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Public safety workers face countless job-related dangers on a daily basis. Whether you’re a police officer, corrections officer, firefighter, or paramedic, Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation laws offer additional protections and benefits to first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to help others. However, it’s critical to have the guidance of an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney to ensure you receive the full range of benefits to which you’re entitled.
When you are represented by the Law Office of Sara El-Shall, you can be confident in knowing that you have dedicated and knowledgeable counsel by your side every step of the way. Providing adept advocacy and skillful advice, Attorney Sara El-Shall has dedicated most of her legal career to representing those who have sustained life-changing injuries and illnesses on the job — including public safety workers.
From occupational illnesses to injuries caused by violence, overexertion, and accidents, public safety workers are exposed to numerous hazards during the course of employment that can impact their physical health and ability to work. Many public safety workers might not know the benefits to which they’re entitled, or they may simply ignore their injuries. Unfortunately, minimizing a work-related injury can often lead to long-term complications and permanent damage.
It’s essential for public safety workers to get the medical care they require — and take the time off from work they need to recover. Notably, public safety workers have the same right to file for Workers’ Compensation benefits in Maryland as other workers who are injured on the job. Workers’ Compensation can provide the following benefits for public safety workers:
In some cases, a public safety employee need not have been on the clock to recover compensation — courts have held that certain off-duty injuries incurred by police officers are eligible for benefits. For example, injuries suffered while operating take home patrol vehicles at any time may be compensable. In addition, a police officer may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation for injuries incurred while exerting police powers even when not on duty.
Suffering a job-related injury or illness when you’re a public safety worker can have significant physical and financial ramifications. Attorney Sara El-Shall understands the enormous impact a work injury can have on you and your family. With a commitment to securing the maximum benefits you need to move forward, she strategically focuses on obtaining the best possible outcome in every matter she handles.
There are certain provisions under Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation law that apply specifically to public safety workers. Importantly, some employees who work in the public safety arena may be entitled to higher levels of compensation for disability claims, in comparison to civilian employees. Since certain types of disability claims are calculated based on a higher tier, they may receive twice the amount of compensation as a civilian for the same or a similar condition.
Additionally, Maryland Workers’ Compensation law presumes certain medical conditions are occupational diseases. For instance, heart disease and hypertension are presumed to be related to the job functions of police, firefighters, corrections officers, and EMS. Lung disease and certain types of cancers are presumed to be connected with the employment duties of firefighters. In such cases, it is up to the employer or Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier to prove the public safety worker’s illness was not caused by their job conditions. The legal presumption can often make it easier to obtain Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Workers’ Compensation claims can be highly nuanced — especially when it comes to benefits for public safety workers. Attorney Sara El-Shall knows how to thoroughly review the facts of a case to determine whether the criteria of the presumption statute can be met. She also understands how to evaluate a claim to ensure her clients are not foregoing the benefits they deserve and obtain the maximum monetary recovery available under the law.
A workplace injury or illness is not just an inconvenience for a public safety worker — it can change the course of their career. If you were hurt in the line of duty, it’s important to have a Workers’ Compensation attorney to assist you with obtaining your rightfully entitled benefits. The Law Office of Sara El-Shall offers reliable representation and experienced counsel to public safety workers who have sustained job-related injuries throughout the greater Baltimore area, as well as in Anne Arundel, Howard, Harford, Carroll, Montgomery, Frederick, Prince George’s counties, southern Maryland, and the eastern shore. Call (410) 656-2909 to schedule a consultation.
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