Volunteers play a critical role in various organizations, from charitable groups to non-profit organizations. They provide essential services without expecting any monetary compensation in return. However, no matter how noble their intentions may be, accidents may happen, and they may suffer injuries while performing their duties.
One question that commonly arises is whether volunteers are protected under workers’ compensation laws.
What should you know about getting injured while volunteering?
To answer the question of whether volunteers are covered under workers’ comp, we must first understand what workers’ compensation is. Workers’ comp is a system of insurance that provides medical, disability, and wage replacement benefits to workers who suffer injuries or illnesses resulting from their employment.
In most states, volunteers are considered a separate category of workers from employees. Therefore, volunteers aren’t entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, some states have enacted laws that allow for the coverage of certain types of volunteers.
In some states, volunteers are covered by workers’ compensation if they’re performing services for a quasi-public or non-profit organization, and the employer has agreed to cover them. In other states, volunteers assisting in a State of Emergency or Disaster scenario may be covered under workers’ compensation insurance.
It’s important to note that the laws surrounding volunteers, and workers’ comp can be complex and vary depending on the state. Organizations should always research their specific state laws to understand the requirements and eligibility regarding the coverage of volunteers under workers’ comp insurance.
While volunteers aren’t typically covered under workers’ comp, they may still have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the organization for injuries suffered while volunteering. However, this action may be challenging, and the process may be time-consuming, so it’s crucial to consider all options to ensure proper compensation for the volunteer.
Organizations should also consider purchasing liability insurance to protect against any claims or lawsuits brought forward by the volunteer. Liability insurance may cover any medical costs or settlements resulting from a claim or lawsuit.
How Long After an Accident Can You Claim Injury in Maryland?
Car accidents can be a traumatizing experience. It can often leave you with mild to severe injuries and even lead to long-term health issues. In such cases, it is crucial to consider the legal implications to seek compensation for your injuries. In Maryland, there is no specific statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. However, several factors that affect how much time you have to claim injury after an accident.
What do you need to know about your time limits to file a claim?
Maryland’s Statute of Limitations
In Maryland, there are statutes of limitations that affect how much time you have to file different types of injury claims. These are strict timelines and must be followed to have a valid claim. For personal injury claims resulting from car accidents, the relevant statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for your injuries. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. The sooner you file your claim, the better your chances of being successful.
Delayed Symptoms
The symptoms of an injury resulting from an accident may not surface immediately. This can complicate the situation as you may not know the severity of your injuries until days or weeks after the accident. The legal implications of this are that if you wait until the symptoms of the injury surface and then file a claim, it may be harder to prove that the injury resulted from the accident. Therefore, it is best to file your personal injury claim as soon as you suspect that you have an injury resulting from an accident.
Hiring a Lawyer
The legal process of filing a personal injury claim can be complicated and stressful. The insurance company representing the other party may put up a fight, leading to a prolonged legal process. This is why it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer who has expertise in handling such cases. An experienced lawyer will help you navigate the legal process, ensure that all your paperwork is in order, and present a solid case in court.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you have been in a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Not only will this ensure that you receive timely treatment for your injuries, but it will also help document the extent of your injuries. This information will be crucial in proving that your injuries resulted from the accident. It is always a good idea to keep a record of all medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, as well as any lost wages due to the injury.
