Attorney Matt Trollinger Graduates from Leadership Southern Maryland Executive Program

Trollinger Law LLC proudly announces that attorney Matt Trollinger has completed the Executive Program for Leadership Southern Maryland. The non-profit organization offers the program on community development to leaders in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.

A Maryland native, Trollinger participated in a nine-month course providing insight into the inner workings of the industries and issues that impact the region. Topics covered housing and human services, education, public safety, environment, defense, economic development, and multiculturalism. Matt Trollinger had the opportunity to attend classes with leaders across the tri-county region from a variety of backgrounds and professions, offering his own leadership as an attorney, business owner, and elected official for the Town of La Plata.

“It’s an honor to be part of the Executive Program’s Class of 2022,” says Trollinger, the founding attorney of Trollinger Law LLC. “I know that I can better serve my clients and community with an in-depth understanding of the assets we have as southern Marylanders and the problems that still need to be solved. The Leadership of Southern Maryland Executive Program is something I would recommend to any business or cultural leader in our area to get a better understanding of the strength of our region.”

About Trollinger Law LLC

Trollinger Law LLC is a respected personal injury law firm, with its southern Maryland office located in Waldorf and its northern office located in Frederick. Our attorneys represent clients in workers’ compensation and a wide range of injury matters, including car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death. Call or contact us today for more information or a free consultation.

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Hometown Heroes Awards Winners 2022

Trollinger Law is proud to announce the winners of the third annual Hometown Heroes Awards. This prestigious award recognizes first responders in Southern Maryland for their dedication, passion, and bravery.

We want to thank all of them for their dedication and courage in keeping us safe every day and are honored to hear the inspirational stories of many first responders across this great state, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and more.

Meet the winners of our 2022 Hometown Heroes Awards who will be recognized at First Responder Night on September 3rd, 2022, at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game at Regency Furniture Stadium.

Sean McKeever – Calvery County Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department / EMT

“Sean is a Calvert County local who embodies the title of “Hometown Hero.” Sean serves on active duty in the United States Air Force and is stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, but that’s not nearly all. He’s also enrolled in Paramedic program at the College of Southern Maryland – La Plata. Through this endeavor Sean has performed field clinicals in Calvert and St. Mary’s County on both ambulances and chase cars, as well as hospital clinicals in the emergency department, labor and delivery, operating room, intensive care unit, and respiratory departments at Calvert Health Medical Center and University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.

Despite an extensive work and school schedule, Sean finds time to volunteer with the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department and Calvert Advanced Life Support. At HVFD Sean puts in hours as a firefighter / EMT in the ambulance and fire engine, and while at CALS he serves as an EMT and emergency driver. Though this volunteer work certainly keeps Sean busy, he also finds time to fulfill his primary role as a husband and father.

The staff at Trollinger Law wish to thank Sean for his enormous effort and commitment to his community. Sean’s dedication to helping others is clearly demonstrated through his occupation, education, and volunteer record. Please join us in celebrating this Hometown Hero!”

Jason Adams – St. Mary’s County Firefighter

Jason is a St. Mary’s County firefighter who has dedicated his entire life to making our community safer through fire prevention and safety programs. He is engaged in a litany of educational and training efforts, including preparing donated structures for firefighter training and providing fire prevention instruction to our local youths. Jason supports EMS and Fire

personnel by providing supervision during vehicle accidents, which ensures that victims of these accidents are treated quickly and safely.

Besides his efforts to support his fellow first responders and emergency service providers, Jason has managed numerous events and activities at the Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association, including memorial services, a Fire and EMS parade, event security, catering, and awards for participating Fire and EMS departments. He spearheaded the effort to renovate the department’s social hall and ensured that it met county zoning and permit codes. Perhaps most excitingly for local kids, every year Jason arranges for Santa Claus himself to visit the area and wish everyone Merry Christmas from the back of a fire truck!

It’s clear to us at Trollinger Law that Jason absolutely loves helping in his community no matter the time of the day or day of the year. Please join us in thanking this hometown hero for his constant efforts to make our community a safer and more enjoyable place.

Jennifer Johnson – Charles County Police Dispatcher

Jennifer is a Police Dispatcher who has passionately served Charles County for 16 years. Jennifer demonstrates her dedication to the agency and law enforcement personnel by volunteering to raise funds for Special Olympics through Cops on Rooftops, volunteering for Law Enforcement Torch Run events, and participating in Shop with a Cop at Christmastime. Outside of her professional and charitable responsibilities, Jennifer also runs Thin Blue Line Memorial Crafts, a volunteer organization that aims to send a handmade gift to the family of every officer in the US killed in the line of duty. Jennifer’s motivation for maintaining Thin Blue Line Memorial Crafts is found on the organization’s Facebook page, where she succinctly states:

“I am a dispatcher, I come from a police family, and I will always have their back.”

