Maximum Benefits for Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims
Under Maryland state law, workers’ compensation provides an efficient mechanism for addressing workplace injuries. For covered employees and employers, the workers’ compensation system allows for quick resolution of workplace incidents. The employee can receive financial assistance with medical bills and diminished earning capacity. The employer can avoid the danger of a costly and time-consuming lawsuit.
Depending on the nature of the employee’s injury, there are different levels of available benefits. The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (the Commission) is responsible for updating the maximum benefit levels for workers’ compensation claims.
Using the average weekly wage of covered employees across the state, the Commission updates the maximum benefit levels every year. The following sections provide an overview of maximum benefit levels from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2019.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
If an employee is eligible for permanent total disability benefits, then they can recover up to two-thirds of their previous average weekly wage. The maximum amount for permanent total disability benefits cannot exceed $1,094, which is 100 percent of the state average weekly wage.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If an employee is eligible for temporary total disability benefits, then they can recover up to two-thirds of their previous average weekly wage. The maximum amount for temporary total disability benefits cannot exceed $1,094, which is 100 percent of the state average weekly wage.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If an employee is eligible for less than 75 weeks of permanent partial disability benefits, then they can recover up to one-third of their previous average weekly wage. The maximum amount for this level of permanent partial disability benefits cannot exceed $183, which is 16.7 percent of the state average weekly wage.
If an employee is eligible for 75 weeks or more of permanent partial disability benefits, then they can recover up to two-thirds of their previous average weekly wage. The maximum amount for this level of permanent partial disability benefits cannot exceed $365, which is 33.3 percent of the state average weekly wage.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
If an employee is eligible for temporary partial disability benefits, then they can recover up to 50 percent of the difference between their previous average weekly wage and their new earning capacity. The maximum amount for permanent total disability benefits cannot exceed $547, which is 50 percent of the state average weekly wage.
Serious Disability Benefits
If an employee is eligible for serious disability benefits, then they can recover up to two-thirds of their previous average weekly wage. The maximum amount for permanent total disability benefits cannot exceed $821, which is 75 percent of the state average weekly wage.
Do You Need Legal Help?
if you have legal questions about workers’ compensation claims in Maryland, it can be decidedly helpful to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP in Baltimore, Maryland, have many years of legal experience in the field of workers’ compensation. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
