Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide you with compensation after an injury or illness at work. Although a workplace injury or illness can happen in any type of job, there are industries where injuries are more likely to occur.
According to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, there were 23,586 workers’ compensation claims filed in 2019. Several industries had more than 100 filed claims.
Jobs with the highest number of workers’ compensation claims
The highest number of claims came from the following jobs:
- Police officers and security guards
- College, school or daycare workers
- Municipal township or state employees
Other jobs that had a high number of claims include construction workers, firefighters, hospital workers, hotel and restaurant workers and truck drivers.
Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries
In terms of injuries, back injuries are the most common workplace injuries in Maryland. Back injuries are often accompanied by injuries to another part. Common body parts that are injured along with the back are the neck, shoulder, knee, leg and head.
The likely reason back injuries are so common is because the back is the body part most susceptible to injury when performing physical or manual labor. However, work-related back injuries can also occur in sedentary jobs, from sitting in an uncomfortable or cramped position for several hours at a time.
Other common types of workplace injuries include head injuries, neck injuries, broken bones, pulled muscles, bruises, cuts, scrapes, slips, trips and falls. Common injuries in non-physical jobs, such as office jobs, include repetitive motion injuries.
No matter what type of injury you suffered, you could receive workers’ compensation benefits if it happened while you were working.
No-fault workers’ compensation
Maryland has a no-fault workers’ compensation system. This means that you can still receive workers’ compensation benefits even if it is determined that you were partially responsible for your injury.
If you decide to file for workers’ compensation benefits, there are various procedures and deadlines. The deadlines can be strict, so it is important to learn them and make sure to get your claim filed in time.
You have 10 days to report the injury to your employer, but it is best to notify them as soon as possible. You should then seek immediate medical treatment.
Depending on your employer’s workers’ compensation policy, you might be required to see a doctor chosen by your employer. Follow all your doctor’s instructions and treatment recommendations. Make sure to tell the doctor that your injury happened while you were at work.
Document your injury expenses
Keep all documentation of your injury and medical expenses. This includes any receipts, tests results, prescriptions or anything else you may need to prove your expenses from your injury.
Sustaining one of these common workplace injuries can disrupt many areas of your life. You need time to heal and recover and workers’ compensation benefits can help you keep your bills paid and take care of your loved ones during this recovery period.
