Author Archives: Site Administrator
You Can’t Split Your Claims
I was in court a few weeks ago at the cashier’s window and I overhead a gentleman asking some questions on how to serve an insurance company. I generally try not to listen to other people’s business when in court, it can be personal, but on the other hand, I also try to help… Read More »
The First Week After Your Maryland Workers’ Compensation Injury
What you do during the first week after being injured on the job will set the tone for the rest of your claim. It is the most important time. You must: Report the injury to your employer. Get medical treatment as soon as possible. Don’t let several days pass. Give an accurate history of… Read More »
Death Of A Loved One: Practical And Legal Guidance
Dealing with the death of a loved one both before and after death are the two most difficult situations in our lives. In addition to the emotional toll, there are also innumerable details, practical and legal, surrounding a loved one’s death. Most people are not aware of the steps that need to be taken… Read More »
How Are Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commissioners Selected?
Workers’ Compensation Commissioners are nominated by the Governor. The Maryland Senate must then approve the appointment. Their appointment is for twelve years unless a Commissioner leaves office before their term is up. If so, the new replacement Commissioner only serves for the remainder of that term. After a Commissioner’s term expires, the Commissioner must… Read More »
The Effect Of Drug Addiction Or Alcoholism On A Claim For Social Security Disability
On March 22, 2013 a new Social Security Ruling regarding drug addiction and alcoholism (DAA) went into effect. (SSR 13-2p). While the ruling does not dramatically change the way that SSA evaluates DAA in disability cases, I thought this was a good time to write on the topic. What is DAA in the Social… Read More »
Maryland Workers’ Compensation Book
I apologize if this appears to be shameless promoting of a new book that I just wrote. But, if you were injured at work in Maryland while working for someone other than the Federal Government then this short book is for you. I wrote it for injured workers – not lawyers. It is basic… Read More »
How Maryland Workers’ Compensation Law Is Made And Changed
Three types of laws impact the Workers’ Compensation process. They are: Statutes, Regulations, and Appellate decisions. In addition, the Workers’ Compensation Commission develops specific policies that guide them but do not bind them. Statutes The starting point for workers’ compensation is statutory law. A statute is a written law. If it is not covered… Read More »
How Does The New Fiscal Cliff Legislation Affect My Estate Tax Planning?
On January 2, 2013 the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted, avoiding the so-called “fiscal cliff.” In addition to income tax changes, the law contained provisions on estate taxes which certainly did avoid something very cliff-like. Had the law not been enacted, the federal estate tax exemption would have reverted to $1… Read More »
The Importance Of The “Disability Onset Date” In Social Security Disability Decisions
The “Disability Onset Date” (DOD) is the date that the Claimant has met the evidentiary requirements to prove “disability” as defined by the Social Security law. This date is extremely important in evaluating disability cases. For instance, if the DOD is after the Claimant has turned 50 years old, the Medical Vocational Guidelines might… Read More »
My Advice For Avoiding Car Crashes This Holiday Season
Stay off the road on New Year’s. When I was a teenager, my parents would not let me drive or ride in a car on New Year’s eve. I thought they were being over protective, and generally they were. Nonetheless, the advice is still good. According to the Maryland State Police, Maryland suffered 171… Read More »