Workers' compensation is an insurance policy managed by the workers' compensation boards of different states. Workers hurt on the job are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and fault does not need to be proven for benefits to be paid. The worker only needs to show that the injury occurred on the job and was related to the duties they were responsible for completing. According to Maryland law, the employee's injury must have been caused by an "accidental personal injury arising out of and in the course of employment" to be covered under workers’ compensation. The injury is said to have happened in the course of employment If the injury occurred:

• During the employee’s work hours
• At the employer's place of business or some other location selected by the employer
• While the employee was performing their job duties or related responsibilities

If the employee’s working conditions contributed to or caused their injury, the injury is assumed to have arisen from the employment.

Benefits Paid Under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act

An injured employee may qualify for the following benefits under Maryland workers’ compensation law:

• Temporary total disability (TTD). TTD benefits may be payable during the employee’s healing period, if their injury has resulted in a disability that prevents the person from returning to work. Suppose the disability period is 14 days or less. In that case, payments may not be allowed for the first three days of disablement – except for hospital, nursing, or other medical expenses, funeral costs, or medicine. If the period of temporary disability lasts more than 14 days, compensation is allowed from the disability date.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD). An injured employee may receive TPD benefits during the recovery process when the employee is not totally disabled, but their wage-earning capacity has been reduced. The compensation typically equals two-thirds of the average weekly wage of the employee, up to a maximum of the average Maryland weekly wage, up to $50 per week, regardless of the individual's average weekly wage.
• Permanent total disability (PTD). In Maryland, the loss or loss of use of both arms, eyes, feet, hands, legs, or a combination of any two of the following: one arm, eye, foot, hand, or leg, constitutes a PTD. These benefits equal two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, not exceeding the state’s average weekly wage. PTD payments are subject to an annual cost of living adjustment of up to five percent.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD). Injuries that do not leave a worker permanently, totally disabled, but result in some permanent impairment might entitle a worker to receive PPD benefits. Under Maryland law, PPD benefits will continue for a set time that varies according to the body part injured and the severity of the injury.

If the employee’s working conditions contributed to or caused their injury, the injury is assumed to have arisen from the employment.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

Do you need help navigating the complicated Maryland workers’ compensation system? Call Collins Legal Group, LLC, at 410-462-4529 to schedule your initial consultation today.