• Increasing Awareness of On-the-Job-Injuries

    workers compensation baltimore

    A workers’ compensation attorney near Baltimore helps injured workers file claims when they suffer work-related injuries. According to a BLS 2012 report, the most common work injuries resulting in days off were sprains, strains, and tears, as reported by BusinessInsider.com . By far, the most common of these injuries were back injuries, which result from overexertion in lifting or lowering.

    Musculoskeletal problems

    The musculoskeletal system supports the body’s movement through bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Common workplace injuries workers’ compensation attorney handles involving the musculoskeletal system include bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strains. The most common muscle strains affect the neck, upper back, lower back, and shoulders. One way for workers to help prevent these kinds of injuries is by creating a more comfortable and efficient workstation. For example, the computer monitor should be directly in front of the user, with the top of the screen positioned at eye level.

    Falling object injuries

    Workers on construction sites are prone to fall object injuries, but office workers may also need to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer for falling shelf injuries. Preventing these kinds of injuries requires employees to be diligent and employers to keep the work environment free of hazards. On construction sites where falling object injuries are more likely to occur, employees should be equipped with proper personal protection gear. If the employer does not provide this equipment and a worker suffers an injury, the worker should consult with a workers’ compensation law firm.

    Overexertion injuries

    Overexertion injuries relate to pulling, lifting, pushing, and carrying work objects. Not only are these kinds of injuries the most common for a workers’ compensation attorney, but they are also the most expensive. To prevent these injuries, workers need to avoid working in an awkward posture, which places too much stress on the lower back. Additionally, workers should limit the amount of weight they carry and keep tools in working condition. Workers may also suffer overexertion injuries from repetitive jobs, which don’t provide enough time for muscles to recover from muscle tension. These motions can also increase stress levels, which cause muscles to tense.

  • What Is Workers’ Compensation?

    workers compensation baltimore md

    A workers’ compensation attorney near Baltimore helps injured employees navigate the state-mandated insurance program that provides compensation for those who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. While the federal government has a workers’ compensation program for federal workers, each state has its own laws regulating state workers’ compensation programs. The best way for someone to get up-to-date information about his or her state’s workers’ compensation is by meeting with a workers’ compensation law firm.

    Medical bill coverage

    Workers’ compensation pays hospital and medical expenses necessary to diagnose and treat the injury. However, it also provides disability payments for anyone unable to work due to the work injury or illness. This is usually about two-thirds of the worker’s regular salary. The workers’ compensation program may also pay for retraining, rehabilitation, and other benefits. Meeting with a workers compensation attorney is the best way to understand what extent of coverage the state offers.

    Injury classification

    While workers’ compensation may cover most on-the-job injuries, it does not cover all. As a workers’ compensation lawyer would explain, the system is designed to provide benefits to all injured workers, even if the injury was caused by the employer’s or employee’s carelessness. However, there are coverage limits if the employee was intoxicated or using illegal drugs at the time of sustaining the injury. Coverage may also be denied if the injuries are self-inflicted, sustained away from the job, or suffered while the employee was committing a crime. For a full list of workers’ compensation limitations, an injured worker should consult with a local workers’ compensation law firm.

    Work-related injury definition

    In order for someone to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, he or she must show that the injury is work-related. Usually, an injury sustained while doing something for the benefit of the employer meets the definition of work-related injury. However, the injured worker still needs to meet the other eligibility requirements to qualify. Though this may seem like a simple rule, but when an injury falls into a gray area, the worker should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to learn about eligibility and benefits.

  • Getting Help After a Car Accident

     

    If you are involved in a car accident that results in injuries, you will most likely need to consult with a personal injury lawyer near Baltimore . Whether you caused the accident or you were the auto accident victim, you will likely be dealing with attorneys. If you caused the accident, then your car insurance company will help guide your legal defense.

