The moment an accident occurs on the job, everything comes to a halt. There has to be an assessment to determine if the injured worker requires immediate medical attention.

Should 9-1-1 be called, or will someone take them to an ER or urgent care? Is this an injury that can be helped with first aid and rest?

While waiting for medical care, the stress begins as to how bad the injury is and how much time will be missed from work. If an incident like this has happened to you, there is also the issue of how you report a work injury.

If you don’t follow protocol when reporting your injury, you could put any future workers’ compensation claim at risk.

It would be in your best interest to speak with the attorneys at GDH Law to ensure you’re doing all you can to support your claim. We have years of experience working as Lanham workers’ compensation lawyers to help our clients receive the maximum benefits to which they are entitled. That begins with proper reporting.

There are specific steps to follow to ensure your claim is submitted to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) the right way. These are the steps to follow:

Immediate Notification

If you are injured on the job, you should report that injury to your employer within 10 days of the incident. If the injury is related to an occupational illness, it has to be reported within one year.

If you receive notice that your workers’ compensation claim has been denied because the filing deadline expired, you should speak with GDH Law. There might be exceptions that can apply to your case.

Complete an Accident Report

If your employer requires an accident report, you need to follow those procedures as well. For instance, you might notify your employer by text or email on the day of the incident that you had to go to the ER, but that is not considered an official report.

Filling With the WCC

After you file your injury report with your employer, they have ten days to file a report with the WCC.

It is important that you follow up with your employer and the WCC to ensure that they have received the report.

See a Doctor

After your initial visit to an emergency doctor, you need to select a doctor who will take over your treatment and provide the reports to support your claim. In Maryland, you have the right to choose your own doctor for treatment for a workplace injury. However, you have to make sure your doctor will accept payments based on Maryland’s Medical Fee Guide.

File a Claim with WCC

After you have a medical assessment, you’ll want to file an employee Claim Form with the WCC. It’s vital that you file the claim as soon as possible. Keep in mind that your claim is separated from the accident report. That only details that the accident occurred. A claim will discuss your medical expenses and lost wages. After filing, you can verify that your claim has been filed on the WCC website.

Once your claim has been filed, the WCC will notify your employer and its insurance carrier.

The insurance carrier will conduct its own investigation into the incident, which will include reviewing the accident report, work history, and medical records. The carrier will also request a functional capacity evaluation to determine if and when you’re able to return to work.

The insurance carrier has 21 days to notify you of its decision. If your workers’ comp claim is approved, you should begin receiving benefits. If the claim is denied, you can file an appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). That will set in motion a hearing.

Getting GDH Law Involved

The workers’ compensation claim process is designed to allow workers to file their own claims through the web portal. Unfortunately, if you’re unfamiliar with the process and what the workers’ compensation commission is looking for, it could potentially put your claim at risk. That’s why you want to involve the attorneys at GDH Law as early as possible in the claim process.

We can assist our clients with filing their claims. We can also represent them in any hearing to dispute the denial. We bring our years of experience and extensive knowledge of Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws into every claim case.

Our mission is to be a fierce advocate, helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve. Our support helps with your healing journey.

Call to set up a consultation today.