What Is Workers’ Comp?

What is Maryland Workers’ Compensation?

Workers Compensation is an insurance program established by the State that requires employers with one or more employees to provide accidental injury coverage to their employees. Workers compensation covers an employee’s medical expenses, hospital bills and a partial income replacement, when the employee has an accidental injury that arose out of the course of employment. However, compensation is not unlimited; there are limits that are established by the Official Maryland Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Guide.

Income replacement only arises when you miss more than three days from work, however if you miss more than fourteen days you will get paid for the first three days missed as well. If you are unable to return to the line of work for which you are qualified, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation and training, which provides services to the injured worker to enable them to return to work. Services may include testing, job placement, vocational counseling, and the job training and retraining. If permanent disability arises benefits possibly will continue.

Reporting a Claim

When there is an accident on the job it needs to be reported immediately to avoid delay in your claim.  We recommend getting a Maryland workers compensation attorney immediately.  To file a claim with the Workers Compensation Commission, the employee needs to fill out an Employee Claim Form online or mail it in to the Workers Compensation Commission. State law requires that employers post a notice with Workers Compensation information that is helpful to the employee when filling out the claim, such as the employers full name, address, insurance company name, etc.

 The Case

An employer is entitled to raise objections to the workers compensation claim until the consideration date, which is set by the Commission. If an employer does object, a hearing before the Commission will be scheduled. If you do not receive benefits from your employer or their insurer or are not receiving the benefits that you believe you are entitled to, you can request a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

A Commissioner hears and decides the case as a judge would in court, any party not satisfied with the Commissioner’s decision can file an appeal with the Circuit Court in their jurisdiction.   If you decide to retain an attorney, like we strongly recommend, you will not have to pay up front for the fees; rather, if you are awarded compensation, a fee will be deducted from your award and paid to your attorney.

Let Us Put Your Mind at Ease

At Warnken, LLC, we pride ourselves on being able to explain complex legal issues to our clients.  We will help you understand everything you need to about the workers’ compensation process.  Let us help you put your mind at ease.