Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Maryland for Police and Firefighters

Maryland firefighters and police have access to extensive benefits and protections in the event they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These first responders are constantly facing high levels of risk on the job that threaten their physical safety and well-being. These risks also occur during activities such as maintenance and training.

The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) states that police officers and firefighters are eligible to receive disability benefits – specifically, temporary total disability (TTD) for injuries they have suffered on the job. Access to these benefits becomes available within three days of the start of the disability – there is the exception if the disability lasts for more than 14 days. The state also places a cap on the benefits at two-thirds of the workers average weekly wage.

Police officers and firefighters may also opt for sick leave during their recovery. Taking this option helps them to receive their regular wage, or make an administrative leave application with the company. Depending on the nature of your injury, you may have access to disability leave which can help you recover 100 percent of your lost wages.

If you suffered a permanent injury on the job that only partially affects your ability to perform your standard duties, you may be eligible to receive permanent partial disability (PPD). These benefits consist of periodic payments calculated based on the location and severity of your injury. The amount and interval of these payments are determined from medical examinations made by the insurer’s and employer’s physicians.

Enhanced considerations for firefighters and police

In addition to the standard workers’ compensation benefits that firefighters and police are entitled to in Maryland, they also may have access to additional favorable considerations from the state. Much of the work these first responders perform lends itself toward a significant amount of stress, which often leads to hypertension and heart disease.

The law in Maryland considers these conditions suffered by these men and women to be job-related. As a result, the state compels the employer to prove the presence of these conditions in a worker as anything other than job-related injuries. As well, certain injuries that may receive minor compensation for non-police and firefighters are elevated to a higher compensation level for these public safety personnel.

If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness in Maryland as a police officer or firefighter, you may not know the next steps to take to secure your workers’ compensation benefits. To ensure you don’t leave any financial benefits on the table as a result of your losses, be sure to contact our experienced attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. With more than 35 years of experience, we can provide you with the legal representation you need to obtain the financial recovery you deserve at this time. We have nine offices from which to serve you throughout the state. To set up a free consultation to get the process started, call our office today at 410-730-7737, or fill out our contact form.