Tips for Returning to Work After an Injury

It’s easy for there to be some confusion on how and when you should return to work after a workplace injury. You may also feel stress or anxiety at the prospect of returning before you are ready.

At Trollinger Law LLC, we understand your apprehension. Getting back into the swing of things is never easy, especially if you have suffered from a serious work-related injury. Before you head back, consider these tips for returning to work after an injury. They can help make your transition back into the workplace a smooth one.

Keep Your Employer Updated

Communication is key. Your employer may be in the dark about your condition and when you will be able to return to work unless you talk to them. Try to give your employer regular updates about how you are feeling, your recovery process, and when you may be able to return to work. You will also want to notify your employer of any limitations which will impact your job.

Follow Doctor’s Orders

If you are recovering from a workplace accident, you must follow all your physician’s orders. Be sure to keep all your follow-up appointments, take medications as prescribed, and stick with your doctor’s treatment plan. Not only will following directions help your recovery, but it may also be vital to your workers’ compensation benefits plan.

Do Not Return Without Official Clearance

Do not return to work before you are physically ready. Doing so will only increase your chances of getting hurt again, aggravating your injury, and potentially hurting your claim to workers’ comp benefits. You need medical clearance from your doctor before returning to work.

What Are Work Restrictions?

In addition to waiting for the green light from your doctor, you need to make sure that your doctor also outlines your work restrictions. Work restrictions are typically a list of activities that you should not perform on the job as you continue to recover. If your job requires you to lift 50 pounds or more regularly, but your doctor does not recommend you lift heavy objects, your employer needs those directions clearly spelled out.

Your injury may prevent you from doing parts of your job. Your doctor will need to outline these restrictions so that your employer can adjust your work duties as you transition back to the workplace.

What to Do If Your Employer Ignores Your Light Duty Restrictions

If your employer is not taking your work restrictions seriously, bring the situation up with your supervisor. Let your supervisor know that you have a work restriction plan on file and talk about ways your employer can help you do your job while you are on the mend.

If talking to your supervisor does not improve the situation, speak with your workers’ compensation case manager or physician. Sometimes a doctor’s orders may seem unclear, and the employer needs more specific examples of what you cannot do. If all else fails, you should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your rights.

Contact a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC

If a workplace injury has sidelined you, contact a Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer with Trollinger Law LLC. Our law firm can help you go after the benefits that you deserve and protect your rights. For a free consultation, contact us today.

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Trollinger Law Honors 9/11 Heroes at First Responders Baseball Game

Trollinger Law marked the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by hosting First Responders Night at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball game on Sept. 11.

“We’ll never forget the bravery of first responders who saved lives on 9/11, nor the people who passed away and families whose lives were changed forever,” says firm founder Matt Trollinger.

“Today, we see the same courage on display as our nation’s first responders remain on the front lines battling COVID-19. Recognizing their efforts, again trying to save lives against staggering odds, highlights how selfless these individuals are.”

Trollinger Law has a long history of supporting first responders. The Waldorf personal injury firm’s Hometown Heroes campaign asks the community to nominate outstanding first responders who have touched their lives every year.

“We’re blessed to live in a place where heroes are all around,” says Trollinger. “Taking the time to honor them is a small way to say ‘thank you.’”

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DOT Hours of Service (HOS) Rule FAQs

Commercial truckers must follow federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to prevent truck accidents caused by driver fatigue. These rules govern how long drivers can remain on the road before taking mandatory rest breaks. Obeying HOS laws is essential for public safety. But when truck drivers or trucking companies choose to violate the rules, they can be held liable for any accidents they cause.

Determining whether hours of service regulations have been broken is crucial during any truck accident investigation. Below, the Maryland truck accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC outline the most frequently asked questions we receive about HOS violations. You can also call or contact us for a free consultation to learn more.

What Are Hours of Service Rules?

Hours of service rules govern truck drivers’ work schedules. They limit how long truckers can go without taking a break and how many hours they can work in a given day or week. All truck drivers and commercial motor carriers must comply with these rules.

For truckers whose routes encompass multiple states, HOS rules are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). States, including Maryland, can set their own regulations for truckers who operate only within one state, but they’re not required to do so. If a state does not set its own regulations, federal regulations apply.

What are the Hours of Service Requirements?

FMCSA recently revised its hours of service rules. The current requirements are:

• Drivers may work for up to 14 consecutive hours after at least 10 straight hours off duty. This 14-hour window starts as soon as the driver begins any work-related activity, whether or not they’re driving.
• Once the 14-hour period begins, drivers can be behind the wheel for up to 11 hours.
• Drivers must take a break of at least 30 minutes if it’s been eight or more hours since they last took a half-hour break.
• Depending on their work schedules, drivers can work a maximum of 60 or 70 hours in any given seven- or eight-day period.

A variety of exceptions and other caveats apply in the HOS provisions. It’s best to speak with a truck accident attorney if you believe you have a case.

Do HOS Violations Cause Truck Accidents?

Hours of service violations may not directly cause truck accidents, but when a driver breaks these rules, they are much more likely to drive while fatigued. Being overtired dulls reflexes, impairs judgment, and increases the chances of falling asleep at the wheel.

How Do You Determine Whether an Hours of Service Violation Occurred?

You’ll likely need a truck accident lawyer’s help to identify whether a driver violated HOS rules. An experienced attorney can collect evidence that sheds light on a driver’s actions leading up to an accident, including:

• Records from the truck driver’s logbook
• Information from the truck’s electronic data recorder (black box)
• Maintenance records at stops along the truck driver’s routes
• Toll receipts indicating how long it took a driver to travel a certain distance

Can I Receive Compensation if a HOS Violation Causes a Crash?

Truck drivers and their employers can face stiff penalties for breaking hours of service rules. It’s negligent for a driver to violate HOS regulations. If their actions caused a truck accident and you were hurt, you could have a case against one or both of them.

Maryland law allows victims to seek compensation for:

• Accident-related medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys Today

Determining whether or not a truck driver violated HOS requirements can be a key step in seeking fair compensation after a truck accident. Accomplishing that task is easier with help from a lawyer who can establish negligence and demand fair compensation for your injuries. Talk to a knowledgeable truck accident attorney from Trollinger Law LLC. Call or contact our office for a free initial consultation.

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Obey Maryland Helmet Laws for Safe Back-to-School Biking

It’s back-to-school season in Maryland. Our morning and afternoon commutes will once again be dotted with children riding bikes back and forth every day. Bicycle safety should always be a priority for parents and kids — and that starts with wearing a bike helmet.

Maryland law requires all bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. Some local jurisdictions may set their own rules. For example, the Town of Sykesville requires people of all ages to ride helmeted. There’s a good reason for a universal mandate. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, helmets reduce the risk of a serious head injury by 85 percent.

Bike Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injury

Decades ago, bike helmets weren’t a thing. Anyone who saw Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” remembers the iconic scene where a group of kids race away on bicycles to save their beloved alien from being seized by government officials. Not one of them was wearing a helmet. People didn’t think twice.

Today, they’re paying attention. Currently, 21 states and Washington, D.C. have bicycle helmet laws in place.

The risk of injury from a bicycle accident is high, especially for children, who are less coordinated, less visible, and have limited attention spans. A recent news article reports traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) account for 11 percent of the total injuries suffered in bicycle accidents. Most occur in kids between 10 and 14.

Consider these additional bike accident statistics:

• Every year, 200 kids younger than 15 die from bicycle accident injuries. Another 9,000 are hospitalized.
• Helmet use significantly lowers the risk of head injuries, brain injuries, neck injuries, and facial injuries.
• In a recent decade, more than 2.2. million kids between 5 and 17 were hospitalized for bike-related injuries. That’s about 25 children per hour.
• Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles significantly increase the likelihood of traumatic brain injuries and hospitalization.

Back-to-School Bike Safety Tips

The most critical step you can take to prevent severe injuries from bicycle accidents is to make sure your kids are wearing a helmet. Here are some other tips:

• Set a good example. Be a good role model for your child by always wearing your bicycle helmet.
• Discuss street smarts. Teach them to look “left-right-left” when biking at intersections, near driveways, and along neighborhood streets and alleys.
• Teach them hand signals. Just as you use the turn signal in your car to tell people where you’re going, your kids will need hand signals to communicate their intent on the bike. Here’s a handy chart from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• No distracted biking. No earbuds, headphones, or cell phone use while riding.
• Ride in a group. Bicyclists often get into trouble because they are less visible to other drivers. Riding with others improves visibility for everyone.

Contact a Maryland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

At Trollinger Law LLC, we wish you a safe and happy return to the school year. If you or a loved one is hurt while riding a bike, call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Maryland bicycle accident lawyer.

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What You Need to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may be able to obtain compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. However, the success of your case will hinge on whether you can prove that the property owner is responsible for your injury. That’s not always an easy task.

Is Compensation Possible After a Slip and Fall?

Just because you fell on someone else’s premises does not automatically mean you have legal grounds to file a claim against them. Compensation is only possible after a slip and fall if you can establish that the owner of the property or business was negligent or reckless in some way, and that those actions (or inactions) are directly responsible for your injury.

Proving Your Slip and Fall Injury Case

To prove that a property or business owner’s negligence caused your slip and fall injury, you will need to prove several things:

• An existing hazard caused your slip and fall injuries. You will need to show that you fell due to a dangerous or hazardous condition on the property, such as a patch of ice or a puddle of liquid.
• The property owner was negligent and liable. You must also prove that the property owner’s actions or omissions either created the slipping hazard or allowed the hazard to remain for an unreasonable length of time.
• You were on the property lawfully. An owner generally does not owe a trespasser any duty to protect them from hazardous conditions of the property, except to avoid willful or wanton conduct that may injure them.
• You were not careless. Maryland remains one of the few states that still uses the contributory negligence rule, which bars you from recovering compensation for your injuries if you bear any share of fault for your slip and fall. You may need to show that you exercised due care in avoiding obvious hazards or walking across a hazard that you could not avoid.

Evidence in a Slip and Fall Case

Examples of evidence commonly used to establish liability in slip and fall cases include:

• Medical records
• Photos of the accident scene
• Surveillance video footage
• Physical evidence (e.g., your preserved clothing and footwear from the day of the accident)
• Eyewitness statements
• Accident or incident reports prepared by the police, property/business owner, or the insurance company
• Documentation of the maintenance practices and procedures of the property owner

Compensation Available in Slip and Fall Cases

If you successfully prove your slip and fall case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses you sustained due to your injuries, such as:

• Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost income
• Lost future earnings and benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life due to scarring, disfigurement, or other physical disability

Call a Maryland Slip and Fall Attorney Now

The insurance company won’t automatically make a full and fair settlement offer to you after a slip and fall accident. You’ll need to fight for the money you’re owed. But you don’t need to do it alone. Get Trollinger Law LLC on your side.

For years, our experienced slip and fall lawyers have fought — and won — cases for injured clients just like you. Call or contact us for a free consultation today.

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Pedestrian Deaths Soared During COVID-19 Lockdown

The number of pedestrians killed in accidents skyrocketed during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) says.

The lockdown that shuttered businesses and sent millions of Americans to work from home accounted for a 13 percent drop in vehicle miles traveled, according to the GHSA report. Even with fewer cars on the roads, 6,721 pedestrians were killed — a record high since the agency began collecting statistics in 1975.

The number of deaths represents a 4.8 percent increase from the previous year. While that spike may not sound that high, it actually accounts for a 21 percent jump when adjusted for the decline in vehicle miles traveled. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents were reckless driving, drunk or drugged driving, and distracted driving, the report says.

Pedestrian Fatalities Statistics

Beyond the pandemic, data over a recent decade shows an alarming rise in pedestrian deaths. Consider these figures compiled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s FARS database:

• Pedestrian fatalities rose 46 percent in 10 years, but there was only a five percent uptick for all other traffic-related deaths.
• Most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, where there is a high concentration of motor vehicles and people.
• The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur on local roads when it’s dark. In just a decade, the number of drivers that killed a pedestrian in the dark spiked 54 percent.
• Passenger cars are the most frequent type of vehicle involved in pedestrian accidents. However, the number of pedestrian fatalities involving SUVs increased at a higher rate than collisions with passenger cars (69 percent vs. 46 percent).
• Most pedestrian deaths occur at non-intersections.
• Alcohol impairment, either on the part of the driver or the pedestrian, was a factor in nearly half of accidents that resulted in a pedestrian death.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Both drivers and pedestrians must act responsibly on the roads. If you’re going to be traveling on foot in Maryland, follow these tips:

• Always use sidewalks and crosswalks where available.
• Look left-right-left before crossing the street.
• At intersections, press the pedestrian signal button and wait for the walk signal before entering the road.
• Pay extra attention to neighborhood roads with driveways and alleys.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially if you’re walking at dawn, dusk, or at night.
• Don’t text or talking on the phone while walking.
• Keep headphones off or music down so that you can hear horns or oncoming traffic.
• Be mindful of your alcohol intake. While walking is safer than driving, it’s not smart if you’re so impaired that you can’t stay on the sidewalk or make wise judgment calls at intersections.

How a Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Guide You

If you were hurt while walking in Waldorf, Charles County, or anywhere in Southern Maryland, talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC today. Maryland has harsh negligence laws that can prevent you from obtaining compensation for your injuries without solid proof. An experienced attorney from our law firm will know what it takes to build the most persuasive case for you.

You deserve justice. We can help. Call or contact Trollinger Law LLC for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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What’s the Difference Between Medical Payments Coverage and Bodily Injury Insurance?

Understanding Maryland car insurance and how that coverage could apply if you are ever involved in a car accident. This is especially true if you or someone you love is injured.

Maryland sets mandatory limits for bodily injury and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to protect motorists in the event of a crash. Another supplemental form of insurance is medical payments coverage (MedPay), which can also offset accident-related medical expenses in certain situations.

Without adequate insurance, you could find yourself on the hook for thousands of dollars in accident-related losses and/or facing lawsuits from injured parties. At Trollinger Law LLC, we always recommend that motorists purchase as much car insurance as they can afford.

Here’s what you need to know:

Bodily Injury Coverage vs. Medical Payments Coverage

Most states, including Maryland, require drivers to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury coverage as part of their auto policy. These minimum limits exist so that injured drivers and passengers can receive a baseline level of compensation if they’re hurt in an accident.

Bodily injury coverage is a liability policy, meaning the responsible driver in an accident will pay for any injuries suffered by other drivers or passengers. If the limits of the insurance policy do not cover the medical bills for the injured party(s), the at-fault driver could end up facing a lawsuit demanding compensation from anyone harmed in the accident.

Maryland also requires insurance companies to offer a minimum of $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP is a no-fault insurance policy that provides money for reasonable medical expenses, partial wage replacement, and household services up to the policy limits. Because it is a no-fault policy, PIP can be used even if you are responsible for the accident.

Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, is a supplemental form of no-fault coverage. MedPay covers the medical costs for anyone injured or killed while riding in your vehicle. Most insurance companies require that you exhaust your PIP benefits before tapping into your medical payments coverage.

According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, all drivers must have the following minimum insurance coverage:

• $30,000 in bodily injury coverage for a single person injured in an accident
• $60,000 in bodily injury coverage for two or more people injured in a crash
• $15,000 in property damage coverage for an accident
• $2,500 in PIP benefits (unless waived)

What Do Bodily Injury and Medical Payments Policies Cover?

While bodily injury coverage includes someone’s medical bills after an accident, it also covers other expenses, such as:

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs

PIP and MedPay are narrower in terms of what you can be reimbursed for. For example, there is no option to recover money for pain and suffering in a PIP claim. And as the name implies, MedPay only pays for medical expenses.

Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Trollinger Law LLC Now

Having enough car insurance makes a huge difference in protecting yourself and recovering compensation after a car accident. If you’ve been hurt, contact the Waldorf car accident attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC. You don’t deserve to pay for someone else’s bad decisions. We’ll review your policy to ensure that you’re accessing the full amount of coverage you’re entitled to.

Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

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Trollinger Law Announces Winners of 2021 Hometown Heroes Awards

Trollinger Law is proud to announce the recipients of its second annual Hometown Heroes Awards. The recognition honors the commitment, devotion, and courage demonstrated by first responders throughout Southern Maryland.

“The dedication to others is apparent in all of this year’s winners,” says Matt Trollinger, founder of the Waldorf personal injury law firm. “All of them put themselves at great personal risk to do their jobs, all in the name of helping individuals around them.”

One of this year’s Heroes asked to remain anonymous. Meet the other winners here:

Jimmy Buckles works for the Town of La Plata Police Department. He is assigned to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center as part of a public/private partnership. During his shifts, Officer Buckles interacts with dozens of citizens, many of whom are facing difficult days. Buckles is a community-oriented police officer. He is regularly seen in La Plata smiling and talking with residents and business owners. People commend him for his genuinely caring personality. He is a great officer who is prepared to handle many situations, no matter if he’s on duty or off the job. Before working for the La Plata Police Department, Buckles dedicated over 20 years at the Prince George’s County Police Department. He is also a United States Army veteran. Serving and protecting our communities is what a Hometown Hero does, and Officer Buckles certainly exemplifies that.

Mark Kaufmann Jr. is a member of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department. Kaufmann provides first-class fire and rescue service to residents during their darkest hours. He joined the department as a junior firefighter when he was just 16-years-old. From the moment he joined, people could see his passion for helping people in times of crisis. Over the past 24 years, Kaufmann has progressed from an entry-level firefighter to leadership positions up to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. During his tenure, he has developed, implemented, and delivered training programs to his fellow firefighters. He also presented fire prevention programs to schools, senior centers, and other community organizations. In 2015, Kaufmann was elected to be the Fire Chief for the Charles County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. In this position, he has been a powerful and accomplished leader. He led the charge to enhance the development of firefighter, officer, and equipment standards that exceed the national standard set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). He also made remarkable strides in uniting all 17 individual volunteer departments in Charles County to conduct their response activity by the same operating procedures and policies. Kaufmann was also instrumental in reviewing and implementing a fire and emergency medical service (EMS) comprehensive plan that was recently completed for Charles County.

In addition to the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department and serving as the Charles County Fire Chief, Kaufmann also works as a Captain with the Naval District of Washington Fire Department in Indian Head. His dedication to his profession and the community it serves is precisely what we look for in a Hometown Hero.