Trollinger Law is thankful for Jennifer’s time, service, and compassion towards the law enforcement community both locally and nationwide. We encourage our community members to support the Thin Blue Line Memorial Crafts mission by following their Facebook page, or by checking out their website and Linktr.ee pages.

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Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages in a Car Accident

In Maryland, car accident victims can file a personal injury claim for compensation if someone else is at fault for the crash. The law allows victims to seek money for both financial and non-monetary losses. These two types of compensation are called economic and non-economic damages.    

Most people understand that car accidents have financial consequences. At the most basic level, there’s the cost of vehicle damage. Add on the astronomical cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and lost income, and you could face hundreds of thousands of dollars in bills you can’t afford to pay. That doesn’t include money for the pain and emotional stress you’ve endured — but a personal injury claim can account for that and more. 

Keep reading to learn more about economic and non-economic damages from Trollinger Law LLC. For personalized advice from an experienced car accident lawyer, call or contact us today for a free consultation. 

What is the Difference Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages?

Economic damages are the financial losses that you incur due to an accident. They are losses that can be calculated easily by looking at bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and income tax returns.

Conversely, non-economic damages compensate you for intangible, personal losses that don’t have a specific dollar value. Unlike economic damages, calculating non-economic damages involves a more subjective consideration of the impact of the collision and resulting injuries on your life.

Types of Economic Damages

Examples of economic damages you could recover in a car accident claim include:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Costs for long-term care, such as home health aides, assistive medical equipment, and home modifications 
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

Types of non-economic damages that you might be compensated for after a car accident include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional trauma and distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Reduced life expectancy 
• Scarring and disfigurement

How Can I Recover Non-Economic Damages?

Most car accident claims are settled with the insurance company long before filing a lawsuit is necessary. When negotiating a settlement with an insurer, you can ask for compensation for the personal and emotional losses that you suffered in the wreck.

But let’s say your case goes to trial. If the jury finds in your favor, their verdict will include compensation for the non-economic damages you proved you sustained. Maryland has a cap on non-economic damages for personal injury cases, which increases by $15,000 annually. 

How Can I Calculate Non-Economic Damages?

Calculating non-economic damages can be more challenging than economic damages. How do you put a price on your pain? How can you quantify the impact of post-traumatic stress on your life, both now and in the future? These damages are more subjective and require an in-depth evaluation and understanding of what you’ve been through. An experienced car accident lawyer can collect evidence that demonstrates the impact of your injuries from medical experts, vocational specialists, financial planners, and your friends and family. 

How a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a car accident, an attorney can place an appropriate value on your case and negotiate for maximum compensation from the insurance company. Insurers work hard to minimize payouts, but an experienced lawyer can protect your claim so you don’t end up with a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover the extent of your injuries. 

Depending on the facts of your case, you could be entitled to economic damages, non-economic damages, or both. The best way to find out is by talking to a trusted car accident lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC. Call or contact us for a free case review. 

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What Happens After a Workers’ Comp IME?

One of the most important steps in a Maryland workers’ compensation claim is the independent medical examination (IME). During the IME, a doctor will examine you and your medical records to confirm your injuries and their cause.

Because workers’ compensation benefits are only available to those who have sustained an injury at work or while performing a job-related activity, the doctor’s report after an IME can significantly impact your claim. Read on to learn more about the IME process in Maryland.

Do IMEs Determine the Outcome of a Claim?

The findings of an IME can affect your claim, but it’s not the only factor determining your case’s outcome. When your employer’s workers’ compensation provider requests an IME, they seek proof of your injuries and how you got hurt. If the report from the doctor who conducts your IME matches up with your account of the accident, you have a good chance of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If not, you should speak to a workers’ comp attorney about your next steps.

What Does the Doctor Do After the IME?

Once the doctor completes their exam, they will write a report with their conclusions on your injuries and what caused them. Because insurance companies usually request an IME, the doctor’s report will most likely be written as a series of responses to whatever questions or concerns the insurer raised.

When is an IME Really Over?

Here’s one crucial thing to remember about the IME: the exam is not over until you are out of sight. The doctor who performs the IME will be looking for any sign of fraud or deception on your part, and there is a good chance they will watch how you act and move even after the exam seems finished. Likewise, insurance adjusters may also be watching you. Don’t give them any reason to discredit your claims. Always watch what you say and how you act.

What Happens if the IME Report is Bad?

If the IME report does not align with your account of your injuries and how you acquired them, your workers’ compensation claim could be in jeopardy. Insurance companies and judges often view the reports from the IME doctor as more objective than the treating physician and could defer to their conclusions. Discrediting an IME report is possible, but you will need help from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

How to Obtain a Copy of the Report

Once the IME report has been filed, you can request a copy of it from the doctor who examined you or your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. The report should be available within several days or weeks of the examination. If your workers’ comp claim was denied, an attorney can review the IME and advise on what to do next.

How an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

While your attorney cannot be in the exam room with you, they can ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for an IME by telling you what to say to the doctor, what records to bring, and how to behave during the exam. Your demeanor can greatly impact a doctor’s assessment of you, so you want to make as good of an impression as possible.

If your claim is denied after an IME, a workers’ compensation attorney can review the report for possible errors or omissions the examining doctor may have made. This step is critical before contesting the results of the doctor’s report.

Have additional questions about workers’ compensation claims and independent medical exams? Contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free consultation with a Maryland workers’ comp lawyer.

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What Not to Say to Your Workers’ Comp Doctor

Maryland workers’ compensation law allows injured employees to choose their doctor for treatment after a job injury. The employer’s insurance company must honor the worker’s choice and pay the cost of covered medical expenses stemming from the accidental injury. 

But getting paid is not always that simple. 

While the insurer must accept the worker’s choice of provider, it can also ask its own doctor to examine the employee and advise on whether the recommended treatment plan is reasonable and necessary. The results of these independent medical examinations (IMEs) could lead to challenges if the workers’ comp doctor disagrees with the employee’s provider.

You should always be honest with your treating physicians. However, you can also protect your claim by learning what not to say to the workers’ comp doctor. An experienced lawyer from Trollinger Law LLC can provide guidance before you submit to an IME in Maryland.

What Is an IME for Workers’ Comp?

An independent medical examination (IME) is a formal exam that may be performed at some point during a workers’ comp claim or while the injured worker is receiving workers’ comp benefits. The exam involves getting a third-party physician’s opinion on the extent of a claimed work injury, illness, or resulting disability. 

Typically, an employer or its workers’ compensation insurer will request an employee undergo an IME. This usually happens when the insurer disagrees with the treating provider’s medical opinion or if the doctor deems the employee permanently disabled. Although an employer or insurer “requests” an IME, an employee’s refusal to submit to the exam can result in the denial of workers’ comp benefits. 

What to Expect During an IME

In an IME, you will be examined by a medical doctor with expertise in work injuries and occupational illnesses. During the exam, the physician will take your medical history and may perform various physical and/or lab tests to evaluate your medical condition. After the exam, they will provide a medical opinion to your employer’s workers’ comp insurer. 

Keep in mind that the physician will also be looking for signs or indications that you are intentionally exaggerating your symptoms. Workers’ compensation fraud happens, and you don’t want to be accused of it. 

Workers’ Comp Doctors Work for the Insurance Company

Remember that while your provider is there to help you, the workers’ comp doctor works for the insurance company. For that reason, the doctor will be looking for ways to limit the insurer’s responsibility to pay you full and fair workers’ compensation benefits. Watching what you say can protect your claim. If you’re worried about the IME, a workers’ comp lawyer can coach you on what you should and shouldn’t say.  

Mistakes to Avoid with Your Workers’ Comp Doctor

You can avoid the common pitfalls that complicate many workers’ compensation claims. Do not: 

• Delay seeking medical treatment for a work injury or occupational illness
• Exaggerate your symptoms, pain, or limitations 
• Minimize your symptoms
• Falsely state or omit facts about the circumstances that led to your injury or illness
• Lie to cover up prior accidents, injuries, or preexisting conditions
• Stop treatment before your treating physician declares you reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)

Dishonesty could have several consequences. First, it could lead to a denial of workers’ comp benefits. The doctor might decide you’re ready for work when you still need time to recover. And if you are caught submitting a fraudulent claim, you could be fined and forced to repay past benefits. 

Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney First

If you have been asked to undergo an independent medical examination as part of your workers’ comp claim, talk to a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney from Trollinger Law LLC right away. We’ve got the answers you need when times are tough. 

Call or contact us today for a free consultation. 

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What to Do If You Get Injured at Work

Most Maryland employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer a job injury. However, applying for benefits is a multi-step process that can be difficult to navigate alone. Even a small error could cause your workers’ compensation claim to be delayed or denied, placing you in a precarious financial position when you need money most. Here are some tips on what to do if you get hurt on the job in Waldorf.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured at Work?

Report your injury to your supervisor or employer within 10 days of the accident. Verbal notification is OK, but always follow up with written notice.

If you didn’t require emergency treatment, take photos of the accident scene and identify coworkers or other bystanders who witnessed the event. Finally, seek medical attention right away. Be sure to tell the doctor that you were involved in a workplace accident.

