Wilson & Parlett FAQ

Addressing Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation & Social Security

We understand that navigating an injury case or disability claim can be daunting. Without formal legal training, how can the average citizen successfully obtain the full compensation to which they are entitled? Retaining a firm like Wilson & Parlett can position you for success in your personal injury, workers’ compensation, or Social Security case.

To help you navigate the process, we have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about these kinds of cases. Should you still have questions about your situation, you can always call our attorneys. We have offices in Waldorf and Upper Marlboro and serve clients in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.

Personal Injury

Have you been injured in an accident? Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence? You probably have a lot of questions about what to do next. Wilson & Parlett has answers.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?

At Wilson & Parlett, we handle all personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis. That means you only owe us a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. The fee we take is only a percentage of your total award. Because of our contingency fee, there is no financial risk in hiring our attorneys.

What are the first steps I should take after being injured in an accident?

We understand that in the aftermath of a serious accident, the chaos can make it difficult to think straight and figure out what to do next. After an accident, you should immediately seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries take a while to show symptoms – the sooner you receive professional medical treatment, the better. If possible, take down the names and contact information of anyone involved in the accident and any potential witnesses. You should also take several photos of the incident if possible. This evidence can strengthen your claim later on.

How much compensation can I expect to receive?

The compensation you could receive is entirely dependent on the unique circumstances of your situation. When calculating the compensation you are entitled to, we will consider the extent of your required medical treatment, the property that was damaged, the wages you have lost or will lose, the extent of your pain and suffering, and many other factors. If necessary, we can consult with experts – like medical professionals and accident reconstructionist – to get a better sense of the extent of your loss.

Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?

We recommend that you do not accept any offer from the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. The insurance company does not have your best interests mind – any offer they present to you is likely not for the full amount you are entitled to. Having an attorney on your side can put pressure on the insurance company and improve your chances of maximizing your compensation.

Workers’ Compensation

If you suffered an injury on the job or in the course of your work, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim rather than a civil lawsuit. Our attorneys at Wilson & Parlett have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.

What does the awarded compensation cover?

You may be able to obtain compensation to cover:

• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Prescription drug expenses
• Mileage to and from doctors’ appointments
• Permanent disability resulting from the injury

Can I appeal a decision made about my workers’ compensation claim?

Yes. If your claim was denied or if you feel you did not receive the full compensation/benefits to which you are entitled, Wilson & Parlett can help appeal the decision.

Can my boss fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

No. It is illegal for your boss to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington DC.

Social Security Claims

Whether you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits, it is wise to work with an attorney who can handle your claim with professionalism.

How do I qualify for benefits?

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have a qualifying disability that meets the program’s requirements. The condition must prevent you from working for at least one year. The SSA’s list of qualifying conditions can be found here, or you can discuss your disability with our team during a free consultation and we can assess whether you may qualify.

SSI is a program to support individuals who have been unable to work and contribute to the SSDI program (which disqualifies them from receiving SSDI benefits). To qualify for SSI benefits, you must have a mental or physical disability that prevents you from working. You must also meet certain income requirements. Wilson & Parlett can assess your situation and determine if you might qualify for SSI benefits.

My claim was denied. What do I do next?

Don’t worry – the majority of claims are initially denied. Your claim may have been denied because of missing paperwork or because the SSA had questions about the severity of your disability. Whatever the case may be, Wilson & Parlett can appeal the decision and build a strong claim backed by substantial evidence. We can gather the necessary documentation and other materials that are needed to successfully appeal the SSA’s decision.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to help with my claim?

Federal law governs the legal fees that attorneys can charge in Social Security cases. You will only owe a fee if we successfully recover benefits for you. The fee you owe is taken directly from the monies you receive from the government. A fee schedule outlines the amount you will owe. Our firm will only take the money you owe upon receiving your award – we will not take fees on any subsequent monthly benefits you receive.