FAQs Archive - Page 7 of 12 - Zirkin and Schmerling Law

What Is the Value of My Workers’ Compensation Case?

In general, workers’ compensation pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a certain level set by the state of Maryland. Your average weekly wage will be calculated based on your previous 14 weeks of work.  If the average weekly wage is $1,050 then the workers’ compensation rate is $701.  The highest rate in […]

How Do I Choose the Right Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

The right Maryland workers’ compensation attorney has plenty of experience handling these claims and offers a free initial consultation. They should provide comprehensive services like helping you investigate the circumstances of your injury, collecting evidence of the incident, reviewing your medical records, and evaluating your claim. The right attorney can guide you through the entire […]

What Does “Assumption of the Risk” Mean in a Personal Injury Case?

In a legal sense, when you assume the risk of a particular activity, you voluntarily and knowingly accept that your own harm may arise from it. This means you’re likely unable to receive compensation for injuries and other damages you sustain during the activity. This concept often comes up in cases that involve recreational sports, […]

What Does “Contributory Negligence” Mean in a Personal Injury Case?

Contributory negligence is the concept of contributing to your own injury. It’s common for an insurance company to bring up this issue as they try to prove that you’re partially at fault for your injuries and therefore don’t deserve any compensation. Maryland is one of just a handful of states that treat injured victims harshly […]

How Much of My Time Will This Take?

You’re probably wondering how much time a personal injury case takes. It varies, but most cases can be handled in a matter of weeks or months. It’s very rare for a case to take a year or more, although it can happen with very complex medical malpractice and group home abuse cases. When you hire […]

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court when the various parties accept a settlement after a period of consideration and negotiation. If you can come to an out-of-court agreement that covers your financial debts and adequately covers your other damages, that’s an ideal situation. However, some cases are worth taking to court because […]

How Soon Do I Need to File a Claim?

In Maryland, personal injury cases have a fixed period within which you must start your claim or lose your opportunity forever. This is usually three years from the date of the accident, although some exceptions make the period shorter or longer due to specific circumstances. For example, if the injury involves a government organization or […]

Do I Still Have a Claim if My Medical Bills Were Paid by Insurance?

Yes. You may still have a substantial claim even if your medical bills are being handled through health insurance, car insurance, or another form of coverage. In Maryland, the element of pain and suffering is almost always the largest component of personal injury damages, and insurance doesn’t address it. You deserve compensation for the suffering […]

Should I Go to the Hospital?

Whether or not you go to the hospital depends on your injuries, but it’s important to seek medical care as quickly as possible after you’re injured. Make your health a priority. Any delay in treatment can later be used as evidence against you, as if to say, “See? Your injuries weren’t so bad. You didn’t […]

Should I Accept the Settlement My Insurance Company Offered Me?

Beware of taking the insurance company’s first offer. They may try to lowball you and see if you’ll accept a small, fast settlement that ends your claim and prevents you from taking further action. Accepting a settlement without negotiation is almost always a bad deal for a severely injured victim! It’s your right to consider […]