Category Archives: Worker’s Compensation
Maryland Court Finds Large Company Liable for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Despite an independent contract, a Maryland appellate court determined that a large company was liable to a farm worker for workers’ compensation benefits, according to a decision by the Court of Special Appeals. To understand the significance of this decision, it will be necessary to examine relevant factual background, procedural history, and legal analysis…. Read More »
Examining 4 Legal Elements of Workers’ Compensation in Maryland
Workers’ compensation in Maryland is a legal doctrine that addresses the liability for injuries and diseases that occur in the employment context. This doctrine applies when an employee sustains a qualifying injury — or contracts an occupational disease — as a function of performing their job duties. In these cases, the injured employee can… Read More »
New Maryland Law Expands Workers’ Compensation for Fire & Rescue Personnel
Among many other new laws set to take effect on October 1st, fire and rescue personnel will benefit from expanded workers’ compensation coverage, according to an article by the Maryland Reporter. Under existing Maryland workers’ compensation law, certain public service employees have a presumption of an occupational disease. This presumption is due to the… Read More »
Assessing the Requirements for Filing Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation is a legal mechanism that helps injured employee secure benefits for certain accidental injuries that occur in the workplace. Assuming the employment situation and injury are eligible under Maryland workers’ compensation laws, then it is possible for an injured employee to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and diminished working capacity…. Read More »
Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission Barred from Adjusting Past Award
The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (the Commission) is not allowed to change the rates of past benefit awards, according to this decision by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. This appellate court determined that Maryland law only permits the Commission to change future awards of workers’ compensation benefits in limited circumstances. To gain an… Read More »
What are the Maximum Rates for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Maryland?
In Maryland, the Workers’ Compensation Commission (the Commission) is responsible for setting the maximum benefit rates every calendar year. As established in Maryland Code of Labor Employment Section 9-603, the Commission uses data from the Department of Labor to determine the state average for weekly wages annually. This average wage is applied to calculate… Read More »
What are Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits for Injured Maryland Workers?
Vocational rehabilitation is a specific benefit available to qualifying employees under Maryland workers’ compensation laws. To qualify for vocational rehabilitation, the employee must sustain an injury arising out of their employment. Furthermore, the injury in question must prevent the employee from returning to their previous job duties and responsibilities. The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission… Read More »
Maryland Firefighters Will Benefit from New Workers’ Compensation Law
Firefighters in Maryland will benefit from expanded workers’ compensation protection with the signing of a new law, according to a press release from the Office of Governor Larry Hogan. Now firefighters will have a presumed occupational disease if they contract certain types of cancer. The governor recently signed House Bill 595 (H.B. 595) into… Read More »
Maryland Senate Approves Medical Marijuana for Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Voting in unanimous fashion, the Maryland Senate passed a new bill to require medical marijuana coverage in workers’ compensation cases, according to an article by Business Insurance. Officially referred to as Senate Bill 854 (S.B. 854), this legislative measure aims to change existing workers’ compensation regulations and allow medical marijuana as part of approved… Read More »
Analyzing Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Permanent Disability
When a covered employee suffers a qualifying injury arising out of employment, Maryland Workers’ compensation provide an avenue for financial compensation and other benefits. In certain cases, the work-related accident can even result in temporary or permanent disability. Though the benefits available under Maryland law do change based on the type of disability. On… Read More »
