Seek Emergency Care for Serious Workplace Injuries in Maryland

If you were hurt in a workplace accident, the first things to cross your mind are the nature of your injuries and seeking medical care. Depending on the severity, you might consider an urgent care center or head to your own physician’s office. However, for certain injuries, it is critical to visit the emergency room for treatment. Fortunately, all of these forms of care are covered by Maryland workers’ compensation laws, which allow you to choose your provider.

The problem is that it can be difficult to assess whether it is necessary to go to the ER. You may not have a medical background, but you know that best judgment is to err on the side of caution with your health. Plus, it is wise to seek proper treatment, including emergency care, when pursuing a workers’ comp claim. A Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer will assist with the claims process, but keep in mind the following about serious on-the-job injuries.

Workplace Injuries That Require ER Care: You will need to use your intuition to determine if emergency care is necessary, so do an assessment of your injuries just like you would with a non-work accident. As a guide, you should visit the emergency department if you have life-threatening injuries that require immediate treatment.

At times, the decision will be made for you if first responders arrive and transport you to the ER. If you suffer from any of the following forms of trauma, emergency care is essential:

• Head injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and concussion, especially if you lost consciousness;
• Excessive bleeding and spurts of blood from an open wound;
• Spinal cord injuries, including those causing tingling, numbness, or loss of movement in the lower body or extremities;
• Trauma to internal organs;
• Amputation of limbs, extremities, or digits; and,
• Other serious injuries. 

Benefits for Injured Employees: Maryland workers’ comp benefits cover all medical treatment that is reasonable and necessary to treat your injuries, now and in the future. Depending on your medical condition, you may receive medical benefits to cover costs for:

• Emergency transportation and treatment at the ER;
• Hospitalization;
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services;
• Pain medications;
• Surgery, including in-patient and out-patient procedures; and,
• Assistive devices for disabilities, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, crutches, braces, and related equipment.

In addition, you may also be entitled to temporary or permanent disability payments if your injuries lead to total or partial disability. Benefits are also available for vocational rehabilitation, to ensure you get the training necessary to work in another field if you must leave your current job.

Get in Touch with a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

You should use your best judgment when deciding what type of care to seek after a workplace accident, but trust the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC to handle the legal side of things. To learn how we can assist with your claim, please contact our Maryland offices in Glen Burnie, Owings Mills, Ellicott City, or Annapolis. We can schedule a free consultation to go over details.

Source:

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=9-660&enactments=false