The History of Maryland Workers’ Compensation

Employees have been benefiting from its payments for decades now, but do you know the full story behind Workers’ Compensation in this country? Throughout the years (and several name changes), the Maryland State Workers’ Compensation Commission has been a reliable and supportive resource. Read on to find out more.

 Maryland’s Groundbreaking Workers’ Compensation Fund

 Of all of the states in the union, Maryland was the first to create an official fund for workers in need of financial benefits. In 1902, it forms the Employer and Employee Cooperative Fund, which, as its name suggests, created a way for workers to communicate their needs more effectively with their employers. This fund was created under the State Insurance Commissioner and was the first of its kind in the country. Twelve years later, the State Industrial Accident Commission was formed (industrial accidents being among the most common workplace injuries of the day), and then it became the Workmen’s Compensation Commission in 1957, then the Worker’s Compensation Commission in 1986, and finally the State Workers’ Compensation Commission in 1991.

 What is the Purpose of the Workers’ Compensation Commission?

 Workers’ Compensation laws and claims need to have oversight, and so the Commission was designed specifically with this purpose in mind. If and when you are injured on the job, your report is submitted to the Commission, whose members process it and eventually hear your case. The Commission also aids workers in finding rehabilitation services when necessary so that they can recover fully from their injuries.

 Who Makes Up the Workers’ Compensation Commission?

 The Commission is made up of ten members who are appointed by the state’s governor and senate members. These members serve twelve-year terms. There are three major offices within the Commission that deal with specific objectives; they are the Finance, Information Technology, and Operations offices.

  What Do I Do If I Have a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

You will no doubt have dealings with the State Workers’ Compensation Commission if you are filing a claim, but you will have dealings with other people as well. Specifically, you will need to contact a Workers’ Compensation lawyer who can not only guide you through the process of filing a claim, but also ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve.

We have four offices across Maryland and Virginia with trained legal professionals ready to assist you. Please CALL US at 1-800-243-2439 to be directed to the closest Jenkins Block & Associates location to you.

Source:

http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/25ind/html/80workf.html