Does Maryland Workers’ Comp Cover Surgery?

You could suffer injuries at work in any number of ways, from falls and trips to electrocution and repetitive strain. On-the-job conditions can take their toll, and data from the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission indicates the body parts that are most often affected by workplace accidents. Taking the top spot is lower back injuries at 21 percent of all workplace injuries, followed by shoulders at 19 percent and knees at 15 percent. These are parts of the body that may require surgery to gain function and recover.

If you were hurt at work, you probably question whether you can obtain Maryland workers’ comp benefits for surgery. It is possible, but they are based upon eligibility. There are numerous factors to consider, and you may need to fight to get the benefits you deserve. A Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer will help with your claim, and some background about surgery for workplace injuries is useful.

What Workers’ Comp Covers: There are several factors to review if you are seeking benefits for surgery after an on-the-job accident. Some of the key issues are:

• Your injuries occurred on the job, meaning your medical condition arose out of and in connection with your employment.
• You are a covered worker, as opposed to an independent contractor.
• The accident that caused your injuries, and the need for surgery, happened unexpectedly.
• You suffer from a medical condition classified as an occupational disease that arose out of workplace conditions.

 Workers’ Comp Benefits for Surgery: One of the most important and valuable benefits for injured employees is coverage for your medical care. You may obtain benefits for any and all treatment that you require, which would include surgery if you meet all the legal requirements. Workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment may also cover services and care that are linked to work-related surgical procedures, such as:

• Emergency care and transportation to the ER;
• Hospitalization;
• Rehabilitation;
• Physical and occupational therapy;
• Pain medications; and,
• Future care that is reasonably necessary to treat your injuries.

 Other Benefits for Maryland Employees: You may also qualify for other benefits under workers’ comp laws, and these may be related to surgery or any other medical condition. It is likely that you missed work because of surgery or other injuries, so you could be entitled to amounts for lost wages as wage replacement.

In some cases, surgery may not give you a full recovery and enable you to return to work. You could be entitled to permanent or temporary disability payments. These benefits are intended for both total and partial disability, based upon the severity of your injuries.

Talk to a Maryland Workers’ Comp Attorney About Benefits 

It is a relief to learn that surgery could be covered by workers’ compensation laws, and you can look forward to a streamlined claims process with legal help. Our team at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC is prepared to assist. Please contact us to set up a free consultation at our Maryland offices in Glen Burnie, Owings Mills, Ellicott City, or Annapolis.