    As this video explains, you should immediately consult with a personal injury attorney if you sustained injuries in the accident and were not at fault. Depending on your case, your personal injury law firm may accept you as a client on a contingency basis. If so, you won’t have to pay for your personal injury attorney’s representation until you obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor. Usually, your personal injury lawyer will expect at least 30% of the settlement as compensation.

     

  • Minor Accidents Can Mean Major Injuries

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    You may be able to walk away from a minor car accident, but weeks or months after the accident you may start to develop back pain, weakness in your muscles, or neurological symptoms. At the first sign of any pain following a car accident, you should contact an accident attorney in Baltimore . Your personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for seemingly minor injuries that end up having long-term complications.

    Detecting injuries

    Regardless of the severity of the car accident, the impact will jostle the drivers’ and passengers’ bodies in different directions. Though a seat belt will help save countless lives, it can cause injuries on the human body in the midst of an accident. Many people who have been involved in a car accident where there are no signs of damage do not contact a car accident attorney, as many people equate minor vehicle damage with minor injuries.

    Documenting injuries

    No matter how minor the injury initially appears, no car accident injury should be ignored. Even if an auto accident victim only has aches and pains, he or she should consult with a personal injury attorney and physician. Additionally, auto accident victims should take pictures of all bruises and physical signs of injury. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the damaged vehicle, as a personal injury law firm can use these photos to establish a causal connection between the accident and any long-term injuries that develop.

    Asserting legal rights

    Many people who experience minor car accident injuries don’t even consider filing a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. But failing to consult with a car accident lawyer can end up costing if these minor car accident injuries lead to debilitating heath problems.

    Watching statute of limitations

    Meeting with a car accident lawyer early on is crucial because the deadline for filing a personal injury claim varies by state. An accident attorney knows within what timeline an injury victim must file his or her claim. In some states, the statute of limitations is as little as one year. Missing this deadline means missing the opportunity to seek compensation.

  • Fight for Justice for Your Personal Injury

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    Meeting with a personal injury attorney serving Baltimore is the best way to determine whether or not you have a personal injury claim. If you do have grounds to file a claim, your personal injury attorney can also help you determine what kind of monetary compensation you can collect. When you start looking for a personal injury lawyer to work with, make sure your attorney wants to work together with you to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve.

    Whether you have suffered an on-the-job injury or an auto accident injury, Jack J. Schmerling Attorney at Law can help. Our personal injury law firm can help if you have suffered broken bones, strained muscles, loss of limb, scars, or disfigurement. Your attorney can help you through the legal process by handling all of your claims, paperwork, and negotiations with the insurance company. Though it may be scary to take the next step, remember that your attorney is there to help you and ensure you receive justice. A personal injury attorney also understands that your injury is worth the work to get the compensation you need to heal.

  • Who Qualifies for Social Security Benefits?

     

    Qualifying for Social Security Benefits in Baltimore

    There are many physical and mental conditions that may qualify you to file a temporary disability claim in Baltimore . However, in order to ensure you do qualify, it’s a good idea to first meet with a workers’ compensation attorney. Factors such as your age, education, and work history will all play a role in determining whether or not you qualify for benefits.

    Qualifications for Social Security Disability are strict, but you do qualify if you have blind or low vision, you are a parent who has a disabled child, you are a worker’s widow or widower, or you are a wounded veteran. Though you may qualify under these specific exceptions, it’s still a good idea to first discuss your application with a workers’ compensation law firm. When looking for representation, it’s important to find an accident lawyer who is compassionate about helping his or her clients. Your lawyer should understand that living with a disability is difficult and it should not be overlooked by anyone.

     

  • Injuries to Look For After a Car Accident

    auto accident baltimore md

    If you’re involved in a car accident, you can sustain a number of different injuries to virtually any part of your body. The circumstances of your auto accident and the severity of impact will determine what kind of auto accident injuries you develop. However, your accident attorney in Baltimore tends to see certain injuries following an auto accident more than others. Common car accident injuries include:

    Brain and head injuries

    Ranging from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries, closed head injuries are some of the most common injuries a driver or passenger may sustain in a car accident. Even if there are no physical signs of trauma, such as cuts or bruises, the impact of a car crash can cause internal bruising to someone’s brain. These kinds of injuries can be incredibly serious, so it’s important for anyone who develops head injuries to consult with an accident attorney immediately.

