Workers' Compensation:
Public Safety Employees
Hagerstown Workers' Compensation Lawyer for Public Safety Employees: Securing Your Rights and Benefits
Public safety employees are the backbone of our communities, taking on high-risk jobs to protect and serve. In Maryland, these essential workers—including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers—face increased risks of work-related injuries and occupational diseases. Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws offer additional protections and benefits to these employees, acknowledging the unique dangers they encounter daily. To ensure you receive the full extent of these benefits, working with an experienced Hagerstown workers’ compensation lawyer is crucial.
Who Are Public Safety Employees in Maryland?
Maryland law defines public safety employees and provides them with specific legal presumptions and benefits. According to Section 9-628(a) of the Maryland Labor and Employment Code, public safety employees include:
- Firefighters, Firefighting Instructors, and Paramedics employed by municipal corporations, counties, the State, the State Airport Authority, or fire control districts.
- Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers who provide volunteer services to similar entities.
- Police Officers employed by municipal corporations, counties, the State, the State Airport Authority, and other regional authorities like the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
- Deputy Sheriffs and Correctional Officers across various Maryland counties, including Prince George’s, Montgomery, Allegany, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore.
These occupations are recognized as high-risk due to the inherent dangers associated with their duties, qualifying them for special workers’ compensation benefits under Maryland law.
Special Provisions for Public Safety Employees in Maryland
Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws include provisions specifically designed to protect public safety employees due to the heightened risks associated with their roles. These provisions primarily involve presumptions of occupational diseases and enhanced compensation rates for disability claims.
Presumption of Occupational Diseases
Public safety employees are more susceptible to certain occupational diseases due to the nature of their work. Section 9-503 of the Maryland Labor and Employment Code establishes a presumption that specific diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, lung disease, certain types of cancer, and Lyme disease, are work-related for eligible public safety employees. This legal presumption means that if you develop one of these conditions, it is assumed to be related to your job unless the employer or workers’ compensation insurer can prove otherwise.
This presumption significantly eases the process for public safety employees to secure workers’ compensation benefits by shifting the burden of proof away from the employee. However, it’s important to note that these presumptions apply differently depending on the specific public safety occupation. For instance, firefighters may have a presumption for lung diseases and certain cancers, while law enforcement officers and correctional officers are more likely to have presumptions for heart disease and hypertension.
Higher Compensation Rates for Disability Claims
Maryland law also provides for enhanced compensation benefits for public safety employees who sustain injuries that result in disability. These benefits, known as Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) claims, offer higher compensation levels than those available to other workers. Under this provision, public safety employees may receive double the compensation that a non-public safety worker would receive for the same injury. This increased compensation reflects the greater risk and impact of injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Navigating these enhanced benefits can be complex, which is why having a knowledgeable Hagerstown workers’ compensation lawyer is essential. They can help ensure that you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Workers' Compensation Benefits for Public Safety Employees in Maryland
Public safety employees injured on the job in Maryland are entitled to a range of workers’ compensation benefits, depending on the nature and extent of their injuries. These benefits include coverage for medical expenses, temporary total disability, and permanent partial disability.
Medical Expenses
Maryland workers’ compensation benefits cover all reasonable medical expenses related to a work injury. These expenses may include:
- Emergency Room Visits: Immediate medical attention required following an injury.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Ongoing care from specialists or primary care providers.
- Surgeries: Necessary operations to treat the injury.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services to aid in recovery.
In cases involving psychological injuries, workers’ compensation can also cover therapy and other mental health services. Securing approval for these medical expenses from the workers’ compensation insurer is a critical part of the process, and a Hagerstown workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure that these approvals are obtained without unnecessary delays.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are provided to compensate for lost wages during the period an injured public safety employee is unable to work. TTD benefits are calculated as two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW) but cannot exceed the state average weekly wage (SAWW), as defined annually by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
TTD payments are not taxable and continue until the injured employee can safely return to work. However, it is not uncommon for workers’ compensation insurers to challenge the continuation of TTD benefits by arguing that the employee can return to work sooner than advisable. A skilled Hagerstown workers’ compensation lawyer will advocate on your behalf to ensure that you continue to receive TTD benefits for the duration of your recovery.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Once an injured public safety employee reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point at which no further recovery is expected—they may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. The extent of the permanent disability is determined through evaluations by both the employee’s physician and the insurer’s physician, with each assigning a “permanency rating” expressed as a percentage.
PPD benefits are calculated based on this rating. Depending on the circumstances, these claims can be settled through a lump-sum payment or stipulated, allowing the claim to remain open for future medical treatment if necessary. Your Hagerstown workers’ compensation lawyer will guide you through the decision-making process, helping you determine the best option for your situation to maximize your compensation.
Speak with a Hagerstown Workers' Compensation Lawyer Today
Public safety employees in Hagerstown face unique challenges and risks in their line of duty, which is why Maryland law provides enhanced workers’ compensation benefits. If you are a public safety employee who has been injured on the job, Sarro Proctor Law is here to help. Our experienced Hagerstown workers’ compensation lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to securing the benefits you deserve.
OUR PROCESS
Meet with the lawyer to discuss your injury, how it occurred, and review your case to determine eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
Your lawyer helps file the official claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate.
The employer and their insurance company review the claim, and your lawyer will handle any communication or disputes that arise regarding the claim.
As you receive medical treatment, your lawyer ensures that all medical records are collected and submitted, which will be crucial for supporting your claim.
If there is a dispute about your benefits or if your claim is denied, your lawyer will negotiate a settlement or represent you in a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Once the claim is approved, your lawyer helps ensure you receive the benefits owed, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, or permanent disability compensation.
If your claim is denied or the benefits are insufficient, your lawyer can file an appeal and guide you through the next steps to fight for the compensation you deserve.
SARRO PROCTOR LAW
CONTACT SARRO PROCTOR LAW
If you’re dealing with workers’ compensation, personal injury, or a car accident, Sarro Proctor Law is here to help. Our experienced team in Hagerstown, MD, is ready to fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the legal support you need.