How Long Will My Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?
If you were hurt in a workplace accident and approved for workers’ compensation, you might wonder how long you can receive benefits under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) system. One of your biggest concerns will be medical care, so it will be a relief to know that your treatment is covered. Workers’ compensation does pay for all care that is necessary and reasonably related to treating your medical condition.
However, there are additional implications of a work-related injury, especially when you have not been able to return to your job. You are relying on your workers’ compensation benefits during the time you are not earning an income, so your concerns are understandable. The specifics can be complicated, but a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney can explain the details. In addition, you might benefit from a general overview of how long workers’ compensation benefits last.
Factors That Impact Duration of Workers’ Compensation Benefits: There is no definite answer regarding how long you will receive benefits, since every situation is different. The duration depends upon numerous considerations, including:
- The severity and nature of your injuries;
- Whether you can return to your job after time to recover; and,
- Whether you are able to work with physical restrictions to account for your injuries and recovery.
These factors determine your temporary or permanent disability, as well as the total or partial nature of the disability.
Temporary Total and Partial Disability in Maryland: When you are expected to recover from your work-related injuries after a period of rehabilitation, you qualify for temporary disability benefits. If your medical condition leaves you totally disabled on a temporary basis, you receive benefits at the rate of two-thirds your average weekly salary. The payments last until you return to work or reach maximum medical recovery (MMI) – the point at which your condition will not improve any further.
With a temporary partial disability, you may be working but not earning as much. Your benefits are half the difference between your pre- and post-accident wages, until you can work at normal levels or you reach MMI.
Duration of Permanent Disability Workers’ Compensation Benefits: When injuries are severe, the effects may be permanent. Again, the analysis of how long you receive benefits depends upon the total or partial nature of the disability.
- Permanent total disability is two-thirds of your average salary, and you may qualify to receive benefits for the rest of your life.
- Permanent partial disability works according to a scheduling system, which assigns a length of time to the part of the body affected by the injury. Loss of a limb could be up to 300 weeks of benefits, while a lesser toe is just 10 weeks.
Consult with a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer About Your Benefits
This information about the duration of workers’ compensation benefits may be useful, but you probably want additional details regarding your specific situation. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC can describe how the system works and assist you in getting the full amount of benefits under workers’ compensation laws. Please contact our offices in Glen Burnie, Owings Mills, Ellicott City, or Annapolis today to set up a free consultation regarding your circumstances.
