Attention small business owners in Maryland. If you have employees, you need to get worker’s compensation insurance.

According to Maryland State law, Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Law provides ways for employees who have been injured on the job to be paid for lost wages and medical expenses related to the injury.

Most Maryland employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to pay for an injury that the employee received while on the job. Under the law, compensation does not require anyone or any entity to be at fault. So, in most of these worker’s compensation claims, injured employees cannot sue employers for damages. ***

Also, according to Maryland State Law, an accidental personal injury is:

1. an accidental injury that arises out of and in the course of employment.

2. an injury caused by a willful or negligent act of a third person directed against a covered employee in the course of the employee's employment.

Here are some reasons for you to consider worker’s compensation insurance:   

1. To protect yourself in case of an accident: Accidents happen in the workplace. If you become injured while working, workers’ compensation insurance will help cover both medical expenses and lost wages. 

2. To protect employers: Injuries at the job site can be costly for the employer. Workers’ compensation insurance protects employers when these costs arise and ensures that they are not liable for any injuries or illnesses that occur on the job.

3. State law: As stated, Maryland requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Failing to cover employees could not only be costly for the injured employee, but it could bring on lawsuits and company closures or bankruptcy. 

4. Once you have filed a claim, the employer responds. Most employers do not challenge claims and approve benefits. Soon after the claim is approved, you are awarded benefits. Benefits include lost wages and medical expenses. You don’t need an attorney to file a worker’s compensation claim. It does not cover injuries received outside of employment or self-inflicted injuries. 

Worker’s Compensation Coverage covers these losses: 

1. Medical expenses: As stated, workers’ compensation insurance will help to cover your medical expenses if injured on the job. This coverage reduces the financial losses that occur due to the injury. 

2. Lost wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injury, worker’s compensation will help cover the wages you would have been paid.

Death benefits: If the employee dies due to work-related injuries, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the employee’s family.

3. Workers’ compensation insurance is not only required by the state of Maryland, but it also protects both the employee and the employer. If you don’t have coverage, look into getting this insurance coverage as soon as possible. 

Lindquist Insurance can help. We offer Worker’s Compensation Insurance for individuals and companies. Contact our licensed and experienced insurance agents at (301) 694-0008 for a free consultation. We serve the Frederick, MD, and Annapolis, MD areas.   

*** For more information about Maryland Worker's Compensation laws, visit the Maryland State Assembly website.