way they ask questions are clear indications that the insurance carrier is attempting to box you in on your facts of the injury. Do not speak to them. Call Mooney Law first. Get us representing you to protect your benefits and rights. The insurance carrier can have their recorded statement, but when we are present on the phone call. Speak to us first.
5. Protect You
Employers and insurance carriers view injured workers as liabilities. Often times, the relationship between the injured worker and their employer changes die to a work injury. It isn’t your fault. Yet, they make it feel like it is. Protect yourself. Call Mooney Law today for an absolutely FREE consultation. We are on your side! Mooney Law has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured workers. We are experienced, proven, and trusted in central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. Call today at 833-MOONEYLAW for a free consultation.
