Still Undergoing Treatment? Here’s How to Negotiate Compensation—the Right Timing and Approach.
Washington, DC – There were news reports that a pedestrian died after being struck in DC [1].
Woman died shortly after motor vehicle accident
On June 16, 2025, a woman was fatally struck by a vehicle in northeast Washington, D.C., at the intersection of Bladensburg Road and New York Avenue, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The incident occurred around 9:34 p.m., prompting a swift response from MPD officers who found the woman unconscious and not breathing. Despite life-saving efforts by D.C. Fire and EMS, she succumbed to her life-threatening injuries at the scene. The MPD’s Major Crash Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. No further details about the victim or the vehicle involved were disclosed in the report. This tragic event underscores ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the area, as authorities work to determine the cause of the collision and any contributing factors. The investigation remains ongoing, with MPD seeking information to provide clarity on the incident.
Negotiating compensation during medical treatment
Negotiating compensation for ongoing medical treatment in Maryland and Washington, D.C., requires understanding the distinct legal frameworks governing personal injury, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice claims in each jurisdiction. Timing and approach are critical to securing fair compensation while ensuring continued medical care.
Washington, D.C.: In D.C., personal injury claims, including those requiring ongoing treatment, often stem from incidents like the pedestrian crash reported on June 16, 2025, where a woman was fatally struck. For non-fatal injuries, D.C. law allows compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering without caps on economic or non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. The statute of limitations for personal injury and medical malpractice claims is three years from the injury date, though exceptions like the discovery rule or continuing treatment rule may extend this period if injuries are not immediately apparent.
For workers’ compensation, D.C. mandates that employers carry insurance covering medical expenses and wage loss for work-related injuries. Employees can choose their treating physician, but switching doctors requires approval from the insurer or the Office of Workers’ Compensation. Compensation includes ongoing care costs, such as physical therapy, with a medical fee schedule set at 113% of Medicare’s reimbursement rates. Prompt notification to employers (within 30 days) and filing claims with the Office of Workers’ Compensation are essential to avoid claim denial.
Maryland: Maryland’s workers’ compensation laws allow injured employees to select their treating physician, unlike some states where employers dictate providers. Compensation covers medical expenses, partial wage loss (two-thirds of average weekly wages), and vocational rehabilitation if the injury prevents returning to work. The statute of limitations is generally three years, but for latent injuries, claims can be filed within five years from discovery or up to age 21 for minors. Maryland requires medical malpractice claims to go through mandatory arbitration before litigation, though parties can waive this for faster court proceedings.
Negotiation Strategies:
- Timing: Begin negotiations after reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) unless urgent care is needed, as MMI clarifies the extent of ongoing treatment costs. However, don’t delay beyond statutory deadlines.
- Documentation: Gather medical records, bills, and expert opinions to substantiate ongoing treatment needs.
- Legal Support: Engage an experienced attorney to navigate arbitration (Maryland) or insurer negotiations (D.C.), as they can leverage statutes to maximize compensation.
- Appeals: In Maryland, appeal insurance denials through the Maryland Insurance Administration or the Health Education and Advocacy Unit for urgent cases. In D.C., disputes go to the Department of Employment Services.
By aligning with these legal frameworks and timing negotiations strategically, claimants can secure fair compensation while ensuring ongoing medical needs are met
Local accident attorneys are available
Malloy Law Offices is a firm that handles car accident cases, workers compensation, slip and fall, and various other injury and accident lawsuits. They can work with clients in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
USAttorneys.com is a legal referral service that can be reached at 800-672-3103 for a free consultation.
Firm contact info:
7910 Woodmont Ave #1250, Bethesda, MD 20814
(202) 931-5378
https://www.malloy-law.com/
Sources:
- https://wjla.com/news/local/pedestrian-involved-crash-woman-hit-by-car-deadly-collision-northeast-dc-bladensburg-road-new-york-avenue-intersection-life-threatening-injuries-metropolitan-police-department-investigation
