Legal Question in Workers Comp in Maryland

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Over 8 months ago I injured my elbow on the job. The insurance company paid me tty while I was off. Because of the injury I switched from construction to a truck driver because my doctor and the IME doctor rated my injury as 44% upper extremity, 24% total. The insurance company has offered me $24,000 to settle. How do I know if this is fair. I am right hand dominant and will not get the use of my hand or fingers back completely. The doctors state I will not regain the feeling or complete use. The IME doctor told me to get an attorney. Does $24,000 seem right or should I get an attorney.


Asked on 12/26/00, 1:12 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: attorney

Your question is impossible to answer based upon the limited amount of information you provided, and this is exactly why you should retain an experienced workers' comp attorney to help you. I have been handling these kinds of cases for 25 years and from my experience, you will almost always do better when you have professional representation. The insurer assumes you aren't sophisticated enough to properly evaluate your case, and they're trying to get a quick settlement and to cut off your benefits before you decide to hire an attorney. Their only objective is to pay out as little as possible, not to make sure you are adequately compensated.

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Answered on 12/29/00, 12:42 pm

Re: attorney for Worker's Comp

If their doctor is rating you 24%, you probably have a greater disablity. If you settle, sometimes, depending on how the settlement is worded, you give up future medical benefits. This is not good for you. You should contact an attorney. The Worker's Comp. commission will award attorney fees out of your award, usually 20%, however the benefit you will get from an attorney helping you far outweighs the fee in greater benefits to you in the future.

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Answered on 12/29/00, 1:42 pm


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