How Much Does Workers Comp Pay In Maryland? [2024]
In Maryland, workers' compensation benefits in Maryland are structured as follows:
| Type of Disability | Calculation | Maximum Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disability (TTD) | Two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage | $1,456.00 |
| Permanent Total Disability (PTD) | Two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage | $1,456.00 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)(less than 75 weeks) | One-third of the employee’s average weekly wage | $486.00 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) (75-250 weeks)(75 to 250 weeks) | Two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage | $486.00 |
| Temporary Partial Disability | 50% of the difference between pre- and post-injury wages | $728.00 |
| Serious Disability | Two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage | $1,092.00 |
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Benefits are calculated at two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, with a maximum cap of $1,456.00, which is 100% of the State Average Weekly Wage.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Similar to TTD, these benefits are also two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to the same maximum of $1,456.00.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): For awards lasting less than 75 weeks, compensation is set at one-third of the employee’s average weekly wage, with a maximum of $486.00. For awards between 75 and 250 weeks, the rate is two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, not exceeding one-third of the State Average Weekly Wage, which is also capped at $486.00.
Temporary Partial Disability: This is calculated as 50% of the difference between the employee’s average weekly wage and their wage-earning capacity after the injury, with a maximum of $728.00.
Serious Disability: This category has a maximum payout of two-thirds of the average employee weekly pay, capped at $1,092.00.
These rates are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are applicable for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2024.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Temporary total disability refers to a condition where an employee is temporarily unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. During this period of incapacitation, workers may be eligible to receive TTD benefits, which aim to partially compensate for lost wages.
In Maryland, TTD benefits are calculated at two-thirds of the employee's Average Weekly Wage (AWW). However, this compensation cannot exceed 100% of the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) or $1,456.00 per week, whichever is lower. The AWW is typically determined by averaging the worker's wages over a specified period preceding the injury.
For instance, if an employee's AWW is $900, their TTD benefits would amount to $600 per week (two-thirds of $900). Conversely, if the AWW exceeds the maximum threshold set by the state, the compensation would be capped at $1,456.00 per week.
These benefits are crucial for injured workers as they provide financial stability during their recovery phase, ensuring that they can meet their basic needs and cover essential expenses while unable to work.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
In cases where an employee sustains a severe injury or illness that renders them permanently unable to return to work, they may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits. PTD benefits aim to provide long-term financial support to individuals who have sustained catastrophic injuries or debilitating conditions.
Similar to TTD benefits, PTD benefits in Maryland are calculated at two-thirds of the employee's Average Weekly Wage, with a maximum cap of 100% of the State Average Weekly Wage or $1,456.00 per week, whichever is lower. However, unlike TTD benefits, PTD benefits are intended to provide ongoing support for the duration of the individual's disability.
The determination of permanent total disability involves assessing the severity of the injury or illness and its impact on the individual's ability to engage in gainful employment. Factors such as medical evidence, vocational assessments, and the nature of the disability are considered in the evaluation process.
Once deemed permanently and totally disabled, the injured worker becomes entitled to PTD benefits, which continue for the duration of their disability. These benefits play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with significant impairments have access to financial resources to maintain their quality of life and meet their ongoing needs.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
In Maryland, Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) compensation is structured to provide benefits based on the duration of the disability. For awards lasting less than 75 weeks, the compensation is set at one-third of the employee’s average weekly wage, with a maximum cap of $486.00. This means that if one-third of the employee’s average weekly wage exceeds $486.00, the benefit will still be limited to $486.00 per week.
For awards lasting between 75 and 250 weeks, the compensation rate increases to two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage. However, the maximum weekly benefit remains capped at $486.00, which is one-third of the State Average Weekly Wage. This cap ensures that even if two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage is higher than $486.00, the benefit cannot exceed this amount.
Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits in Maryland are designed to support workers who have experienced a work-related injury but can still work in a reduced capacity.
These benefits compensate for the loss of income resulting from the inability to perform at full capacity due to the injury.
To calculate TPD benefits, the difference between the employee's pre-injury average weekly wage and their current wage-earning capacity after the injury is determined.
The wage-earning capacity is the amount the employee can earn in their modified or reduced role, given the limitations imposed by their injury. TPD benefits are then calculated at 50% of this difference, meaning the employee receives half of the lost wages as compensation. However, these benefits are subject to a maximum cap of $728.00 per week.
This cap ensures that the benefits do not exceed a certain amount, regardless of the actual difference in earnings. If 50% of the difference between the pre-injury and post-injury wages exceeds $728.00, the benefit will be capped at $728.00.
TPD benefits provide crucial financial support to injured workers during their recovery, helping bridge the gap between pre-injury and post-injury earnings. They also encourage employees to return to work in a capacity that suits their current abilities, promoting rehabilitation and eventual full recovery.
Serious Disability
The compensation for Serious Disability is calculated at two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage, reflecting the substantial nature of the injury and the corresponding loss of earning capacity.
However, to maintain consistency and manageability within the system, there is a maximum cap on the weekly benefits that can be awarded under this category, set at $1,092.00. This cap ensures that while workers receive adequate compensation for their serious injuries, the benefits remain within a sustainable range.
Average Workers' Compensation Settlement in Maryland
The average workers' compensation settlement in Maryland can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, the affected body part, and the level of disability. For example, settlements for more serious injuries, like those causing permanent partial or total disabilities, tend to be higher. It's common to see average settlements ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 or more, but specific cases can result in significantly higher or lower amounts depending on individual circumstances (Trollinger Law LLC) (Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers).
How is Workers' Compensation Calculated in Maryland?
Workers' compensation in Maryland is calculated based on the worker's average weekly wage (AWW). For temporary total disability (TTD), the compensation is typically two-thirds of the worker's AWW, subject to a maximum limit set by the state. Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits are calculated as 50% of the difference between the pre-injury AWW and the worker's current earnings. For permanent partial and total disabilities, the benefits are calculated similarly, but they also take into account the severity of the disability and the specific body part affected (Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers) (The Baltimore Injury Lawyer).
Maximum Workers' Compensation Rate in Maryland
As of 2024, the maximum workers' compensation rate in Maryland is capped at $1,456 per week. This cap applies to cases where the worker's two-thirds AWW exceeds this amount, ensuring that no worker receives more than the state-imposed maximum, regardless of their earnings (Trollinger Law LLC).
These calculations and caps ensure that workers receive fair compensation while maintaining a standardized approach across different cases. For specific advice or to maximize your claim, consulting with a workers' compensation attorney is recommended.
Need Representation?
For personalized legal guidance and steadfast representation in matters concerning car accidents, workers' compensation, and more, turn to Schultz Legal. Our experienced team is dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Don't navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Contact Schultz Legal today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward achieving justice and peace of mind.
