Work Accident Attorney in Baltimore

Workplaces come with varying degrees of danger. While most people don't often consider the hazards of an office job, they certainly do for industries like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, and for good reason. Regardless of your occupation, being seriously injured at your job can be devastating. Your future can be burdened by medical bills, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life. Fortunately, most workplaces are covered by workers' compensation, which addresses much of the aftermath of an injury. Workers' compensation will often support an injured worker as they focus on healing. Unfortunately, in some cases, a serious injury is caused by a third party, leading to the need for legal action. If you have been injured in the workplace and believe you need the services of an experienced personal injury attorney, contact Albers & Associates. Our firm has been a legal resource in Baltimore and the greater Maryland area for years. We understand the uncertainty one feels after being injured. We are ready to assess your case, guide you through your legal matter, and fight for what you deserve. Contact Albers & Associates for a consultation to discuss your legal matter.

Call us today at (443) 665-8030 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our work accident lawyer in Baltimore.

Workplace Accidents and Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is financial support provided to a person injured on the job while he or she recovers. The goal is to help the injured party get back to work, if possible. This financial support is provided regardless of fault, but with the stipulation that the injured party foregoes the right to bring a lawsuit against the employer.

Workers’ compensation was put in place as an answer to years of injustice in the workplace. If a worker were injured, the employer would just replace them. In addition, if the worker had a legal case against the employer and wished to sue for negligence, he or she would face a significant uphill battle going against the legal and financial means of the employer. Even if they were allowed to keep his or her job, they would almost immediately be fired for taking action to recover medical bills and more. Now, workers’ compensation helps you get the care you need, and employers avoid the need to defend themselves from lawsuits.

Third-Party Lawsuits

In some circumstances, an injury was caused by a third party. When this happens, you have the right to bring a lawsuit against the liable party, regardless of whether you collect workers’ compensation. It may be in your best interest to explore the circumstances surrounding your injury to see if it could have been avoided. Some reasons to file a third-party lawsuit include faulty equipment and negligent property owners. This is most common on construction sites, including faulty scaffolding, ladders, and safety equipment. Sometimes workers’ compensation is just not enough, and a third-party lawsuit can help recover damages, including the full amount of lost wages, medical bills, and the impact on your future. In addition, you could recover compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic burdens. If you are successful and have been receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you will most likely need to reimburse the workers’ compensation program for the amount you were provided.

Contact Our Workplace Accident Lawyer in Baltimore Today

If you have been injured at your job, it is important to consider your rights and legal options. While most injuries are a simple case for workers’ compensation benefits, others are not. If you are seriously injured by a third party and need the legal support of an effective legal team, contact Albers & Associates. We are ready to assess your case and guide you through your legal options.  If you have a valid personal injury case, we are ready to fight for maximum compensation. Contact our firm for a free consultation.

Contact us today to get started with our Baltimore workplace accident attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Workplace Accident?

Immediately following a workplace accident, it is crucial to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. This ensures that there is a formal record of the accident, which is essential for any future claims. Seek medical attention even if your injury seems minor at first, as some symptoms may develop over time. Document everything, including the details of the accident, witness statements, and any correspondence with your employer regarding the accident.

Keeping a detailed record will be invaluable if you need to pursue a workers' compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit. Consult an experienced work accident attorney in Baltimore to discuss your case thoroughly. They can provide guidance on whether you should file for workers' compensation, pursue additional legal avenues, or both. In Baltimore, where industries like construction are bustling, understanding these immediate steps can make a significant difference in the success of your claim.

How Can A Workers' Compensation Lawyer Assist Me?

A workers' compensation lawyer can be an invaluable ally when navigating the complexities of Maryland’s workers' compensation system. Their role is to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to, such as medical coverage, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for lost wages. Additionally, they can help in instances where there are disputes over the extent or validity of the injuries, potentially presenting additional evidence or expert testimonies to support your claim.

The process involves paperwork and deadlines that must be met to secure benefits properly, and a lawyer's experience can prevent mistakes that might delay or reduce your compensation. In cases where you may be considering a third-party lawsuit, a competent lawyer ensures that all lines of compensation are explored for maximum recovery.

Is My Employer Obligated to Offer a Safer Work Environment?

Yes, employers in Baltimore are legally required to provide a safe work environment for their employees. This obligation is enforced under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which dictate various safety measures. Employers must ensure that the workplace complies with these regulations and must also report any hazardous conditions promptly to prevent accidents.

Workers should feel empowered to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. If an employer neglects this duty, it can form the basis of a legal action for negligence if an injury occurs. Engaging with legal counsel can help clarify whether your employer met their legal obligations regarding workplace safety.

Can I File a Claim If I Am Partially at Fault?

In Maryland, filing a claim where you may be partially at fault can be challenging due to the state’s contributory negligence rule. This rule can bar you from recovering damages if you are found to be even slightly responsible for the accident. However, a work accident attorney in Baltimore can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine potential exceptions or legal strategies to contest this defense.

They can gather evidence and present arguments that either mitigate your level of fault or highlight the greater culpability of other involved parties. There may be nuanced strategies, such as identifying breaches in applicable safety regulations or demonstrating equipment failure, that could still enable compensation despite perceived negligence.

What is the Timeline for a Workers' Compensation Claim?

The timeline for resolving a workers' compensation claim in Maryland can vary based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the clarity of medical evidence, and administrative efficiencies at the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission. Initially, one must notify their employer immediately after the injury. Following this, a formal claim should be filed with the Commission, typically within 60 days from the date of the injury, although there are exceptions based on individual cases.

Once the claim is filed, it can take several weeks to months for the Commission to review the case, depending on its complexity. During this time, having an attorney to keep the process on track and advocate for timely responses can make a significant difference in how soon benefits can be received.