Five Common Reasons For Maryland Workers’ Compensation Denials And How To Protect Your Rights In A Claim

On-the-job accidents in Maryland can happen in any industry. They can cause potentially devastating injuries that require ongoing medical care and leave you unable to work or provide for your loved ones for long months after. While Maryland workers’ compensation benefits can be available to help in this situation, in too many cases, claims end up being denied or disputed.

While Maryland law requires most employers to provide coverage for injured workers, the benefits under workers’ compensation are not an automatic right and injured workers often times have to fight to secure those benefits. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains five common reasons for claim denials and how to protect your rights to benefits.

Five Reasons For Denied Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Maryland

Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland help people who get injured on the job. They can cover the costs of your medical care, reimburse up to two-thirds of your lost income, and provide payment for long-term disabilities.

While most employers are required to provide this coverage, insurers often attempt to deny claims or limit payouts. Some of the most common reasons for denied workers’ benefits in Maryland include:

1. Failure to Report the Injury on Time: When a workplace injury happens, Maryland law requires that workers notify their employer within 10 days. Not doing so gives insurers reason to deny your claim.
2. Failure to Prove the Injury Was Work-Related: Denying benefits based on claims that your injuries are not work-related or that they occurred outside of your job duties is common.
3. Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurers may try to claim that a pre-existing condition is responsible for your injuries, preventing your employer from having to provide benefits.
4. Intoxication or Drug Use: Workers’ compensation claims in Maryland can be automatically denied if an employee was impaired and tests positive for alcohol or drug use.
5. Lack of Medical Evidence: Delaying going to the doctor, not following recommended testing or treatment, and failing to provide medical records are common causes of denied Maryland workers’ compensation benefits.

Take These Five Steps To Protect Your Rights In A Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claim

Benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) act as a safety net. To protect your rights in a claim, take these five steps when on-the-job injuries happen:

1. Notify your employer or supervisor and have them complete an accident report;
2. Visit a local hospital, urgent care facility, or your doctor as soon as possible and follow their advice;
3. Get evidence to support your claim, such as copies of medical records, photos of the scene, and statements from witnesses;
4. Complete required paperwork and submit within deadlines;
5. Contact our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to represent you in dealing with insurers and the WCC.

For Trusted Legal Help In Filing Your Claim, Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ compensation denials can be devastating for injured workers and their families. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we provide the trusted legal help you need throughout the claims process and fight to protect your rights in appealing denied benefits. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.

Source:

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=9-101