Frequently Asked Questions

There are many factors that go into determining the value of a workers' compensation claim, including which body parts were injured, the severity of the injuries, the treatment rendered, and the impairment ratings performed by independent doctors. Please contact us for an in-depth analysis of your particular case.

Yes. You have the right to treat with any doctor you choose. Oftentimes your employer will send you to its own doctor, who you should see only to determine your duty status (off work, light duty or full duty). Once cleared for full duty, you no longer need to see your employer's doctor but can still continue receiving medical treatment while working.

Under workers' compensation, you are entitled to up to two-thirds of your salary while off work. The checks are paid either weekly or bi-weekly, and payments are typically issued once the insurance carrier receives disability slips from the doctor. However, if the insurance company chooses to deny the claim or does not believe you should be off work, it may refuse payment. Should this occur we will promptly file for a hearing to resolve the issue.

Most governmental employees are entitled to accident leave (or A-time) while off work which pays anywhere between two-thirds to your full salary depending on the agency. These payments come directly from the employer in a regular paycheck rather than from an insurance company. In order to receive accident leave, it is required that the injured worker see the employer's doctor (i.e. Mercy PSI, Concentra) for a duty status determination.

After your initial Award of Compensation, you have five years to file for additional compensation should your injury worsen. Regardless whether you reopen your claim for additional compensation, medical treatment remains open for life, provided it is determined that the recommended medical treatment stems from the work-related injury. The only exception to this rule is if the parties agree to a settlement that specifically states that the insurance company will not be responsible for any future medical treatment.

PIP provides coverage for medical bills and lost wages as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. This coverage is in addition to the money awarded for pain and suffering against the at-fault driver.

Most insurance policies provide for $2,500.00 in PIP coverage. In Maryland, the maximum amount of PIP available is $10,000.00. Check your policy to see what type of PIP benefits you have. If you have PIP coverage, then your insurance company will pay your medical bills and/or 85% of your lost wages up to the extent of your coverage. This is in addition to any settlement we receive from the opposing insurance company.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is no-fault insurance, meaning that coverage is available regardless of who was at fault for the accident. PIP claims are filed with the insurance company covering vehicle you were inside. You may be eligible for PIP coverage even if you do not own a vehicle. Filing a PIP claim will NOT affect or raise your premiums.

You are entitled to receive a rental vehicle paid by the opposing insurance company during the time that your vehicle remains undriveable. If your claim is still “under investigation” by the opposing insurance company, then you may elect to go through your own personal insurance to obtain a rental vehicle after paying your deductible. Once the opposing insurance company accepts responsibility for the claim, then you will receive reimbursement of your deductible.

Property damage claims can sometimes be very frustrating if the at-fault driver's insurance company does not admit liability right away. The insurance company needs to conduct its own investigation of the accident, which can often times take weeks to complete. Once liability has been accepted, the insurance company will pay for the repairs or even total the vehicle if the cost of the repairs exceeds the current value of the vehicle. They will also provide a rental vehicle while the vehicle is being repaired. You have a right to have the vehicle repaired at any place you choose.

If the insurance company refuses to accept liability, another option is to have the vehicle repaired through your own insurance, provided you have collision coverage on your policy. You will need to pay the deductible, but this will be reimbursed to you once the other driver's insurance carrier is found to be at fault.

If your vehicle needed to be towed from the accident, you have a duty to mitigate the storage fees and get the vehicle out, as the insurance company will not be responsible for these excessive charges.

When your vehicle is involved in an accident and requires repairs, it may significantly reduce the vehicle's market value. Therefore, a diminished value claim can be filed in order to make up for this difference. Filing a claim for diminished value is separate from the personal injury claim arising from the accident.