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September 17, 2025
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If you’re a Maryland employer looking to protect both your business and your team, you’re in the right place. At Beyond, we provide the essential information you need to understand how workers’ compensation works in Maryland — and how to stay compliant in 2026.
Workers’ compensation insurance helps cover medical treatment and a portion of an employee’s lost wages if they’re injured or become ill because of their job and need time away to recover.
It’s a safeguard for both employees and employers:
For employees, it provides financial support during recovery.
For employers, it reduces legal risk because workers’ compensation is generally the employee’s exclusive remedy for work-related injuries (with limited exceptions under the law).
n Maryland, most employers with one or more covered employees must carry workers’ compensation coverage — including full-time and part-time employees.
Common situations that may not require coverage (depending on facts and classification) include:
Sole proprietors and business partners (often not required to cover themselves, but can opt in)
Independent contractors (only if properly classified — misclassification can create risk)
Certain agricultural employers, such as those with fewer than 3 full-time employees or annual payroll below $15,000 (specific thresholds apply)
Because “employee vs. contractor” status can be fact-specific, it’s smart to confirm classification when in doubt.
The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) administers Maryland’s workers’ compensation system and provides employer/claim resources — including claim access through its online systems and official forms and guidance.
Maryland employers generally secure coverage by:
Purchasing a policy from an authorized insurer, or
Qualifying under an approved self-insurance option (individual self-insurance or an approved group structure), as allowed by Maryland law.
If your business has difficulty obtaining coverage in the private market, Maryland recognizes Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company as a key option that may be able to underwrite coverage.
Failing to maintain required coverage is serious in Maryland.
Employers may face:
Orders to secure coverage and show proof, and a penalty of up to $10,000 payable to the Uninsured Employers’ Fund.
Additional misdemeanor exposure under Maryland workers’ comp penalty provisions (separate from the civil penalty process).
A separate violation if an employer deducts any part of workers’ comp premium from employee wages — that’s prohibited and treated as a misdemeanor under Maryland law.
If an accident occurs and the employee misses more than three days of work, the employer should file a First Report of Injury with the Commission within 10 days after notice of the accident (whether notice is oral or written).
Practical best practice (helps with compliance and claims handling):
Document when you learned of the injury, the basic facts, and any time missed.
Keep copies of reports and insurer communications in one folder.
Useful official resources include:
Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) (forms, systems, guidance)
Maryland General Assembly statute text for coverage and penalties (for quick legal reference)
Maryland Insurance Administration business insurance guidance (including workers’ comp market info)
Beyond can also support your broader compliance setup (e.g., payroll + withholding workflows) as your business grows.
Workers’ compensation isn’t just a regulatory box to check — it’s essential protection. It ensures your team is supported after an on-the-job incident and helps reduce legal exposure by operating within Maryland’s established workers’ compensation system.
For more guidance or help setting up your workers’ comp policy, reach out to the team at Beyond.
