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Mistakes on the job don’t eliminate workers’ compensation options

On Behalf of | Oct 7, 2024 | Workers' Compensation

Many professionals in Maryland know that their jobs come with a degree of risk. It only takes a small oversight for someone operating a machine press or a similar piece of heavy equipment to end up seriously injured.

Most businesses in Maryland have to carry workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees. Part-time and full-time workers and even seasonal employees can qualify for benefits when they have job-acquired medical issues.

Unfortunately, some scenarios may lead to complicated or even contested claims. Workers  may fear that their employers could try to fight their claims in certain circumstances. A worker who feels responsible for their injuries might assume that they cannot pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Thankfully, fault does not generally influence eligibility for benefits.

Workers have the protection of no-fault coverage

The workers’ compensation program in Maryland helps protect businesses from financial liability and employees from potential financial devastation. Companies that comply with the law don’t have to worry about workers suing them over an injury they develop because of their work. Their workers’ compensation helps indemnify them against any direct liability for worker injuries or illnesses.

Workers can rely on benefits when they require medical care for a job-related health challenge or cannot work due to their condition. Employees don’t have to worry about proving who was at fault when they need benefits. Workers’ compensation coverage is available on a no-fault basis. Even if there were witnesses present who saw someone trip over their own untied shoelace or video footage of the worker making a mistake, errors on the job usually do not eliminate benefit eligibility.

So long as the worker did not injure themselves on purpose or through intoxication on the job, they can potentially still seek benefits even when it is clear that they are technically to blame for their injuries. They can obtain medical benefits that can cover their treatment costs and disability benefits to replace their wages while they cannot work. Occasionally, workers may need to be ready to appeal if employers or insurance providers try to deny them the benefits they need.

Learning more about how Maryland workers’ compensation functions can help employees obtain the support they require. Workers can file a claim regardless of the underlying cause of their injuries in most cases.

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  • BAR ASSOCIATION OF BALTIMORE CITY | 1880
  • MSBA | MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
  • MARYLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION