Workers’ compensation is a crucial aspect of employment in any state, including Maryland. If you are an employee in the state, it is important to understand what workers’ compensation is and how it works. What do you need to know about how workers’ comp works in Maryland?
What is Workers Comp?
Workers’ compensation in Maryland is an insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job or suffer an occupational illness. Through workers’ compensation, employees can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Who is Eligible for Workers Comp in Maryland?
Most employees in Maryland are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including full-time and part-time workers, seasonal employees, and even some independent contractors. However, there are some exceptions, such as domestic workers and certain agricultural employees.
How to File
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Maryland, you must report your injury or illness to your employer within 10 days. Your employer will then provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form to fill out. After submitting the form, your employer will submit it to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, who will determine if your claim is accepted.
What Benefits Are Available?
If your workers’ compensation claim is accepted, you may be eligible for a variety of benefits, including medical care, temporary total disability benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation services. The amount and duration of these benefits vary depending on the severity of your injury and the nature of your job.
What are the Limitations?
While workers’ compensation provides important benefits to employees who are injured on the job, there are limitations to what it covers. For example, workers’ compensation benefits do not cover pain and suffering, and they may not provide full compensation for lost wages.
What Not to Do While on Workers Comp?
Sustaining an injury or illness on the job can be a frustrating and difficult experience. Fortunately, workers’ compensation in Maryland is available to help employees recover from their injuries and receive financial stability during this challenging time. However, there are certain things that you should avoid doing while you are receiving workers’ compensation.
Is there anything you should avoid doing while on workers’ compensation?
Do Not Refuse Medical Treatment
Receiving medical treatment for your injury is critical to your recovery and workers’ compensation claim. If you refuse medical treatment or fail to attend medical appointments, it may indicate to your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company that your injury is not as severe as you claim.
Failing to attend medical appointments or refusing medical treatment can cause delays and complications in your workers’ compensation claim. It is essential to attend all medical appointments, follow your doctor’s orders, and notify your employer if you are unable to attend scheduled medical appointments.
Do Not Engage in Activities That Could Exacerbate Your Injury
While you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, it is essential to avoid activities that could worsen or prolong your recovery. For example, if you are receiving benefits for back pain, it is not advisable to participate in heavy lifting activities or other strenuous activities that could aggravate your condition.
Your workers’ compensation claim may be at risk if you engage in activities that exacerbate your injury. Make sure you follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and avoid activities that could prolong your recovery or cause further harm.
Do Not Attempt to Re-Enter the Workforce Too Soon
Returning to work too soon after an injury could result in re-injury or additional harm and could cause your workers’ compensation claim to be suspended. Returning to work too soon could also impact your medical treatment and cause complications in your recovery.
When your doctor has cleared you to go back to work, make sure you speak with your employer about your work restrictions and avoid activities that exceed those limitations.