Melissa Lee is a member of the Capitol Police. She works in the command center and the Civil Defense Unit (CDU), which handles protests and riots. Lee worked approximately 15 hours on January 6, 2021, when a mob breached the U.S. Capitol to protest the 2020 presidential election results. She is also a life member with the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department. Working to protect our nation’s leaders and the public-at-large requires bravery, keeping a cool head to make strategic decisions, and commitment — everything that we see in our Hometown Heroes.

Learn more about the Hometown Heroes contest by visiting Trollinger Law’s website today.

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What Should You Do If You Get Injured at Work?

Workplace accidents are incredibly common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2.8 million non-fatal injury accidents were reported by private industry employers in a recent year. Unfortunately, workers often don’t know what to do if they’ve been hurt on the job. Do I report my injury? Who do I go to for treatment? What are my rights as an employee?

Because the answers to these questions are crucial and governed by Maryland law, the Waldorf, Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC have put together the following list of common questions related to on-the-job injuries. Keep reading and call us for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt.

If I’m hurt or get sick at work, can I see my own doctor?

In Maryland, workers’ compensation laws allow you to see the doctor of your choice. The only condition is that your doctor must agree to the workers’ compensation fee schedule outlined under state law. If your doctor does not agree to the fee schedule, you’ll have to find another doctor or pay them out-of-pocket. However, your employer also has the right to request you undergo an examination from a doctor of their choosing to see if you’re receiving appropriate treatment for your injuries.

Will I get paid while I recover from a work injury?

Workers’ compensation benefits work under a no-fault system. If your claim is approved, all of your medical treatment for your injuries should be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation provider. In addition, workers’ compensation benefits cover your lost wages from your injury at a rate of two-thirds of what is called your average weekly wage (AWW) which is your average pay for 14 weeks prior to your work injury. These payments continue until you return to work in most cases.

How do I file a workers’ compensation claim in Maryland?

Here are the basic steps of the worker’s compensation claims process in Maryland:

• Make a report to your employer, either on the date of your injury or once you discover you’ve suffered an occupational disease.
• Your employer makes an initial report of your injury to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). If your employer does not report your injury, you can report it online yourself through the WCC website.
• You’ll receive a Notice of Claim Filed from the WCC.
• Within 21 days of your injury being reported, you’ll either start receiving benefits or a notice explaining why your claim was denied.
• If your claim is contested, you will automatically be set in for a hearing with the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
• If you have an accepted claim or the WCC finds that you have an accidental injury or occupational disease, your medical benefits will continue until you either fully recover, reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or an examiner finds you at MMI for your injuries. Benefits for missed wages last for different lengths of time depending on the severity of your injuries.
• If your injuries have resulted in a permanent disability, through the aid of an attorney, you can petition to receive permanent workers’ compensation payments.

Can an employer fire you for being injured?

While it is illegal for an employer to fire injured employees for making a workers’ compensation claim, they can fire them for other reasons. However, your workers’ compensation benefits will continue even after you’ve been terminated, at least until you reach maximum medical improvement.

What should I do if I can’t work due to an injury?

While workers’ compensation payments cover some of your missed wages, these benefits rarely last forever. They also don’t entirely make up for the income you’ve lost. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you apply for permanent disability benefits if your injuries have caused you to have some residual symptoms or problems due to the work injury. You may be able to claim additional compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit depending on the facts of your case.

Hurt on the Job? Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

The Maryland workers’ compensation lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC are committed to helping injured workers get the benefits they are owed after an on-the-job injury. Get a free case review by calling our office or fill out our contact form today.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Waldorf?

If you were injured in a Waldorf truck accident, you’re likely in pain and wondering how you’ll pay for the treatment you need. One of the first steps in filing a claim for compensation after a truck accident is to determine who was responsible for the crash.

There are numerous parties involved in the operation of a commercial truck. Any of these parties can affect how a truck is maintained, loaded, or driven and could therefore bear responsibility after a Waldorf truck accident. Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck drivers: Drivers can be liable for truck accidents if they commit driving errors or drive while fatigued, impaired, or distracted.
• Trucking companies: If trucking companies hire unqualified drivers, fail to train their drivers properly, or fail to maintain their trucks, they can be held responsible for the resulting crashes.
• Cargo loaders: Teams that load cargo onto trucks can be responsible for accidents caused by cargo that is overloaded or improperly secured.
• Truck part manufacturers: If the manufacturer of a truck component is negligent, they can be held liable for crashes caused by faulty parts.
• Truck mechanics: Mechanics can bear responsibility for truck accidents caused by defective parts that were improperly installed, inspected, or repaired.