    Back injuries

    When a driver or passenger is involved in a car accident, the resulting torque on the body can lead to back injuries like sprain, strain, and fracture. Someone involved in a car accident may also develop disc injury or thoracic spine injury. Similar to neck injuries, it may take time for someone to recognize symptoms of back injuries. However, as soon as an accident victim does notice pain and discomfort, he or she should consult with a personal injury attorney to seek compensation.

    Psychological injuries

    A car accident lawyer helps victims seek compensation for both physical as well as resulting psychological injuries. Both drivers and passengers may develop psychological injuries, such as emotional distress, following a car accident. In some cases, a person involved in a crash will develop psychological conditions that closely resemble posttraumatic stress disorder. If this happens, the accident victim may have severe anxiety about driving or being a passenger in a car again. Treatment of PTSD following a car accident may require therapy, medication, and confrontation of the situations the sufferer is avoiding.

  • What to Expect in a Personal Injury Trial

    If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to another’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial hardships. To determine whether or not you have a strong claim, you should first meet with a personal injury lawyer near Baltimore . As soon as you meet with a personal injury attorney, your lawyer will mail a notice or representation to the other party in your case and his or her insurance company.

    As soon as your personal injury law firm sends a notice to the other party, he or she is not allowed to contact you directly regarding your case. As this video explains, your personal injury attorney will review your accident information and medical documentation and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If your accident lawyer is unable to settle the case, your case will go to trial.

  • A Brief History of Workers’ Compensation Laws

    workers' compensation attorney baltimore md

    Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your workplace injury, you are entitled to obtain a workers’ compensation attorney near Baltimore . If the injuries prompting your claim are severe enough to permanently alter your lifestyle or ability to work, your workers’ compensation attorney will advocate for your right to receive proper medical care and benefits. In pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the laws and history surrounding the workers’ compensation program.

    Adoption in the United States

    The current United States workers’ compensation program owes its origins to Germany. Known as Sickness and Accident Laws, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Germany enacted the first modern workers’ compensation laws in 1884. The United States adopted workers’ compensation programs in the 1910s, which was a significant event in the country’s economic, legal, and political history. Workers’ compensation programs were quickly adopted throughout the country, with only six states not participating by 1921.

    Alteration of previous system

    Prior to states adopting workers’ compensation laws, the only way for injured workers to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages was by proving employer negligence. Doing so was typically a long, costly, and uncertain process, especially as workers did not meet with a workers’ compensation lawyer. Employers often used contributory negligence as a defense, which precluded workers from collecting any damages if they contributed in any way to the accident. Other times, an employer could successfully raise an assumption of risk defense to limit the injured worker’s ability to collect compensation.

    Creation of state program

    Workers’ compensation is a state run insurance program, so injured workers should consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer in their states. In the early 1900s, there were very few social programs in the United States. Additionally, the federal government considered social insurance and welfare to be a state matter. The only discussion of creating a federal program was in 1908, but this discussion was limited to federal workers. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the country witnessed a wave of reforms aimed at reducing costs for employers.

  • Understanding Your Work-Related Lower Back Injury

    If you’ve sustained a back injury at work , you can visit a personal injury law firm located in Baltimore to discuss obtaining compensation with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney. In addition to assisting you with a temporary disability claim, your workers’ compensation attorney can provide valuable information, such as the importance of following your doctor’s instructions during your recovery.

    Some of the most common lower back injuries sustained while on the job are strains and sprains, which refer to injuries of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the spine. Other common problems include disc herniation, facet disease, and degenerative disc disease. You can hear in-depth explanations of these back problems by watching this video. This healthcare expert also provides an introduction to the anatomy of the lower back. Contact an accident attorney in Baltimore to discuss your injuries and possible compensation.