Road workers have dangerous jobs.  They often work on the side or in the middle of well-traveled roadways and highways, and it seems that many people ignore warning signs to slow down near work areas.

Road Worker Injury Statistics

  • 2010:  106 accident fatalities (nationwide)
  • 20,000 yearly injuries (nationwide)

These accidents can be caused by direct contact between vehicles and workers, collisions between vehicles, and impacts involving construction equipment.

(sources:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Federal Highway Administration)

Workers’ Compensation Claims

In Maryland, employees who are on the job are entitled to benefits under workers’ compensation if they are injured.  This applies to roadway workers whether they are employed by the state or federal government, or a private organization.  After an accident, workers may be entitled to:

  • Lost wages
  • Payment of medical bills (past and future)
  • Compensation for disability and impairment

These benefits are available regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

Third-Party Claims

In many cases, roadway accidents are caused by negligent drivers.  Injured workers will then have a second claim in addition to the Maryland workers’ compensation case.  They can file what is called a “third-party” claim against the negligent driver.  In a lawsuit, the worker can attempt to recover:

  • Lost wages
  • Payment of medical bills (past and future)
  • Non-economic damages, including pain, suffering, mental anguish and inconvenience

If the injured worker is receiving benefits from workers’ compensation, he may be required to pay back a portion of the money expended by the workers’ compensation insurer.  Frequently, lawyers will be able to negotiate that lien down, which increases the amount of money the worker will receive.

Contact Us

If you have questions after an automobile accident in Maryland or West Virginia, contact our personal injury lawyers at 1-800-776-4529, or send us some brief information about your automobile accident or roadway accident to us through our online portal.  We’ll put our expertise to work for you right away.

More Maryland Accident Information