You ask, we answer.
Join attorney Frank Kearney as he addresses the most common questions across our practice areas, including serious injuries, workers’ compensation, long-term disability, car accidents, and medical malpractice.
Frank provides clear, easy-to-understand answers to help guide you through the legal process. We focus on delivering the support you need to move forward with confidence.
Yes, you can be fired while receiving workers’ compensation. In D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, employers cannot fire you for filing a workers’ comp claim – that’s illegal retaliation. However, since most jobs are at-will, your employer can still terminate you for other reasons.
The good news? Losing your job doesn’t stop your workers’ compensation benefits. The insurance company must continue paying for your medical care and wage loss benefits.
Reporting your injury and filing a workers’ compensation claim right away ensures you get the medical care and financial support you need to recover. Immediate action is critical.
A torn rotator cuff injury at work can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and the need for surgery. Recovery often involves months of physical therapy and can leave you unable to perform basic tasks, putting your career at risk.
- Report the Injury – Inform your supervisor immediately, specifying that the injury occurred at work.
- Seek Medical Treatment – In Washington, D.C., and Maryland, you have the right to choose your own doctor; you are not required to see a physician selected by your employer or their insurance company.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim – Submit your claim promptly to ensure coverage for medical expenses and lost wages.
Don’t delay—acting quickly helps protect your health and your workers’ compensation benefits.
If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering your damages.
But don’t wait—insurance companies will try to minimize your claim. Get medical attention immediately, document the accident, and avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurer without legal guidance.
Contact an attorney. A skilled injury attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight for the full compensation you deserve to cover your recovery and financial losses.
A drunk driver’s reckless decision can leave you facing severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income.
You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone.
If you’re hurt in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. This coverage protects you when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Serious injuries can lead to high expenses, so it’s important to check your policy and increase your UM/UIM coverage if needed. This ensures you and your family are fully protected on the road.
If you were denied long-term disability, first, review the denial letter and gather essential documents like your policy and claim file. Next, build a strong appeal by addressing the insurer’s reasons for denial and adding overwhelming evidence of your disability.
You only have 180 days to file a long-term disability appeal. If you miss this deadline or leave out important details, you could lose your chance for benefits.
We know how to get it right the first time. We understand the rules and fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
If your injury requires surgery, it might lead to more medical benefits because surgeries often come with high costs. It can also affect your ability to return to work. If you can’t get back to your old job after surgery, your benefits could change to reflect that.
Additionally, if surgery leaves you with a permanent disability, it could lead to a higher settlement to cover long-term care.
If your surgery is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision. It’s important to take action to ensure that you receive the necessary care for your recovery.
If you get hurt at work, a disability note from your doctor is important for your workers’ compensation claim. It shows proof of your injury, explains any work limits, and helps protect your benefits. Without it, your employer or their insurance might try to deny your claim.
Make sure to reach out to us to handle the difficult workers’ compensation process. At Donahoe Kearney, we know how frustrating it can be.
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