How to Prove Liability in Truck Accident Cases

To recover compensation in a truck accident claim, you must be able to demonstrate that another party should be held financially liable for your losses. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can help you gather valuable evidence to support your claim, such as:

• Medical records
• Electronic data recorders (ELDs) and dashcams
• Truck driver logbooks and employment history
• Truck driver cell phone and GPS records
• Truck inspection, maintenance, and repair records
• Trucking company hiring, screening, and training records
• Cargo loading documents and bills of lading
• Witness testimony
• Photographs of the accident scene and visible injuries
• Testimony from experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists

How Much Should I Expect From My Truck Accident Settlement?

The amount of money you could recover from a truck accident claim can vary depending on the cause of the accident, the severity of any injuries, and the limits on all available insurance policies. With a successful claim, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Past, present, and projected future medical bills associated with the accident
• Incidental costs, such as transportation expenses or assistive medical equipment
• Lost income, if you are forced to miss time at work to recover from your injuries
• Lost earning potential, if you are disabled and can no longer work
• The subjective costs of pain, suffering, and lost quality of life due to the truck accident

Contact a Waldorf Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you need a legal team that’s willing to dig deep and fight hard, contact Trollinger Law LLC. Our skilled truck accident lawyers serve injured people throughout Southern Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more about how we can help, call or contact us now.

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Road Safety Tips for the Most Experienced Drivers

If you have decades of experience behind the wheel, you’re probably confident about your ability to drive safely. But don’t get too complacent. Human error is a leading cause of car crashes worldwide. Even the best drivers can be involved in serious collisions.

Are you a seasoned driver? Find out whether you’re taking all the best precautions by reviewing this list compiled by the Maryland car accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC.

Minimize Distractions

Distracted driving is negligent driving. It’s also incredibly dangerous. It might be tempting to multitask as an experienced driver, but you must resist temptation.

Avoid anything that can take your concentration off the road, such as talking on the phone, texting while driving, adjusting the music, looking at roadside billboards, or reaching for items in the back seat. Eating, applying makeup, and talking to passengers are other distractions that can lead to car crashes.

Always Wear a Seat Belt

Seat belts save lives. If you’re not wearing your seat belt, you’re more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries if you’re involved in a collision. If you have young children in the car, make sure their seat belts fit correctly before leaving home. Set a good example — if you wear your seat belt, your kids are more likely to do it when they drive.

Don’t Drive While Impaired

The hazards of driving while intoxicated are well-known. Drunk or drugged driving impedes reflexes, impairs judgment, and alters driving behavior in dangerous ways.

Keep in mind that illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin are not the only ones that can have debilitating effects. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may have side effects that can affect your ability to drive safely.

If you’ve been drinking, don’t rely on your years of driving ability to get you home safely. Call a taxi, rideshare service, or use a designated driver before taking a night on the town.

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Research shows that driving while fatigued is nearly as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. When you’re severely fatigued, the reflexes, awareness, and other mental faculties crucial to handling a vehicle safely are all compromised. Get plenty of rest before driving, especially if you know you have a particularly long or challenging drive ahead of you.

Fight the Need for Speed

Basic physics tells us that the faster an object moves, the harder it hits when it collides with another object. Applying this principle to car accidents tells us that there’s a more forceful impact when vehicles collide at high speeds, which means a much higher chance of severe injuries. By following posted signs and watching your speed as you drive, you’ll lower your odds of sustaining a catastrophic injury if you’re in a crash.

Contact a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer If You’ve Been Hurt

Even if you follow the safety rules that keep us all safe, you can still be hurt if someone else chooses not to follow them. If you were injured in a crash in Maryland, contact the experienced Waldorf injury attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC for help. We have extensive experience helping others just like you to get the compensation they deserve. All initial consultations are free. Call or contact us today to get started.

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Attorney Matt Trollinger Talks Practicing Law During COVID-19 in Maryland Bar Journal

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges worldwide. The virus touched every American somehow, either through direct infection, losing a loved one, turning their homes into schoolhouses overnight, or trying to determine how to work in a nation whose many industries were brought to a sudden standstill.

In a recent issue of the Maryland Bar Journal, Trollinger Law LLC founder Matt Trollinger discussed how the pandemic impacted his law practice and its commitment to its personal injury clients in Waldorf and the surrounding Maryland communities. Here are excerpts from the interview, published in the digital Vol. 2, Issue 3 edition of the Bar Journal:

Tell us about your biggest project or passion project related to your professional career right now.

Community involvement is an ever-evolving, high priority for our firm. Youth sports, veteran assistance, and groups that focus on homelessness in Charles County are always areas of focus. However, during the 2020 pandemic, Trollinger Law connected local urgent care and hospital workers, police, and firefighters throughout southern Maryland with local restaurants by providing meals to encourage their service to our community. We have a heart for our public safety and community heroes. Trollinger Law honors three first responders nominated by their community and sponsors “First Responder’s Night” with our local baseball team in Waldorf, the “Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.”

What do you love about your current role?

I love being able to chart a path of impact for my firm. If I want the law firm to focus on a particular community effort, we can. If I want to give our employees a special bonus for keeping their heads up and staying productive during COVID, I can. Every minute I spend working on cases is for my clients. Every minute I spend on the business is an investment in future success.

What is your fondest memory of your legal career so far?

Winning a verdict for two clients in a jurisdiction not known for high personal injury verdicts. It was a hotly contested case, with multiple depositions of different parties with the defense calling into question the lasting impact of injuries suffered by the plaintiffs. In this case, it was a thrill to help the clients tell their story through their coworkers, family, and treating surgeon. We achieved a verdict over 10 times what the offer was pre-trial.

What are your professional goals?

To grow a practice that focuses on helping those who are hurt while re-investing in the community where we serve. I want my associates and firm employees to enjoy the journey and have a healthy, happy home life as well.

Need Legal Help? Talk to a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer at Trollinger Law

Trollinger Law LLC is a personal injury firm representing clients in Waldorf, Charles County, Frederick, and Washington, D.C. We work aggressively to secure top settlements and verdicts for people injured in a wide range of accidents, including motor vehicle crashes, truck accidents, slip and falls, workers’ compensation, and more. If you have been hurt, call or contact us today for a free consultation.

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Waldorf Attorney Matt Trollinger Published in MD Association for Justice Magazine

Questions about how COVID-19 will impact workers’ compensation settlements are being raised nationwide. Recently, Waldorf attorney Matt Trollinger co-authored an article about the potential legal ramifications of the 2020 pandemic on injured workers.

“We spend one-third of our lives working, so it’s not a stretch to understand that many, many workers acquired COVID-19 at work,” says the article, published in the Maryland Association for Justice’s Trial Reporter. It goes on to explain the challenge of pursuing a coronavirus claim as insurers try to avoid making payments to people with valid on-the-job COVID claims.

The Maryland workers’ compensation system was developed so that employees would have medical, wage, and disability assistance if they suffered a work injury or were diagnosed with an occupational disease. The challenge with COVID is determining whether claims should be filed as accidental injuries or occupational illnesses, according to Trollinger and Byron Warnken, the article’s other author.

“On its face, ‘occupational disease’ would seem the logical choice for a COVID-19 claim. But filing COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims as accidental injury claims may bring better success,” it says.

That’s because a part of the legal definition of an occupational disease states that a job-related illness must be “consistent with those known from exposure to a biological, chemical, or physical agent” that is associated to the type of job held (MD Code, Labor and Employment, § 9-502).

A widely publicized example of an occupational disease is mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer that is cause solely by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is exclusively found in employees (or family members of employees) who worked in industries where asbestos was heavily used as insulation. Carpenters, plumbers, shipbuilders, shipyard workers, and even hairdressers may have come into contact with the deadly asbestos fibers, which can go on to cause the fatal cancer in some people. In those cases, exposure to the hazardous agent is clear.

By contrast, COVID-19 is everywhere. Filing a coronavirus claim as an occupational disease could mean running up against arguments that the nature of the job did not put the employee at a greater risk than he or she would have had by picking up groceries at the supermarket.

With the accidental injury approach, lawyers might stand a better chance of success, according to Trollinger and Warnken. These types of claims must arise out of and during the course of regular employment.

“This type of injury is one in which a worker can point to a specific event or moment when he or she was injured,” the article says. That doesn’t mean the employee has to remember the precise date of exposure in order to be compensated. (Applied Indus. Techs. V. Ludemann, 148 Md. App. 272, 811 A.2d 845 (2002). If an attorney can prove that exposure to COVID-19 was more likely than not to have resulted in the illness while working, the claim may be more successful if filed an accidental injury.

All of that remains to be seen, as relatively few cases have been filed with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission so far. Trollinger Law will continue to follow the developments closely.

About the Authors

Matt Trollinger is the lead litigation attorney representing clients in workers’ compensation and personal injury matters throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. He is the founder of Trollinger Law, LLC, with locations in Waldorf and Frederick.

Byron B. Warnken, managing attorney of Warnken, LLC, is a workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney in the Baltimore area. He has argued cases throughout Maryland, including in Maryland’s Court of Special Appeals and Maryland’s Court of Appeals. He has also had success before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Life as a Personal Injury Attorney

Attorney Matt Trollinger of Trollinger Law LLC recently discussed his life as a personal injury lawyer with a group of high school students at Southern Maryland Christian Academy. The discussion was part of the school’s effort to inform students about job opportunities in the legal field. During the Zoom call, Matt described his career path, starting when he was a personal injury lawyer at a Washington, D.C. law firm and detailing his transition to opening his own practice in Waldorf.

