Workers’ compensation helps if you get hurt at work and can’t do your job. It covers your medical treatment and gives you part of your pay while you recover. You don’t need to prove it was anyone’s fault. But insurance companies don’t make it easy—they delay treatment, deny benefits, and try to get you back to work too soon.
At Donahoe Kearney, we help hardworking people in the Washington, D.C. area get the workers’ comp benefits they need after a serious injury. We also understand how things work in Virginia and Maryland—where you file your claim can change the benefits you get and the doctor you’re allowed to see.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation
You may qualify if:
You were hurt while doing your job
You told your employer about the injury on time
Your employer has workers’ comp insurance
You need medical care and can’t do your usual work
This covers all kinds of workers—construction, healthcare, delivery, retail, and more. If you were working and got hurt, we can help you take the next step.
Let’s Get Started
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Where To File a Claim
Filing your workers’ comp claim in the right state matters. Sometimes where you live, where you work, and where you were hurt are all different—and that could mean you have more than one option. But you can only file in one place, and once you do, you’re locked in.
Here’s what to know:
D.C. usually offers better wage benefits and lets you choose your own doctor. You generally have 1 year from the injury or last payment to file.
Maryland has different rules for how much you’re paid and how treatment is handled. Most claims must be filed within 2 years.
Virginia has strict deadlines. You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days and file your claim within 2 years. You’ll also have to choose from a list of doctors provided by the insurance company.
We’ll help you figure out which option gives you the best chance at full benefits and the medical care you need.
We see all kinds of serious injuries from hardworking people across the D.C. area. Some of the most common include:
Torn rotator cuffs and shoulder injuries from lifting, reaching, or repetitive motion
Back injuries from moving heavy equipment
Construction site accidents, including falls from ladders, scaffolding collapses, or crush injuries
Nurses and hospital workers injured while lifting patients or slipping on wet floors
Delivery drivers injured while lifting packages or driving for work
Warehouse workers hurt while loading trucks or using heavy equipment
These injuries often need surgery or rehab. We help you get the treatment and benefits to recover.
How Surgery Can Affect Your Workers’ Comp Case
Light Duty Work
Light duty work means a temporary job with fewer physical demands, given while you recover from a work injury. It can include shorter hours, sitting instead of standing, or doing tasks that don’t involve lifting or heavy labor.
You should only return to light duty if your doctor says it’s safe and the job follows your medical restrictions
If the work is too physical, causes more pain, or doesn’t match your limits, you can say no. Taking the wrong light duty job could hurt your recovery—or your workers’ comp case.
Benefits You May Be Entitled To
If your claim is approved in D.C., you may get:
Medical care with no out-of-pocket costs
Wage replacement (about two-thirds of your regular pay)
Permanent benefits if your injury causes long-term damage
Job training or placement support if you can’t go back to your old job
We’ll go over what applies in your case and help you get every benefit you’re owed.
What If Your Claim Was Denied
If your claim was denied, don’t give up. Most people come to us after they’ve been turned down—and we help them get approved.
Here’s what we’ll do:
Review your case
Get the records and evidence needed
Represent you in a hearing if the insurance company won’t cooperate
Deadlines matter:
D.C.: You usually have 1 year from your injury or last payment
Maryland: Most people have 2 years
Virginia: You must report the injury within 30 days and file in 2 years
Can I Get Fired While on Workers’ Compensation?
Yes, your employer can let you go while you’re on workers’ comp—but not because you filed a claim. That’s illegal.
They may lay you off for other reasons—like business changes or because your job can’t be held. But even if that happens:
Your workers’ comp benefits don’t stop
You can still get medical care and weekly checks
The insurance company still has to pay if your doctor says you’re recovering
We’ve helped people keep their benefits even after being let go.
You may qualify for both, depending on your situation. We’ll explain how they work together and make sure you’re covered.
What’s the difference between Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury Cases ?
Workers’ compensation covers workplace injuries without needing to prove fault and excludes pain and suffering. Personal injury cases involve proving negligence and can include compensation for pain and suffering. You can pursue both types of claims simultaneously.
Talk to a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
A serious work injury affects everything—your health, your job, and your ability to care for your family. We’ll help protect your benefits so you can focus on getting better.
What if the insurance adjuster calls me? You don’t have to answer. They may be looking for something to use against you. We handle those calls for our clients.
Can I Get Another Job While On Workers’ Comp
Yes, if the job follows your medical restrictions. But working could lower or stop your wage benefits, so be careful before starting something new.
Do I have to go back to work if their doctor says I’m fine? No. You should follow your own treating doctor’s opinion—not the insurance company’s.
When will I receive my compensation?
If your claim is accepted, benefits should start within 14 days.
How long will my case take? Some cases are done in a few months. Others take longer—especially if the insurance company delays things or your injury needs long-term treatment. We’ll keep things moving and give you regular updates.
Hurt at Work? Do Not Make These Mistakes
Our Experience
We’ve been helping people in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with serious injuries for over 30 years.
You’re here because of a serious injury or medical condition. Now you’re dealing with an insurance company. You want your life back. We get that. We help guide you through this process so you can stand up to the insurance company and get back your financial security, control and independence.
Frank Kearney is an AMAZING attorney. He treated my son and I like family and continues to treat us as such. He took care of handling my son’s case with care and professionalism. He is the best lawyer you could have in your corner!!
