Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers is proud to serve the men and women of Maryland’s safety workers and first responders who may be in need to legal guidance and representation. We can help you receive the benefits you need and deserve for making our state a safer place.
Contact our offices online or by calling 301-932-9997 to learn more about the workers’ compensation claims process and the benefits you can claim at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers.
Maryland Work Injury Lawyers Fighting for Fair Compensation
First responders, law enforcement, and emergency personnel are entitled to a wide range of protections and benefits in the event of injury, illness, or death related to on-the-job hazards. Police officers and firefighters encounter many types of risks while on active duty, as well as during training, maintaining equipment, or even working in the office. In consideration of the many selfless and dangerous duties these brave men and women face on a daily basis, Maryland workers’ compensation provides special provisions to accommodate their unique circumstances.
What Injuries Are Common Among Police Officers & Firefighters?
As a police officer or firefighter, facing highly stressful events and extensive training is generally an accepted part of the job. But even over a short amount of time, these duties can take a toll, resulting in physical injuries and emotional or psychological suffering.
Many on-the-job injuries and illnesses include:
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Hearing loss
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Gunshot wounds
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and/or radiation
- Depression
Studies have found that some of the leading causes of police officer and firefighter injuries are vehicle accidents, assaults, physical stress, and overexertion. Such catastrophic injuries can result in permanent disabilities, which can render a person unable to work in the same field or unable to work at all. In many cases, injured police and fire personnel can receive adequate workers’ compensation coverage for a wide range of injuries and illnesses related to work, including heart conditions and hernias.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can Safety Workers Claim?
Depending on the severity of the injury or illness suffered while on duty police and firefighters in Maryland may be entitled to significant coverage for the following damages:
- Medical costs
- Lost earnings
- Rehabilitation
- Disability
According to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC), firefighters and police officers may receive disability benefits, such as temporary total disability (TTD) for injuries. These benefits are not available until at least three calendar days from the start of the disability unless you are disabled for more than 14 days. These benefits are also capped at two-thirds of the average weekly wage (AWW).
Another option for firefighters and police officers is to take sick leave during the recovery period, in order to receive the full rate of pay or apply for administrative leave with the employer. Check with our attorneys, as your department may offer disability leave which may cover all of the lost wages.
In the event of permanent injury that only partially impairs the ability to perform all his or her previous duties, it is possible to receive permanent partial disability (PPD), which provides periodic payments based on the severity and location of the injury. The compensation amount and period is determined by the employee physician and the insurer’s physician. If the injured firefighter or officer suffered a head injury, for example, he or she may receive a maximum of 500 compensable weeks, depending on the PPD percent agreed upon by the physicians or determined by the commission.
Contact Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers for Experienced Counsel
In the aftermath of suffering a work-related injury or illness as a Maryland safety officer, you may be too overwhelmed to handle the process of securing your rightful workers’ compensation benefits. Do not forfeit the financial coverage you are entitled to receive for your losses. At Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers, our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys can offer the guidance and legal representation you deserve to help you reach the best possible outcome in your recovery.
