Workers’ Compensation FAQs

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that pays benefits to people after they are injured on the job. Each state has its own workers’ compensation system. Maryland’s began in 1902 and is administered by the State Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Your employer pays for workers’ comp, at no cost to you. Most employers are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance.

In general, anyone who is classified as an employee is covered by workers’ compensation. In order for your injury to be covered, the injury must occur while you are on the job.

In Maryland, workers’ compensation provides three types of benefits: wage replacement, medical benefits and vocational rehabilitation.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. However, in Maryland (and in most states), workers cannot collect compensation if they deliberately tried to injure themselves. Similarly, if a worker is intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs, compensation is not be awarded.

The most important thing to do after an injury is to report it immediately to your supervisor or manager.