Q: Can a lawyer sandbag you by claiming youre eligible for workers comp before a hearing and then say you aren't at one
I have an upcoming hearing for a workers comp case. The lawyer representing my employer has told me over the phone that they are agreeing to pay, but the hearing is still necessary because there's a duplicate case and there were some mix-ups and miscommunication involved.
The question is, can a lawyer legally lie and claim they're going to pay out prior to a hearing, and then try to sandbag them at the hearing itself by making a case that the employee is ineligible for workers comp?
A:
The answer is yes the lawyer can lie, however I would be very surprised if this is the case in your situation. It is always best to prepare for the worst. If you have not spoken with an attorney now may be a good time to get a free consultation.
The Maryland Workers Comp community of lawyers is for the most part very honest and straight forward but the defense attorney is not going to look out for your best interest. For example, they will not advise you as to the other benefits available under Maryland law nor how you can obtain them. You are entitled to all of your related medical bills being paid, mileage reimbursement, compensation for remaining issues after you have been discharged from doctors care, and you may at some point qualify for vocational rehabilitation. If you have not spoken to an attorney I would suggest that you do so as soon as possible if you have a hearing coming up.
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