Maryland Attorney for Arm/Leg Amputation and Loss at Work
Losing a limb like an arm or leg can be incredibly devastating. The medical expenses and treatment needed after losing an arm or leg are often astronomical.
Recovering compensation after an amputation can be difficult. A Maryland attorney for arm and leg amputations can help navigate the Workers’ Compensation claims process. However, while there are laws to compensate you for your time away from work, you will only be allowed to file a lawsuit in certain cases, impacting the benefits you could receive.
Our Maryland attorneys for arm and leg amputation and loss at work can help you get the compensation you deserve. For a free case review, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.
Common Causes of Arm and Leg Amputations at Work in Maryland
Workplaces are probably the most likely place for an arm or leg amputation injury to occur. Some workplaces might be relatively safe, while others are inherently dangerous. The following are some common causes of arm and leg amputations at work in Maryland:
- Amputations caused by defective products
- Amputations caused by dangerous property hazards
- Crushing accidents from construction and heavy equipment
- Work vehicle accidents
- Saw and slicer accidents
- Power tool accidents
- Amputations caused by meat-processing machines
- Amputations caused by punching and shearing machines
- Scaffolding and other structure collapses
These are just a few examples of how a workplace arm or leg amputation could happen. There are many other ways a devasting injury, like an amputation, can occur, depending on the nature of the work. Our Maryland workplace amputation attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve if you have suffered the loss of a limb.
Worker’s Compensation Process After Suffering an Arm or Leg Amputation at Work in Maryland
One should take several steps after sustaining an amputation injury at work in Maryland. Important filing deadlines must be met to receive Worker’s Compensation benefits for your injuries. Workers’ Compensation law also stipulates how much compensation should be paid for an amputated limb and how long. Our Maryland attorneys for amputation injuries caused at work can help you understand what damages Workers’ Compensation will provide and what it will not.
Seek Medical Care
The loss of an arm or leg is obviously a serious injury, so the first thing you are likely to do is seek medical care. Receiving medical attention sooner after an amputation injury is critical. In some cases, it may be possible to reattach the limb or reduce the devastation of the injury to some extent.
This will also start creating important medical records documenting your injuries and reports of the accident. Your medical records will be very important evidence if the need to pursue further compensation is necessary.
Report Your Injuries to Your Employer
Most Maryland employers are required to provide Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage for workers injured in the line of work. When you are injured, you will need to report it to your employer to begin the Workers’ Compensation claims process. If you have suffered the loss of an arm or a leg at work, you will have ten days to report the accident to your employer. It may seem like your employer would be aware of an accident of that magnitude, but it is important to make a formal report to your employer, or you might lose your chance to file a Workers’ Compensation claim.
File a Worker’s Compensation Claim
Once you have reported your amputation injury to your employer, you must file your claim for Worker’s Compensation benefits. Injured workers must submit their Worker’s Compensation claim to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission within 60 days of the date of the accident.
Receive Benefits for Your Injuries
After your claim to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission is approved, you will start to receive benefits for your amputation injuries. In Maryland, the loss of an arm or leg is considered a permanent partial disability. Under MD. Code § 9-627, those who have suffered the loss of an arm or leg at work will receive compensation for up to 300 weeks. Injured workers will also receive benefits equal to two-thirds of the annual weekly wages during this time. These rules apply to amputations at or above the knee or elbow, as well.
In most cases, Workers’ Compensation will be the only route available to recover benefits for your injuries. With few exceptions, Workers’ Compensation prevents workers from suing their employers for amputation injuries. While Workers’ Compensation will provide economic benefits in the form of medical expenses and lost wages, it will not cover non-economic costs, like the pain and suffering associated with your injuries. However, Workers’ Compensation benefits might not be enough to cover the long-term care typically needed after suffering an amputated arm or leg. Our Maryland workplace arm and leg amputation attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of the Workers’ Compensation claims process and determine if filing a lawsuit is appropriate in your case.
When You Can File a Lawsuit for Arm and Leg Amputations Caused at Work in Maryland
In certain situations, you will be permitted to file a lawsuit after being injured in an amputation accident at work. For instance, you could file a lawsuit against your employer if they intentionally caused your injuries, like failing to follow regulations or not providing training to employees. Your employer could also be held liable in court if they were required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance but failed to provide it.
You may also file a lawsuit in Maryland if the negligence of a third party caused your injuries. Third parties can include other workers, manufacturers of defective products, and delivery drivers.
Remember that filing a lawsuit will typically be the only way to recover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, phantom limb pain, lost enjoyment of life, and many other subjective damages from your injuries. Our Maryland workplace arm and leg amputation attorneys can review your case to determine if a lawsuit should be filed.
Our Maryland Attorneys for Arm and Leg Amputation and Loss at Work Can Help
If you have suffered the loss of an arm or leg at work, our Maryland workplace arm and leg amputation attorneys are here to provide you with a free case assessment. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 694-7291.
