Workplace Falls in Maryland: How They Happen And Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Falls are among the leading causes of personal injuries in Maryland and one of the places they are most likely to happen is in the workplace. Whether a fall occurs on a construction site, in an office, or while making deliveries, it can cause injuries that leave you facing long-term medical costs while being unable to work.
Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland can protect you from facing financial hardship and help cover these losses. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains how workplace falls often happen and your rights in filing a claim.
The High Risk of Workplace Falls in Maryland
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports workplace falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in Maryland and throughout the U.S. They impact thousands of workers each year and can cause potentially debilitating injuries.
Workplace falls can happen in any job industry. Among the ways they often happen include:
- Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces;
- Falling from ladders or scaffolding;
- Tripping over clutter, extension cords, or unsecured rugs;
- Falls due to overly dim lighting, lack of guard rails, or poor safety equipment.
Maryland employers are required by law to maintain safe working environments, but accidents can still happen. Benefits you are entitled to through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission can help offset your losses.
How Maryland Workers’ Compensation Helps After a Workplace Fall
Maryland workplace fall accidents can happen on construction sites, as well as in retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, hospitals, or other settings. Even a seemingly minor fall can lead to broken bones, sprained muscles or tendons, and head, back, or neck injuries that keep you off the job for weeks or months after.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you have the right to file a claim, regardless of how your injuries happened, with some exceptions. You do not need to prove negligence or that your employer did anything wrong to qualify, but you do need to document the accident and your injuries. Benefits you may be entitled to for workplace fall accidents in Maryland may include:
- Coverage for medical care, treatment, and rehabilitation for fall-related injuries;
- Temporary total or partial disability benefits, which offset lost earnings while you recover;
- Permanent disability benefits if your injuries cause long-term impairment;
- Vocational rehabilitation if fall injuries in Maryland prevent you from returning to your previous job.
To protect your rights, report any accident or injury to your employer right away, get medical attention, and contact an attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
For Trusted Legal Help, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workplace falls can cause debilitating injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland can help cover treatment, lost wages, and other costs.
Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP has extensive experience helping injured employees in these claims. We make sure paperwork is accurate and submitted on time and represent you if benefits are denied or disputed. For trusted legal help, request a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.
Source:
bls.gov/iif/latest-numbers.htm
