When you’re injured on the job, understanding the regulations, where to turn, and what decisions to make can be difficult and frustrating. You may be worried about supporting your family and about the state of your job.
Fortunately, in Maryland, you have access to workers’ compensation benefits.
The benefits you receive are determined by the type of injury you have sustained. The state breaks these down into temporary and permanently disabling injuries. If you suffer a temporary injury, you may receive temporary partial disability benefits or temporary permanent disability benefits.
Both benefits exist to help you recover a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work.
You may choose to seek legal counsel when dealing with workers’ comp. If that’s the case, and you reside in Maryland, a Baltimore temporary disability lawyer can help. Our legal team at Belsky & Horowitz, LLC is ready to represent you and help you seek the justice and compensation that you deserve, so contact us now to schedule your free initial consultation.
What Qualifies as a Temporary Disability in Maryland?
A temporary disability is typically defined as a curable mental or physical impairment that hinders normal functioning until healed.
Examples of temporary disabilities include:
- Broken bones
- Sprained ligaments or tendons
- Bronchitis
- Concussions
- Mononucleosis
- Short-term hand impairments
According to the Workers’ Compensation Commission of Maryland, to qualify for any disability benefits, your injury must meet the following three requirements:
- Your injury must be the result of an accident at work.
- Your injury must occur because of your job environment or work duties.
- Your injury must happen during your employment.
If your disability is something you’re likely to recover from, you may be eligible for temporary benefits.
The nature of your injury and the time spent healing and recovering are the main factors in determining the type of benefits you’ll receive, as well as how much compensation you are entitled to. If you require assistance in determining whether your injury qualifies as a temporary one under Maryland law, be sure to reach out to us at Belsky & Horowitz, LLC for help. A Baltimore temporary disability lawyer in our office can provide you with a free case consultation.
Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits may be offered during a recovery process where an employee is not completely disabled but has an injury for a temporary period. The benefits are intended to assist employees who can only perform part-time or limited duties at a reduced income level.
The Workers’ Compensation Commission determines the maximum rate of benefits and reevaluates them at the first of each year in congruence with the average cost of living. For a TPD, an employer or their insurer will pay their covered employee compensation that equals at least 50 percent of the difference between their average weekly pay and the wage-earning capacity.
At the most, a person receiving TPD benefits can claim up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage, not exceeding $1,456.00 (as of January 1, 2023).
TPD benefits are intended to replace a portion of lost income while an employee can’t work. The benefits are terminated when the employee is no longer disabled – meaning they can return to work in some capacity. A medical professional makes this determination.
Sometimes, an employee is deemed capable of returning to their previous duties even if they haven’t recovered to their pre-injury condition.
Temporary Total Disability
As an employee, you may be entitled to Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you are injured on the job and are entirely unable to work for a temporary period. These benefits are typically offered during what is considered to be the healing period. To receive payments, you must be considered completely disabled from all your work purposes until you recover.
If your temporary disability lasts for 14 days or fewer, you may only receive compensation for your medical bills and expenses. There will be a three-day waiting period for your benefits after you are deemed disabled.
If your disability lasts longer, you may receive a portion of your lost wages. You can begin collecting this award from the first day you are considered disabled. As with TPD benefits, you are likely to be entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wages.
Our Temporary Disability Lawyers Can Help
Regardless of what kind of injury you sustained while working, the impact can be life-changing. If your employer denies your claim, your settlement offer doesn’t cover your medical expenses, or you feel as though your injury is a result of your employer’s negligence, our temporary disability lawyers can help.
When you decide to work with us at Belsky & Horowitz, LLC, you can count on us to negotiate with your employer and their insurer on your behalf to reach a fair settlement.
For questions about any workers’ benefits you’re entitled to, contact us online. We’ll connect you with a Baltimore temporary disability lawyer in our office for a free consultation.
