What If My Medical Condition Gets Worse While on Workers’ Comp?
When you get hurt at work, that puts a lot of stress on you and your family. But what happens if your injury gets worse while you’re already on workers’ compensation in Maryland?
Unfortunately, this does happen to many people. But there are a few things that you can do to navigate the situation, including reopening your workers’ comp case.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights so that you can take the steps to make a rough situation a little less overwhelming.
What Does Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation in Maryland is designed to cover medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and sometimes permanent disability if your injury leaves lasting effects.
But keep in mind that these benefits are not set in stone. If your condition worsens, your claim can often be updated to reflect your new financial needs.
However, nothing happens automatically. You will need to keep records and inform your employer and the insurance company about your situation. Keeping a line of communication open can prevent delays or disputes down the line.
How Do You Know If You Have a Worsening Condition?
A worsening condition can happen in many ways. You might experience a new or sharper pain, reduced mobility, recurring symptoms, or complications from the original injury. For example, if a back strain starts causing numbness or nerve pain, that could be a red flag that your situation has changed.
Your doctor’s notes are your strongest piece of evidence. In Maryland, medical documentation carries a lot of weight. The clearer your doctor is about how your condition has changed and what treatment you need, the easier it is to adjust your benefits.
You should also keep your own notes, including dates, symptoms, and how your injury affects your daily life. All this can make a big difference if there’s ever a question about your claim.
What to Do If Your Condition Gets Worse
So, you already know that the injury is getting worse, but what can you do? Here are a few steps to report the situation:
Tell Your Employer Right Away
Maryland law expects you to report work-related injuries immediately. While there is no cutoff, sooner is always better. You will want to let your employer know so that your claim remains active and opens the door for the adjustments you may need.
See Your Doctor
Along with that, make sure to schedule an appointment and explain the changes in your symptoms. You want to ask your doctor to update your medical records to note how your condition has worsened. This documentation is vital for treatment approvals and potential benefit adjustments.
Document Everything
Keep a personal log of every symptom, doctor visit, and phone call with your employer or insurance adjuster. Dates, times, and details matter. While it may sound tedious, this kind of record can be invaluable if any dispute arises.
Understand Your Benefits
In Maryland, worsening conditions may entitle you to more treatment, temporary total disability if you cannot work, or permanent partial disability if your injury leaves lasting effects. The Workers’ Compensation Commission reviews your medical evidence and decides on the benefits you should receive.
Consider Legal Help if Needed
Sometimes insurance companies resist updating a claim. A Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer knows the ins and outs of the system. They will make sure your rights are protected. Plus, they can help if your claim needs modification or disputes arise.
Adjusting Your Claim
It is not unusual for an initial claim to cover only part of what you eventually need. If your condition worsens, you may need to request an adjustment or file a supplemental claim. Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Commission allows claims to be updated with new medical evidence.
For example, your injury might have only required physical therapy at first, but now you need surgery. That change can and should be reflected in your claim, including wage replacement if you cannot work while recovering.
Benefits Aren’t Set in Stone
Maryland workers’ compensation is designed to help you when things do not go as planned. If your condition worsens, the system allows for updates so you can continue receiving medical care and financial support.
The most important things are reporting, detailed documentation, and staying in touch with your doctor, employer, and insurer.
If disputes arise, Belsky & Horowitz LLC is here to provide guidance. We can help you navigate the process as you get the benefits you deserve.
Find out how we can assist with your claim.