If I’m Hurt or Get Sick at Work, Can I See My Own Doctor?

Yes. Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws allow you to choose your own doctor for your treatment. This rule contrasts with many other states, where employers or their workers’ compensation insurers may require injured workers to choose a treating provider off a pre-approved list.

Do I Get Paid If I Get Injured at Work?

If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to recover wage replacement benefits that are generally equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. If you’re able to work in a limited capacity at a reduced wage, you may be entitled to the 50 percent of the difference between your previous average weekly wage and what you make while working during your recovery. You only receive compensation for the first three days of work you miss if your injury lasts longer than 14 days. You may be eligible for extended or lifelong benefits for a permanent work-related injury.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Waldorf?

A claim may be filed with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission online or by mailing in a typed or handwritten form. The claim form must include a signed authorization for disclosure of health information. Once the commission processes your claim form, it will send a notice of claim to you, your employer, the workers’ compensation insurer, and your employer’s legal counsel (if applicable).

Before filling out the forms, consider getting legal advice from an attorney. Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer to apply for benefits is not mandatory. However, getting an attorney involved from the beginning of your case can protect your claim and ensure that all documentation is submitted properly.

Can an Employer Fire You for Being Injured?

Yes and no. An employer cannot fire you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim. That is considered unlawful retaliation.

In addition, an employer cannot fire a worker who is disabled without first trying to come up with a reasonable accommodation for the worker’s disability, if requested. However, an employer normally can fire an at-will employee whose injuries prevent them from performing the essential functions of their job, even with reasonable accommodations.

Mistakes People Make After Suffering a Work Injury

Common mistakes employees make after being injured at work include:

• Missing notification deadlines
• Failing to disclose previous work injuries to their own doctor
• Failing to report all injuries and symptoms
• Refusing to return to work, including modified work, when your treating provider clears you
• Not consulting with a Waldorf workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and obligations

What If My Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

With few exceptions, Maryland employers with more than one worker must carry workers’ comp insurance. If they don’t, reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer immediately to learn your legal options.

Trollinger Law LLC is an accomplished Waldorf law firm that focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury law. Call or contact us for a free consultation with one of our work injury lawyers now.

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Red-Light Running Deaths at Record Highs

Running a red light is one of the most reckless actions drivers can do. Unfortunately, recent research shows it’s a growing problem across the U.S. and in Maryland. A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 23 percent of U.S. drivers admitted to running a red light in the past 30 days. Keep reading to learn more about how red-light accidents are a growing safety concern in Maryland.

How Serious Are Red-Light Car Accidents in Maryland?

Recent news reports indicate that the number of deaths from red-light accidents nationwide is at record highs. Additional reporting shows 147 people in Maryland died in red-light accidents over a recent 10-year period. More than half of those fatalities were occupants of the other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Data from AAA also indicates that Maryland ranks 18th in the nation in the number of red-light accident deaths per capita.

Who is at the Greatest Risk from Red-Light Runners in Maryland?

There are a few different groups that are most at risk from red-light running crashes in Maryland, including:

• Pedestrians – Pedestrians are supposed to cross at crosswalks or traffic lights to help keep them safe. However, if a driver plows through a red light, they might hit a pedestrian who’s lawfully crossing the street.
• Cyclists – Like pedestrians, bicycle riders should cross the street at traffic lights or crosswalks. If a driver runs a red light, they could easily hit a cyclist as they cross through an intersection.
• Traffic turning in front of a red-light runner – Drivers who are turning at an intersection, especially if they’re turning left, are highly vulnerable to red-light runners. If someone runs a red light in front of a turning driver, they could hit the other driver head-on or from the side.
• Traffic crossing perpendicular at an intersection – If a driver runs a red light at an intersection while other traffic moves left or right in front of them, they could cause a T-bone accident by hitting another car.

Does Distracted Driving Cause Red-Light Accidents in Maryland?

Distracted driving accidents are one of the most common causes of red-light accidents. There are three different types of driving distractions that can increase the likelihood of a red-light accident. They include:

• Manual distractions – These are actions that take one or both of a driver’s hands off the wheel. Without both hands on the wheel, drivers cannot fully control their vehicles as they approach or cross an intersection, making it more difficult for them to react to changing conditions or a pedestrian stepping into the crosswalk.
• Visual distractions – These are things that take a driver’s eyes off the road. A driver who isn’t watching where they’re going could run a red light and not even know.
• Cognitive distractions – These are things that take a driver’s focus off the act of driving. Drivers who aren’t concentrating on what they’re doing might not notice that an intersection is approaching or that the light has turned red, leading to a crash.

Talk to a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been hurt in a red-light crash, a car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries from the negligent driver. Contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free initial consultation with a Maryland car accident attorney.

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