How Long After Workers’ Comp Settlement Do I Get Paid in Maryland?

The Commission mandates the employer or defendant’s insurance company to issue payment 15 days after either of these two events happen: an award is given or payment of an award is due.

The settlement amount can pay the fees for legal representation. In addition, it can be used to pay the medical experts who also helped with settlement negotiations. The rest of the amount can be used to reimburse your medical bills, continuing treatment, medications, as well as noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.

The process of getting paid for your settlement is not usually as straightforward as you may have hoped. There are also only a few resources detailing how to and how long it will take to resolve your claim. To make things easier, you’ll want to work with experienced Maryland workers’ comp lawyers, like us at Schultz Legal. We understand the laws and processes, and use our knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Steps and Timeline of Workers’ Comp

1. Submission of Forms

As soon as an injury happens, you or your representative must submit the Maryland Workers’ Comp forms to begin the settlement process. In general, the Commission takes two to three business days to process these documents. They can send it back if there are missing items or incomplete sections.

2. Negotiating and Executing the Settlement Agreement

After you’ve filed a claim, the next step is negotiating and executing the settlement contract. Both parties will discuss and outline the payment amount and how it will be paid. For example, will it be paid in monthly installments or in a lump sum?

During this stage, the attorneys of each party will need to get into an agreement based on their client’s best interest. The specifics will then be put into writing, and it will require changes depending on a few factors. For example, if you haven’t reached your maximum medical improvement (MMI), then it will be much harder to determine the final settlement amount. 

3. Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission Review

Part of the Commission’s mandate is to ensure that workers get the compensation they deserve. Along with your attorney, they will oversee your settlement process and review the documents, making sure that your interests are protected. Your workers’ comp lawyer will send all the necessary papers and evidence to support your position.

4. Approval of Settlement

If the Commission sees that the settlement is fair, and you’ve been represented by competent attorneys, then they’ll approve your claim. However, there are cases when it’s not immediately granted. They might discover issues that will prevent your case from progressing. Whatever the case, these errors must be addressed to finally get your compensation.

In some scenarios, you might end up in a hearing. You’ll have to face a judge or a jury in the court of law to prove your injuries and the defendant’s liability. In that case, having a lawyer to represent you is of paramount importance.

5. Payment of Settlement

After the Commission approves your settlement or you’ve won your case in court, then the process is more streamlined. The Commission mandates the employer or defendant’s insurance company to issue payment 15 days after either of these two events happen: an award is given or payment of an award is due.

Work With Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorneys 

As you can see, processing a workers’ compensation claim is complex. It takes a lot of resources and legal knowledge to get the amount you deserve. While you’re perfectly allowed to handle this on your own, being injured might prevent you from addressing all that needs to be done. In addition, the other party might take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge. They might make you agree to a lower settlement without you knowing.

To avoid these scenarios and streamline your settlement process, it’s best to work with experienced and dedicated workers’ comp attorneys like us. Shultz Legal is well-versed in these laws and proceedings, and we work hard according to your best interests. Contact us today for a free consultation!