Workers’ Comp

Columbia workers compensation lawyers

Columbia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Experienced lawyers representing injured employees in Maryland

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers help employees who sustain injuries on the job. For more than 35 years, our work injury lawyers have fought the efforts insurance companies try to use to deny or reduce a claim, and advocated on behalf of those whose claims have been denied. If you or your loved one suffered harm while working, let us help you.

How can we help?

What is workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault program run by the State of Maryland which provides certain benefits to covered workers. Workers’ compensation does not require a showing of fault. In return for not having to prove your employer was negligent, injured employees who suffer physical injuries or occupational illness are entitled to benefits for medical care, a percentage of their lost wages, and more.

What benefits can injured or ill workers receive in Columbia?

Our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers are skilled at obtaining the full benefits you deserve for a workplace injury or illness. The core workers’ compensation benefits include:

  • Medical bills. Your workers’ compensation benefits include payment for any surgeries, hospitalizations, doctor visits, nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, assistive devices such as prosthetics and crutches, medications, and other healthcare you need. You’re entitled to medical coverage for as long as you need treatments to improve your health and to keep your health stable – for the rest of your life If necessary.
  • Temporary disability benefits. These benefits are payable while you are receiving medical help that is improving your health. Generally, after a short waiting period, you’re entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wages up to a preset cap.
  • Temporary partial disability benefits. If you can return to work but at a lower salary because you can’t work at full strength, you’re entitled to temporary disability benefits based on the difference between your average weekly wage before you were hurt and your current wages.
  • Permanent partial disability benefits. Here, an assessment is made about the type of injury you have and the severity of the injury. The benefit is normally two-thirds of your salary for a specific number of weeks based on the injury and its severity level.
  • Permanent total disability benefits. Workers who can never return to work due to permanent disability, or if they have lost the use of certain body parts such as both eyes or both legs, are entitled to permanent disability benefits – generally two-thirds of the pre-working injury wages – for the rest of their life.
  • Vocational rehabilitation. Some workers may be entitled to vocational benefits so they can learn a new trade or new job skills.
  • Death benefits. These benefits include the funeral costs and a percentage of your loved one’s wages. We’ll explain any limitations, such as when a spouse remarries apply.

Can I afford a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney?

Yes, you can.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, the initial consultation is free. We provide our services on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only receive compensation if you do. Furthermore, the Workers’ Compensation Commission for Maryland must approve the amount of fees we receive.

What are the requirements for filing a Maryland workers’ compensation claim?

Maryland’s workers’ compensation law has several key provisions and requirements:

  • Workers, including minors, are presumed to be employees, whether employment is express or implied. The burden is on the employer to show a worker is an independent contractor and not an employee.
  • Employers are generally required to have workers’ compensation insurance or participate in an approved self-insurance fund to pay your work loss benefits.
  • Employees do need to promptly notify (or have someone on their behalf) their employer, a manager, or a supervisor that they have been injured.
  • Injured workers should file a formal workers’ compensation claim.
  • The injuries must have occurred during the scope of the worker’s employment.

Employees are covered for:

Dependents of an employee (typically the spouse and minor children) are entitled to death benefits caused by a workplace injury.

Serious injuries to Columbia workers

The types of injuries workers may suffer or develop vary depending on the type of job they do. Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. represents workers who have suffered on-the-job injuries such as:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Broken bones/fractures
  • Burn injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Limb loss
  • Electrical injuries
  • Diseases and infections
  • Dog bites
  • Back, neck, and shoulder damage
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
  • Overexertion injuries
  • Repetitive stress motion injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers work with your doctors to verify the type of injury you have and the type of medical care you need to maximize your health. We work with your doctors to determine if you can, or cannot, return to work with restrictions. Our lawyers also work with your doctors and other experts, if necessary, to show whether your injuries or illness qualifies as a permanent disability.

Which Columbia workers do you represent?

We represent workers who work for the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, or the Applied Physics Laboratory, and many local companies, schools, and villages throughout Columbia. Our workers’ compensation attorneys represent workers in all types of jobs, including:

What defenses is my employer likely to assert?

The insurance companies will fight to deny or delay your claim or reduce the amount of benefits. A few strategies that they may use include:

  • Arguing that your injuries are due to a preexisting condition. Our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers have the right to assert that your injury is a different injury or an exacerbation worsening of an existing one.
  • Asserting that you are healthy enough to return to work based on the reports of your doctors or an independent medical exam, either full-time or with workplace restrictions.
  • Assigning a nurse case manager to help you, who then argues you’re not keeping your appointments.

Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. will advocate for you no matter what defense the insurer attempts.

Do you have a workers’ compensation lawyer near me?

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers meet workers and families at our office located at 10211 Wincopin Cir, Suite 620 – right next to The Mall in Columbia and Merriweather Post Pavilion. If you’re immobile or too unwell, our attorneys will arrange to meet with you at your home, a healthcare facility, by phone, or via a video conference.

We’ve helped many workers just like you obtain the full Maryland workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.

Speak with our Columbia workers’ comp lawyers today

We understand how concerned you are. You want to return to work – but only when you’re healthy. You do need to pay your bills now and receive quality medical care. If you were injured or became ill while doing your job, call us or complete our contact form today. In addition to Columbia, we also have offices in Baltimore, Towson, and throughout the state. We’ll fight to restore your health, your finances, and your job.