Bel Air, MD asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Maryland

Q: Private Short Term Disability and Worker's Compensation Payments.

Hello,

I contracted COVID-19 from my work as a Nurse. I stayed in bed for a week and then 18 days in the ICU. I am on home O2 Therapy for the present time as I continue to suffer from significant shortness of breath among other issues.

A Worker's compensation case has been initiated by my employer and approved by the worker's compensation carrier. I did not apply for this worker's compensation benefit.

Additionally, I have two short term disability policies. One that I have purchased individually and one that I get from my employment. I pay for both premiums with after-tax money. I have filed for benefits under these two policies. These two policies have approved my claims as well.

I need guidance as to what I am entitled to receive. I do not want to be double-dipping. Do I need legal representation?

Please advise,

Paul

1 Lawyer Answer
Eric Todd Kirk
Eric Todd Kirk pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Workers' Compensation Lawyer
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: You'd want to make sure that each of these providers -workers compensation and the two private disability insurers- are aware that you are receiving or have been approved for other benefits, and the amounts. The long-term effects of covid-19 are still under investigation may take years to fully ascertain. If you have sustained some type of lasting or permanent injury due to your infection you may be eligible for monetary benefits through workers compensation that are not available under private disability policies. The workers compensation carrier is likewise obligated to pay all of the medical costs associated with your care.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.