Legal Question in Workers Comp in Maryland

Award of Compensation Letter's Meaning

I've recently been to omp court for my perm hearing. I've received the award letter but I'm not sure I totally understand it. The ins carrier had cut off my benefits beginning 7/1/05. The Commissioner states Quote : the employer & carrier are to pay me my weekly pay starting from 7/2/05 and amounting to $45K, and subject to further payments provided in sec 9-637 of the Labor Article; so long as I continue to be disabled. End Quote. Does this mean I'll be receiving a lump sum for $45K and a weekly check or will I be receivig my back pay from 7/2/05 until present in an amount not to exceed $45K? plus a weekly check. Any help translating this into simple English would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You


Asked on 12/10/05, 12:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Award of Compensation Letter's Meaning

It's difficult to try and interpret a document without seeing it, but most likely you will be receiving permanent partial disability benefits, accounting from 7/2/05, until a total of $45000 is paid. Part of that award may go to your attorney if you had one and/or to pay your doctor for any medical reports he/she wrote for you to help you establish your degree of disability. If this order is based on a settlement you made with the comp insurer, then you'll probably be receiving it all at once. If it was a contested case and this is the decision of the ALJ who heard your case, then the amount you receive each week depends on what category of disability you are in, which is in turn determined by the number of weeks of disability you were awarded. You'll get one "catch-up" payment covering 7/2 to date, and then either weekly or biweekly payments until the entire amount is paid.

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Answered on 12/12/05, 9:50 am


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