Matt shared with students the wide variety of career options as an attorney but told them to try to find what motivated their passions. For Matt, helping the injured is where he’s found a purpose greater than himself, “I want to be a voice for the people. That’s why I love being an attorney. You can help a lot of folks get through some of the worst times and protect them as they try to recover.”

Matt also described that a large part of his background and development was due to Christian education. He expressed gratitude for his parents’ dedication and sacrifice to allow him to attend New Life Christian School in Frederick and a college degree at Grove City College, then ultimately his law degree and master’s degree with Regent University.

Today, Matt represents clients who have been hurt in a wide range of accidents in Southern Maryland, including motor vehicle crashes, workplace accidents, slip and fall cases, and other serious injury matters.

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Facts About Workers’ Comp in Maryland

After a job injury, Maryland workers’ compensation laws allow qualifying employees to receive benefits to prevent financial hardships while they heal. However, obtaining these benefits is not always simple. Many people find their claims denied at first. But do not fear — you’ve still got options if you’ve been denied.

Scroll down to read the most important facts about workers’ compensation in Maryland. For personalized advice about your own claim, call or contact Trollinger Law LLC for a free consultation.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in MD

Here’s what you need to know about workers’ comp in Maryland:

• A claim must be filed with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission for you to protect your rights. Do not assume that because the insurance company has assigned you a case number that your rights are protected. In most situations, if you have not filed a claim with the state of Maryland within two years of your injury, you are barred from all future benefits.
• All Maryland employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Failure to comply can result in penalties.
• Only employees are entitled to workers’ comp benefits. Not all workers are considered employees under state law. In many cases, non-employees, independent contractors, volunteers, business owners, and certain other categories of workers are not legally defined as employees and are therefore not entitled to workers’ comp benefits. However, some workers can be legally considered employees even if their job titles indicate otherwise.
• Not all injuries are covered by workers’ comp. Workers’ comp only covers injuries that arise “out of and in the course of employment.” Just because you were hurt while you were at work does not necessarily mean that your injury will be covered. For example, if you were injured on the job while you were engaged in horseplay, intoxicated to the point of which causes your injury, or intentionally placing yourself in harm’s way, you are likely not eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
• Claims may be delayed due to incomplete documentation. Workers’ comp claims are frequently delayed if key pieces of information are missing. If you experience delays because you didn’t provide sufficient evidence, an experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney can help collect the documents you need for an appeal.
• You can choose your doctor. If you require regular medical attention to treat your work-related injury, you have the right to choose your own physician in Maryland. However, your employer has the right to request an examination by a company-approved doctor before your workers’ comp benefits are approved.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Settlement

To maximize the value of your Maryland workers’ comp claim, you should:

• Report the injury to your employer within 10 days of the injury (either verbally or in writing). Family members of a deceased worker have 30 days to notify their employer.
• Seek prompt and appropriate medical attention for your injuries.
• Understand the types of benefits available to you, including coverage for medical treatment, lost wages, job retraining, and disability benefits.
• Keep detailed records of your injury and accident-related expenses to support your claim for maximum compensation.
• Contact a knowledgeable Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to assist you throughout the claims process.

Contact the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Trollinger Law Today

If you were injured on the job in Maryland, talk to the workers’ compensation lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC today. Our legal team focuses exclusively on workers’ compensation and personal injury law. We know what it takes to build a strong claim for compensation and strive to resolve any disputes efficiently and effectively. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

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Matt Trollinger Added to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars List

Trollinger Law LLC is pleased to announce that Waldorf personal injury attorney Matt Trollinger was again honored in both the Maryland and Washington, D.C. editions of Super Lawyers® and selected as one of its 2021 Rising Stars for personal injury law. The honor is reserved for just 2.5 percent of attorneys in the United States. This is Trollinger’s eighth selection for Rising Stars, having consistently been chosen for both jurisdictions since 2014.

Super Lawyers® is a rating service that identifies outstanding attorneys throughout the United States based on peer nominations and a rigorous independent review. It is intended to serve as a resource for people searching for lawyers who have demonstrated excellence in their particular practice areas.

Both the Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists are published annually. Designations for Rising Stars are limited to lawyers 40 years or younger or for those practicing for 10 years or less.

Trollinger exclusively represents injured clients throughout Maryland and the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. He is the 2021 president-elect of the Charles County Bar Association, former chair of the Maryland State Bar’s Negligence, Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Section, and serves on the Board of Governors for the Maryland Association of Justice as a co-chair of the plaintiff’s Workers’ Compensation Committee. Trollinger also serves on panels for statewide workers’ compensation seminars and is an active participant in Waldorf and Charles County community service initiatives.

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