What Happens When A Maryland Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

You expect your employer to protect you if you get hurt on the job, but what if they don’t? Most Maryland employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. It plays a vital role in covering the cost of medical treatment and lost wages when employees get injured. However, not every employer follows the law.

If your company doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, you still have rights. Our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains the steps you can take to ensure you’re not left paying the price for their mistake.

The Maryland Statutes Require Most Employers to Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland help offset lost income and cover medical expenses when on-the-job injuries happen. Almost all employers with one or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Failing to do so isn’t just irresponsible. Under the Maryland Statutes, it’s illegal.

The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) and the Uninsured Employers’ Fund (UEF) help protect workers when employers break this rule. If your employer doesn’t have coverage, here’s what can happen:

• The employer faces fines and penalties, sometimes thousands of dollars per day.
• The Maryland Uninsured Employers’ Fund (UEF) steps in to handle your claim.
• The state may file criminal charges against the employer for noncompliance.
• You can still receive medical and wage benefits through the UEF process.

The UEF works much like a regular insurance carrier. It covers your approved medical bills, partial wage replacement, and other benefits while pursuing reimbursement from the uninsured employer.

How to File a Claim When A Maryland Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Learning that your employer doesn’t have coverage can come as a blow, creating additional stress in an already difficult situation and adding to financial insecurity. However, even without this coverage, the process for filing a claim remains similar. The difference is that your benefits will come through the state’s Uninsured Employers’ Fund instead of a private insurer.

Here’s what to do after a work injury with an uninsured employer:

• Report the injury to your employer right away and document every detail of how it happened.
• Get medical treatment immediately, and make sure the doctor knows your injuries are job-related.
• File for benefits through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).
• Notify the Uninsured Employers’ Fund (UEF) that your employer lacks coverage.

Because UEF claims involve more paperwork and state oversight, missing even one requirement can delay your benefits. Having professional legal help can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and processed properly, and can protect your rights if the employer tries to retaliate or deny responsibility.

Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Getting injured on the job in Maryland creates significant stress and financial insecurity. Finding out your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation coverage only makes the situation worse.

At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we protect injured workers, helping them get compensation for medical bills, missed earnings, and other losses. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.

Sources:

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=9-407&enactments=False&archived=False

wcc.state.md.us/

msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/25ind/html/73uninsf.html