Injured On The Job And Worried About Delayed Benefits? Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits Waiting Periods Explained

If you suffer on-the-job injuries in Maryland, workers’ compensation benefits provide a safety net, offsetting medical expenses and lost earnings. However, while you may have done everything right in terms of reporting your injury, visiting a doctor, and filing a workers’ comp claim, you could still face potentially lengthy processing delays.

For many injured workers in Maryland, one of the most frustrating parts of the process is waiting for benefits to get approved. If your benefits are taking longer than expected, our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains the waiting periods and how to keep your claim moving forward.

Why Maryland Workers’ Compensation Payments Take Time to Arrive

Benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) are meant to help employees recover from job-related injuries while preventing financial hardship. However, before benefits begin, there may be lengthy waiting periods.

Under Maryland workers’ compensation laws, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period before benefits begin. Beyond these three days, there are other common reasons you could be left waiting for your benefits to begin. These include:

• Incomplete medical or accident reports: Missing information can stall insurer approval.
• Employer or insurer investigations: Some claims are reviewed for verification before benefits start.
• Disputes over the cause of injury: Employers may argue your injury wasn’t job-related.
• Scheduling issues with the WCC: Workers’ compensation administrative hearings and decisions can take time during busy months.

Although medical benefits typically start sooner than wage replacement, both can be delayed if paperwork isn’t filed correctly or if your employer or insurer disputes the claim.

How to Keep Your Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claim on Track

While you can’t always control how fast your benefits arrive, you can take practical steps to prevent unnecessary setbacks in your Maryland workers’ compensation claim. These include:

• Report your injury immediately to your employer and submit all required forms.
• Follow up with your doctor to make sure medical records and disability notes are submitted promptly.
• Keep copies of everything you file, including claim forms and doctors’ notes.
• Keep in touch with both your employer and the insurance adjuster for claim updates.
• Consult an experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney if payments are delayed beyond a reasonable time.

An attorney can communicate directly with the insurer, push for claim approval, and, if necessary, file for a hearing before the WCC to get your benefits started.

To Prevent Delays in Your Claim, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland provide a safety net when on-the-job injuries happen, but delays in getting those benefits are unfortunately common. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we know how stressful this can be and work with you to overcome delays, gather documentation, and fight back against unfair delays.

Don’t wait any longer to get the legal help you need. To get your benefits as quickly as possible, contact our office and request a consultation with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.

Sources:

wcc.state.md.us/

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText