A Helpful Guide to the Main Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Maryland

Quick Summary: Maryland workers’ comp benefits are designed to cover your medical care, replace lost wages while you’re unable to work, compensate you for permanent injuries, and help you return to suitable employment through vocational rehabilitation. At Dobbs Law, LLC, we regularly help injured workers understand and access these benefits—especially when claims are delayed, reduced, or denied. Here’s a plain‑English breakdown of what’s available and what to do if something goes wrong with your work injury claim.

Medical Care: Treatment You Need With No Out‑of‑Pocket Costs

After a work injury, Maryland law requires the workers’ compensation insurer to pay for all “reasonable, necessary, and related” medical treatment. This includes doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, prescriptions, diagnostic imaging, durable medical equipment, and more. Unlike regular health insurance, there are no copays or deductibles.

In many cases, you also have the right to choose your own treating doctor—something a lot of injured workers don’t realize. If treatment is being delayed or the insurer is trying to push you to their doctor, you’re not alone. We help clients every day with treatment authorization issues. Learn more here: Workers’ Comp Benefits in Maryland.

Wage Replacement (Temporary Total Disability)

If your doctor says you cannot work because of your injury, or if your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. These are commonly called wage‑replacement benefits.

TTD pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage—tax‑free—while you’re fully out of work. The calculation can be confusing, especially for workers with overtime, variable hours, or multiple jobs. If your checks stop unexpectedly or you disagree with the amount, there are steps we can take to get things corrected. Read more here: Wage Replacement & TTD.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Once you finish treatment and reach “maximum medical improvement,” Maryland workers’ comp looks at what lasting impairment you have. Permanent Partial Disability—often called “PPD”—is a financial benefit meant to compensate you for permanent loss of function, reduced mobility, chronic pain, or any other lasting impact from your injury.

The Workers’ Compensation Commission uses a system of body parts, medical ratings, and weekly benefit rates to determine the final award. Insurance companies often try to lowball these assessments. Having a Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer can make a major difference in the final permanent disability award or settlement.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Job Retraining & Return-to-Work Support)

If your injury prevents you from returning to your old job, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. This benefit helps you get back into the workforce in a position that’s both medically appropriate and realistically obtainable.

Vocational rehab can include career counseling, job placement assistance, training programs, resume support, and ongoing communication with your vocational counselor. You may also receive “maintenance benefits” while you’re participating. If you disagree with your plan or feel pressured into unsuitable work, that’s a common problem—and absolutely something we help with. Learn more here: Vocational Rehabilitation.

What to Do If Your Benefits Are Delayed, Reduced, or Denied

Unfortunately, many injured workers experience problems with wage checks stopping, medical treatment being denied, or the insurer disputing their permanent disability rating. When that happens, you don’t have to fight the system alone.

If benefits are delayed or denied, you may need to:

• Request a hearing before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
• Gather medical evidence to support your restrictions, treatment needs, or permanent impairment
• Challenge the insurer’s IME report
• Document unpaid wages, missed checks, or out‑of‑pocket expenses
• Push back against pressure to return to unsuitable work

At Dobbs Law, LLC, we help injured workers across Baltimore, Towson, Dundalk, Salisbury, and the Eastern Shore with denied claims, stopped checks, medical treatment disputes, vocational rehab problems, and settlement decisions. A work injury can feel overwhelming—but you’re not expected to take on the insurance company alone.

Need Clarity on Your Benefits or Next Steps?

If you’re dealing with a Maryland workers’ comp claim and something doesn’t seem right—your checks stopped, treatment wasn’t approved, or you’re unsure whether you’re getting the benefits you deserve—we’re here to help. Contact Dobbs Law, LLC for straightforward guidance and a free consultation about your workers’ comp benefits and next steps.