You have been injured on the job. You are in pain, confused, and waiting for your employer to take action. Instead, you are met with silence. Perhaps you were told to “walk it off” or that reporting the injury would “make things complicated.”
You know something is wrong, but you are not sure what to do next. If your employer refuses to report your work injury, you are not alone, and you are not out of options.
At Holzman & Dickriede, our Baltimore workers’ compensation lawyers understand how isolating this experience can be. That is why we are here: to guide you through every step, restore your confidence, and make sure your rights are honored.
Maryland Employers Have a Legal Duty
Under Maryland law, employers must report workplace injuries to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. This is not optional. A failure to report can result in penalties for the employer, but more importantly, it can delay your medical treatment, wage benefits, and long-term recovery.
We know how local companies and insurers operate. Whether you were injured in a Baltimore warehouse, an office in Towson, or while working construction in Dundalk, the law applies equally. Your employer is responsible for initiating the claim process. If they fail to do so, you have the legal power to act without their cooperation.
The Hidden Consequences of Employer Inaction
When your injury is ignored, your entire recovery is at risk. Without a formal report, you may:
- Be denied access to work-related medical care
- Miss important claim deadlines
- Lose income during your recovery
- Face disputes over when or how the injury happened
In some cases, employers try to discourage official claims by offering to pay out-of-pocket or asking you to use your personal health insurance. These offers may sound helpful, but they can undermine your claim and leave you without the protections workers’ compensation is designed to provide.
Your Legal Rights Remain Intact
Even if your employer refuses to report your injury, your rights do not disappear. Maryland law allows you to protect yourself through specific steps:
- You may file your own claim. You do not need your employer’s permission to submit paperwork to the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- You are entitled to medical treatment. See a healthcare provider and tell them the injury happened at work.
- You cannot be punished for reporting. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against you for pursuing benefits.
- You may receive lost wage compensation. If you cannot work due to the injury, benefits may be available.
- You have the right to legal counsel. A work injury attorney in Baltimore can take the pressure off your shoulders.
Our firm is here to make sure these rights are more than words. We put them into action for our clients every day.
What To Do Right Now
Notify Your Employer in Writing
Even if they are ignoring you, you should still send a written notification of your injury. Keep a copy for your records. This creates documentation that will support your claim later.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Delaying care is one of the most common mistakes injured workers make. It allows the employer or insurer to question whether the injury was serious—or even real. Be honest with your doctor and make sure they understand it was work-related.
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, your injury, and anything else that may support your claim. Get names of witnesses, especially if your employer tries to deny the incident happened.
File the Claim Yourself
You can submit the proper forms to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you are unsure how to do this or feel overwhelmed by the process, we are here to handle it for you.
Speak to a Lawyer Who Focuses on These Cases
Not every injury lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland handles workers’ compensation cases. At Holzman & Dickriede, this is what we do every day. We know the local system, the law, and how to push back against delay tactics or denials.
Why Injured Workers Trust Holzman & Dickriede
We have helped injured workers across Maryland since 1966. We understand the tactics some employers use to avoid responsibility, and we are not intimidated. Our firm has built a reputation for taking a hands-on, client-focused approach to every case. That means you speak directly with a Baltimore workers’ comp lawyer, not a case handler or call center.
We believe that personal attention makes all the difference. You are more than your injury. You are a person trying to recover, support your family, and move forward. We listen carefully, fight fiercely, and deliver results that help you get your life back on track.
Our office is based right here in the community, and our experience with local employers, doctors, and the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission gives us a practical edge that we use to your benefit.
We do not charge any legal fees unless we win your case. That means there is no financial risk to you. You can focus on healing while we focus on justice.
Planning for More Than the Short Term
Recovering from a work injury is not just about one doctor visit or one week off. It may mean months of physical therapy, lost income, or even a career change. Some injuries lead to permanent limitations.
We help our clients prepare for every possibility. If your injury requires vocational rehabilitation, we will guide you through the process. If a third party, like an equipment manufacturer or contractor, caused your injury, we can explore a separate claim for additional compensation.
We do not just handle paperwork. We help people rebuild their lives with strength and security.
Your Next Step Starts Now
If your employer has refused to report your injury, that is not the end. It is the beginning of a process where your voice must be heard, your injury must be acknowledged, and your rights must be enforced.
At Holzman & Dickriede, we take pride in helping injured workers navigate these difficult situations. Whether you need a workers’ compensation attorney in Baltimore, MD, or someone to simply explain your options, we are ready to help.
You did not choose to be injured at work. But you can choose what happens next. Let us help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a legal team that stands with you at every step.
