Maryland Workers Compensation Blog

Gov. calls for expanded workers' comp for firefighters

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Eyeing the threat of occupational cancers among firefighters, Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Feb. 6 that he is supporting bills in the state legislature that would allow firefighters to claim workers' compensation for certain types of cancer.

Research has shown that firefighters are exposed nearly every day to toxic chemicals and smoke that can increase the chances of thyroid, kidney and other types of cancer. These cancers can become apparent many years after the firefighter has left the profession.

Speed camera comeback in Baltimore City

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

Just like feathered accessories and square-toe shoes, it seems even speed cameras are making a comeback in Baltimore City. The cameras were shut down in 2013 for issuing erroneous tickets, but the city hopes that the updated cameras will not have the same problem.

Drivers, beware. The plan is to add 37 more traffic cameras around the city, 27 of which will be speed cameras. These will join the traffic cameras that were already in place making Baltimore City home to over 100 cameras.

Firefighters face multiple on-the-job injuries

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Workplace Accidents on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

It goes without saying that firefighters face multiple on-the-job hazards that can affect their health. But, firefighters face some health dangers that might not be so obvious.

For the nation’s 327,300 firefighters, running to a burning building brings the danger of injury via intense heat, smoke inhalation, and the threat of building collapse from weakened floors, walls and ceilings. There are also the unseen dangers of airborne chemicals and stress associated with the profession.

Teachers are no strangers to job-related injuries

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Workplace Injuries on Monday, January 28, 2019.

A school can be a hazardous environment, and teachers are no strangers to job-related injuries.

If a teacher or other school employee sustains a workplace injury, they can qualify for worker’s compensation coverage. These employees should contact a qualified legal representative to make sure they get the compensation they are entitled to.

A refresher on Maryland workers comp benefits

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Everyone seems to know something about workers compensation benefits - it's the rare person who knows everything. Here's a quick refresher on what is covered under Maryland's Workers Compensation Act:

Uninsured motorist coverage is resource for hit-and-run victims

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

AAA studied national hit-and-run data and placed Maryland number 19 among all states in a ranking from least to most of these frightening accidents, reported Cars.com. Falling in the middle of all states may not seem alarming, but a Google search on the day of this writing for "hit and run Maryland" yields stories of several recent motor vehicle collisions after which a driver left the scene in our state.

AAA found that the 2,049 U.S. hit-and-run fatalities in 2016 represented the highest yearly number on record. Most hit-and-run deaths are of bicyclists or pedestrians.

Beware of working for fly-by-night tree trimming businesses

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Saturday, January 19, 2019.

Researchers with the Tree Care Industry Association found that in 2017, tree care workers in Maryland were among the most injured in the nation.

While there are many reputable tree trimming businesses in Maryland, there are also some fly-by-night businesses that do not offer proper safety protections or the proper insurance. An injury while working for one of these companies means your ability to claim workers compensation benefits could be difficult.

Remember to pay workers comp for nanny, maid

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

If you employ a housekeeper, nanny, home health nurse or a gardener, you could be facing a huge gap in your insurance coverage.

Maryland requires employers to pay workers compensation insurance. If an employee is injured on the job, whether they are at fault or not, they can file for workers comp and it is the employer’s responsibility to pay.

Furloughed federal employees file for unemployment

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

The number of furloughed federal employees seeking unemployment during the federal government shutdown jumped in late December and early January as the shutdown entered its third week.

Maryland is particularly susceptible to the effects of the federal government shutdown because of its proximity to Washington D.C. and the large number of federal workers who live here.

Truckers blame training for increase in death rate

On behalf of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. posted in Industrial Workers' Injuries on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Trucking deaths are up and experts are blaming driver training for the increase.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 840 truckers died on the roads in 2017, a 25 percent increase since 2011. The trucking industry sees an average of 26.8 deaths per 10,000 workers, compared to the average of 3.5 deaths per 10,000 workers in all other professions.