A work accident can be a harrowing experience. An injured person typically wants to return to normal as soon as possible.
Regaining a regular routine requires covering medical and life expenses while missing work. Getting quick access to compensation becomes a prime concern.
Maryland regulations for after the settlement
A workers’ comp settlement varies from a personal injury claim. By default, an individual has to cover damages through compensation insurance unless the employer has no such coverage or acts in bad faith.
Maryland state law dictates that the insurer or employer send the check within 15 days of an award. The difficulty may come in getting to the determination of an award.
The arrangement for reaching a settlement
The company and the worker must negotiate the settlement and outline the payment amount first. The parties must also determine whether the payments come in a lump sum or an installment. Such details must be in writing, and the documents are usually long and complex.
The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission reviews a settlement for fairness. The injured worker can send in medical records to support the claim. The commission may return the document for correction if something is wrong with the agreement. The commissioner can also require a hearing to resolve issues, extending the process.
The particulars of an injury and the investigation can cause settling a claim to longer than normal. Additionally, the worker or employer may appeal a decision, leading to a longer wait. Collecting documents and preparing well for negotiations are crucial to help an injured employee expedite the process.