Maryland was the first state in the United States to pass a workers’ compensation law, enacting its law in 1902. Today, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for an injured employee against their employer or co-employee. Essentially, Maryland’s workers’ compensation law provides a system of insurance to the employee, at the employer’s expense, for job-related injuries, including disability and death. Under this system, “coverage” exists, and benefits are paid regardless of fault. In return, the employer is shielded from civil tort liability for injuries that occur on the job. In this way, workers’ compensation laws protect the interests of both employees and employers.
This chapter outlines the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act, which Act provides the framework for workers’ compensation laws in Maryland.
Most, but not all employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage. For instance, the following employers may elect not to provide workers’ compensation coverage: