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Maryland Workers' Compensation Laws

Maryland workers' compensation law requires all employers with 1 or more employees to carry coverage (with narrow exceptions for small agricultural employers). TTD benefits pay 2/3 of the average weekly wage, with a 2025 maximum of $1,493/week. The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission (WCC) adjudicates all claims. Maryland has a unique Subsequent Injury Fund that compensates workers whose pre-existing conditions are worsened by workplace injuries.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

Statute of Limitations

Workers' compensation claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of the accidental injury. The period does not begin to toll if a First Report of Injury is not filed with the Commission. For worsening conditions, claims for additional benefits must be filed within 5 years of the last indemnity payment.

Exceptions

Notice to Employer10 daysMd. Code, Labor & Empl. § 9-704

The injured worker must notify the employer within 10 days of the injury (oral or written). For death, the family must notify within 30 days. The employer must file a First Report of Injury with the WCC within 10 days of learning of the accident.

Occupational Disease2 years from knowledgeMd. Code, Labor & Empl. § 9-709

For occupational diseases, the 2-year period begins when the employee knew or should have known the disease was related to employment.

Key Maryland Statutes

TTD benefits are 2/3 of the employee's average weekly wage, with a 2025 maximum of $1,493/week and a minimum of $50/week. Benefits continue until the employee can return to work or reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Universal Coverage (1+ Employee)Md. Code, Labor & Empl. § 9-201

All employers with 1 or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Exceptions: agricultural employers with fewer than 3 employees or annual payroll under $15,000, and sole proprietors/partners who may elect coverage.

Subsequent Injury Fund (SIF)Md. Code, Labor & Empl. § 9-802 et seq.

Maryland's Subsequent Injury Fund compensates workers whose pre-existing conditions are substantially worsened by a workplace injury. Encourages employers to hire disabled individuals by limiting employer liability to only the current injury. Requires combined disability exceeding 50% of the body (250 weeks). Funded by a 6.5% assessment on permanent disability and death awards.

Uninsured Employers' Fund (UEF)Md. Code, Labor & Empl. § 9-1001 et seq.

Provides workers' comp benefits to employees injured while working for employers who illegally failed to carry insurance. Self-funded through fines and assessments, with reimbursement sought from the uninsured employer.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)Md. Code, Labor & Empl. § 9-627

PPD benefits are based on a schedule of body parts (e.g., arm = 300 weeks, leg = 280 weeks). The 2025 maximum PPD rate is $498/week. PPD benefits may be paid in addition to TTD.

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.

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