After you report a workplace injury in Maryland, the process usually moves through several important steps: notifying your employer, filing a claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, waiting for the insurance company’s response, and, if there is a dispute, attending a hearing. You do not need to navigate this while you are in pain, missing work, and worried about bills. Taking prompt action and keeping records can help protect your right to benefits.
Summer can be an especially dangerous time for Maryland workers in construction, landscaping, delivery, road work, and other outdoor jobs. Whether you were hurt in Anne Arundel County or elsewhere in the state, knowing what to do after a workplace injury in Maryland can make a meaningful difference in your claim.
Step One: Notify Your Employer Within 10 Days
After an on-the-job accident, tell your employer as soon as possible. Maryland law generally requires an injured worker to give notice within 10 days
of an accidental workplace injury. While notice may be given orally or in writing, providing a written report is often the safest approach because it creates a record of when you reported the injury and what happened.
Your written notice should identify you and explain, in plain language, the time, place, nature, and cause of the injury. For example, if you hurt your back while lifting materials at a Glen Burnie job site, report the date, location, activity, and symptoms. If you fell from a ladder, were struck by equipment, or developed pain after repetitive work, include those details.
Do not assume that telling a coworker is enough. Notify a supervisor, manager, human resources representative, or another person authorized to receive injury reports. Keep a copy of any written report, email, text message, or incident form for your records. If your employer asks you to complete paperwork, read it carefully and make sure the description of the accident is accurate before signing.
Prompt notice is important because delays can give an employer or insurer an opportunity to argue that the injury was not work-related. The LawChampion regularly helps injured workers document the facts early, before important details are forgotten or disputed.
Step Two: File Your Claim With the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
Reporting the injury to your employer is not the same as filing your own workers’ compensation claim. Your employer may submit a First Report of Injury, but you should still protect yourself by filing an Employee Claim Form with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
For an accidental injury, Maryland law generally calls for filing the claim promptly—often within 60 days. More importantly, there is a strict outside deadline: if a claim is not filed within two years
of the accidental injury, it can be completely barred. Waiting may put your benefits at risk, even if your employer knew about the accident or initially appeared cooperative.
The claim form asks for information about your employer, job duties, accident, injuries, medical treatment, and lost time from work. Accuracy matters. Provide the facts clearly, but do not guess about medical diagnoses or minimize your symptoms simply because you hope they will improve.
You may be entitled to medical treatment and wage-loss benefits if you cannot work or must work with restrictions. Filing creates an official record with the Commission and starts the process for resolving your claim. For more information about the types of benefits that may be available, visit Workers’ Compensation
and Maryland Workers’ Compensation.
Step Three: The Employer’s Insurer Reviews the Claim
Once the claim is filed, the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer—or a self-insured employer—reviews the information. The insurer may accept the claim and begin paying authorized medical care and applicable wage-loss benefits. It may also ask for medical records, job information, or other documentation.
However, an insurer may challenge all or part of a claim. It may question whether the injury happened at work, whether your current symptoms were caused by the accident, whether you need a particular treatment, or whether you are able to return to work. A claim can also become disputed when an insurer stops temporary disability payments, disagrees with work restrictions, or challenges the extent of a permanent injury.
An insurer’s request for information does not mean you did anything wrong. Still, it is important to be careful and consistent. Follow medical advice, attend appointments, keep copies of work-status notes, and avoid statements that could be taken out of context. Mitchell Greenberg can communicate with the insurer on your behalf and help ensure that your claim is presented clearly.
Step Four: What Happens at a Commission Hearing?
If the insurer contests your claim or a benefit issue cannot be resolved, the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission may schedule a hearing. This is not a jury trial, but it is a formal proceeding before a Commissioner. The Commissioner listens to evidence and decides the disputed issues.
At a hearing, the issues may include whether the injury arose out of and in the course of employment, whether you are temporarily unable to work, whether medical treatment is reasonable and necessary, or whether you have a permanent disability. You may testify about what happened, your job duties, your symptoms, treatment, and how the injury has affected your ability to work.
Medical records, doctor’s opinions, wage information, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and employment records can all matter. The employer and insurer may have their own attorney and evidence. That is one reason preparation is so important. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help identify the issues, gather supporting documents, prepare your testimony, and challenge inaccurate arguments from the other side.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Many injured workers wait to talk to a lawyer because they expect the process to be simple. Unfortunately, a workplace injury can become complicated quickly—especially when treatment is delayed, benefits are denied, a doctor releases you to work too soon, or an insurer claims that your condition is not related to the accident.
Early representation can help preserve evidence, meet deadlines, avoid incomplete paperwork, and prevent misunderstandings from becoming larger problems. The Law Office of Mitchell A. Greenberg, LLC—The LawChampion—represents injured workers throughout Maryland, including workers in Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County. Mitchell Greenberg understands that a work injury affects more than your health; it can place pressure on your family, income, and future.
You do not have to wait for a denial before getting help. Speaking with a lawyer early can give you a clearer understanding of the process and your options while your claim is still developing.
FAQ
Do I have to report a workplace injury in writing?
Maryland generally allows oral or written notice, but a written report is strongly recommended. It gives you proof that you notified your employer and helps document the details of the accident.
What if my employer files an accident report?
An employer report is helpful, but it does not replace your own Employee Claim Form with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. Filing your claim helps protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Maryland?
You should file as soon as possible. Maryland law generally requires prompt filing, and a claim filed more than two years after an accidental workplace injury may be completely barred.
Will I have to go to a hearing?
Not always. If the claim and benefits are accepted, a hearing may not be necessary. A hearing is more likely when the employer or insurer disputes the injury, treatment, lost wages, work restrictions, or permanent disability.
Can I speak with a lawyer before my claim is denied?
Yes. In fact, getting legal guidance early may help you avoid missed deadlines, incomplete filings, and preventable disputes.
If you were hurt at work, The LawChampion is ready to help you understand what comes next. Your consultation with Mitchell Greenberg is free and has no time limit. Call or text 443-672-8529 today.