Teacher Injuries: Common Challenges Educators Face in Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims

As children throughout Maryland head back to school, teachers are adjusting to new schedules and learning a fresh set of names. While the start of a new semester can be exciting for educators, they need to be aware of common hazards that can put them at risk.

Accidents on school grounds can occur in a variety of ways and can leave teachers suffering potentially serious personal injuries. Workers’ compensation helps in covering their medical expenses, lost income, and other costs. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains how teacher injuries often happen and challenges they frequently face in filing claims.

How Teachers Get Injured In Maryland Schools

Working in a school may seem relatively safe compared to construction sites or industrial plants. However, teachers face hazards daily that can put their health and financial security at risk.

Work-related injuries impacting teachers in Maryland can happen suddenly or slowly over time.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that common ways injuries can happen include:

• Slips, trips, and falls in hallways, classrooms, or playgrounds;
• Strains and sprains from moving desks, carrying stacks of books, or handling classroom equipment;
• Repetitive stress injuries caused by grading papers, typing lesson plans, or writing on whiteboards for extended periods;
• Exposure to illnesses from students or coworkers, leading to infections or prolonged sickness;
• Injuries during student altercations or while breaking up fights, which can cause both physical and emotional trauma.

Whether you teach in a public school, private academy, or charter program, work-related injuries can happen that impact your ability to provide for yourself and your family.

Challenges Teachers Face In Obtaining Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Teachers may be entitled to benefits for their injuries, but filing a claim through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) is not without challenges. These often include:

• Disputes over whether the injury happened at work, particularly for conditions that develop over time, like back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Pressure to return to work too soon, even before your doctor says you’re ready.
• Difficulty proving occupational illnesses or repetitive stress injuries, since they often lack a single incident to point to.
• Missing or incomplete documentation from administrators or human resources departments.
• Denials due to missed filing deadlines or incomplete forms.

These hurdles can delay getting the medical care you need while leaving you with significant out-of-pocket losses. Our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney can step in to gather evidence, represent you in appeals, and take other legal actions to get you the compensation you deserve.

To Get The Benefits You Deserve, Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

At Berman, Sobin, Gross, Feldman & Darby LLP, we appreciate the time Maryland teachers pour into their students and their dedication to their job. When injuries happen, you can count on our legal team to fight for the maximum benefits you deserve.

If you’ve been injured while teaching, don’t let the stress of the claims process keep you from focusing on your health. Contact our office today and request a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to see how we can help.

Sources:

bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/injuries-and-illnesses-among-school-teachers.htm

wcc.state.md.us/