Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Fewer Drivers but More Road Fatalities During Pandemic
Despite decreased travel nationwide due to the pandemic, roadway fatalities caused by vehicle collisions have dramatically increased. It is believed that speeding is the primary contributing factor to the heightened death toll. Less cars on the road creates an opportunity for speeding and drag racing that many motorists have been taking advantage of. Police… Read More »

Has Your Covid-19 Workers’ Compensation Claim Been Denied?
If you contracted Covid-19 at your workplace, but your worker’s compensation claim was denied, you are not alone. A recent analysis in the Wall Street Journal reflects that many Covid-19 workers’ compensation claims are being denied, even when there appears to be strong evidence that the exposure occurred in the workplace. One Chicago lawyer… Read More »

Winter Car Seat & Child Passenger Safety
With driving conditions icy, and risks increased, it’s a good time for a refresher on child passenger safety, to ensure that even if an inclement weather collision occurs, your child is protected as much as possible. Choosing the Right Car Seat If you haven’t already purchased a car seat, the National Highway Traffic Safety… Read More »

Avoiding Bad Weather Accidents
Winter can be a beautiful but deadly time of year. Wintry conditions like sleet, hail, ice, and snow, all compromise driving conditions and increase the risk of a potentially fatal accident. While some things are outside of our control, there are thankfully still some precautions and measures that can be taken to ensure that… Read More »

Commonly Used Defenses to Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims
When workers’ compensation insurance works the right way, it provides medical coverage and lost wages to an employee who is injured on the job. However, there are often many obstacles that arise in the course of an employee being injured on the job and successfully receiving the care and expenses they are entitled to…. Read More »

Medical Records and Your Rights
Medical records can be necessary for many reasons, but they’re not always easy to get. It’s important to understand your rights to ensure that they are honored, as well as to understand what steps to take if they are not. Is it ever legal for a healthcare or insurance provider to deny you access… Read More »

What are PFAS and Could they be Killing Maryland Fire Fighters?
Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “PFAS,” are man-made, non-biodegradable chemicals often used in fire fighting gear and uniforms to make them water resistant. They are the same chemicals found in the spray-foam that firefighters often use to put out fires. However, research is now showing that PFAS do not stay in the gear, but rather seep… Read More »

What to Do After Suffering a Workplace Injury
If you’ve been injured on the job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. In Maryland, workers’ compensation insurance exists to compensate employees for injuries and lost wages that occurred at work. Not all injuries suffered on the job qualify for compensation. Typically, the injury must have occurred during work hours and on the… Read More »

Will a Pre-existing Condition Affect my Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In Maryland, you are entitled to workers’ compensation for any injury arising out of and in the course of your employment. What happens though when you are told that your workplace injury is related to a pre-existing condition? Many insurance companies are quick to deny claims on the basis of a pre-existing condition. However,… Read More »

Have You Been Hit by a Distracted Driver in Maryland?
There are over 120,000 car accidents in Maryland each year, and new research indicates that as many as 58% of them are caused by distracted driving. In a single month, Maryland state troopers issued 2,061 citations and 1,010 warnings for distracted driving. The Maryland Highway Safety Office reports that as many as 27,000 injuries… Read More »