How Winter Weather Increases Maryland Workers’ Compensation Risks
Winter in Maryland brings unpredictable weather. Below-freezing temperatures and icy, slick surfaces pose hazards for all residents, particularly those who work outdoors or in unheated spaces. On-the-job accidents are increasingly common throughout the winter season and can cause injuries that impact you and your family long afterward.
Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney helps clients in these cases, providing the trusted legal guidance and professional representation needed to protect your rights in a claim. The following explains common cold-weather workplace injuries and what to do if they happen.
Common Winter Work Injuries In Maryland
Over 50,000 workers are injured on the job in Maryland each year. Winter weather significantly increases the risks, particularly for workers in construction, utility services, shipping, and transportation industries, warehouse workers, and anyone whose occupation leaves them exposed to the elements.
Winter workplace injuries can happen due to extreme cold temps, ice, or other conditions. Common ways they occur include:
- Slips and falls, a leading cause of winter work injuries;
- Getting struck by falling objects, such as tools or snow or ice buildup on scaffolding or other surfaces;
- Overexertion due to shoveling snow, breaking up ice, or performing other winter tasks;
- Equipment malfunctions, which are common during cold weather;
- Vehicle accidents due to slick road surfaces and limited visibility;
- Exposure, such as frostbite and hypothermia;
- Carbon monoxide poisoning due to working in enclosed spaces with gas-powered heaters or tools;
- Burns due to fires or close contact with space heaters.
How to Get Workers’ Compensation for Winter Work Injuries
If you get injured on the job this winter due to cold weather-related hazards or other causes, you may be entitled to benefits through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. These benefits can cover needed medical care and lost wages during your recovery, with additional payments in the event winter injuries cause you to suffer permanent impairments. Take these steps if injuries happen to protect your rights in a claim:
- Report your injury immediately to your boss or supervisor;
- Make sure they complete an accident report detailing what happened;
- Get medical attention right away, explain what happened and your symptoms, then follow all doctor instructions;
- Keep copies of medical records relating to your injuries and receipts for lost wages or other costs you incur;
- Contact our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys to file a claim for you with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Keep in mind that workers’ compensation benefits are paid through insurers, who are quick to deny and downplay claims.
To Protect Your Rights and Get The Benefits You Are Entitled To, Consult Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Winter weather creates additional hazards in the workplace. Workers’ compensation can help cover your medical care, lost wages, and other costs when injuries happen. Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP protects injured workers and their families and fights to get them the maximum benefits they deserve.
Call or contact our office online for trusted legal guidance and professional representation in filing your claim. Request a consultation today with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/resources/crashdata/
mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/insurance-requirements.aspx
