How Long Does Workers’ Comp Last? 

According to the WCC, you will receive payments for your workplace injuries as long as you remain unable to work. So, your workers' comp will likely end once you reach maximum medical improvement after your accident.

In this blog, we explore further how long you can claim workers’ comp benefits. We’ll also discuss when you can enjoy these benefits and the kinds of injuries that workers comp covers. Take a look.

Maryland Workers Comp: How Long Does It Last?

How long you can reap the benefits of workers’ comp will depend on the extent of your injuries. Some injuries are more severe than others, which would also require more time for you to recover.

Workers’ comp applies until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement. Suppose your workplace injury left you unable to work for a week. In that case, you will receive benefits for a week.

Meanwhile, you might have survived a severe injury that your attending physician determined would need a month for you to fully recover from. In this example, you will receive workers comp benefits for a month or until you can return to work.

When Can You Claim Workers’ Comp?

Filing a workers’ comp claim will require you to report your accident first. Be sure to report any workplace incidents to your employer as soon as it occurs. Any delay may affect your claim. You can submit a claim by visiting the WCC's dedicated webpage for claims and filling out its free Employee Claim Form.

Moreover, you are entitled to income replacement benefits from workers' comp if you miss at least three work days. At the same time, missing more than 14 days of work will get you the same compensation for the first three days of missed work. However, your employer must have not paid you during these days to obtain these benefits.

Additionally, it may take up to 15 days after settlement for you to receive any funds.

What Kind of Benefits Can You Receive From Workers’ Comp?

Generally, the benefits that you receive from Maryland workers' comp fall under two categories: medical and income replacement.

The first category will cover all the expenses of your medical treatment. This includes hospital stays, medications, surgeries, and physical therapy. You may also get compensation for retraining or rehabilitation in case you cannot return to your usual job due to disability.

The second category contains income replacement benefits. You can receive a portion of your usual pay for the days that you missed due to your injury. The benefits range from two-thirds to full compensation of your usual pay.

Meanwhile, you may also receive death and funeral benefits in case your family member passed away due to their workplace. Likewise, your loved ones can claim these benefits if you died from an occupational hazard or disease.

What Kinds of Injuries Does Workers’ Comp Cover?

Workers’ comp only recognizes specific workplace injuries before it will release any benefits. Generally, it includes any injury that happened in the workplace or as a result of performing your tasks. You can also receive compensation if you acquired an occupational disease from your work.

You will have to prove that your injury or illness is work-related for you to receive benefits. Whether you suffered a slip and fall while on the clock or developed a disease due to your workplace's conditions, you should gather the necessary proof and submit them with your workers' comp claim.

Gathering the evidence for your workers' comp claim can be complicated when you should focus on recovering from whatever injury you incurred. Consider getting a workers' comp lawyer who understands the Maryland system to successfully obtain your benefits for however long you deserve.

Get a Workers’ Comp Lawyer To Help Your Claim

Workers’ comp lasts as long as you need it. Your benefits will depend on the severity of your injuries and the treatments involved in your recovery. However, you must prove that you incurred these injuries in the workplace for you to receive the compensation.

Don't let a workplace injury hold you back. Trust the experienced team at Shultz Legal to guide you through the complicated process of obtaining workers' compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the benefits you deserve!