How Do You Check on Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Status in Maryland?
How Do You Check on Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Status in Maryland?
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Maryland is often necessary after a workplace injury. While the process is designed to help injured workers receive benefits for medical treatment and lost wages, it can take time.
Once a claim is filed, you may find yourself wondering how to check the status of your claim and what to do if there are delays.
The Claims Process
Before checking the status of a workers’ compensation claim, it is helpful to understand how the process works in Maryland. After reporting an injury to an employer, you must file a claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).
Employers and insurance companies also have related obligations, like reporting the injury and providing necessary medical documentation.
Once the claim is submitted, the WCC reviews it and may request additional information.
If your claim is approved, you may begin receiving benefits. You have the right to appeal the decision if your claim is denied. Given the multiple steps involved, checking on the claim’s progress can provide clarity and help avoid unnecessary delays.
Checking the Status Online
The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission provides an online tool that allows injured workers to track their claims. The WCC’s Case Search system lets you look up your claim by entering a claim number, injury date, or last name.
This online system provides information on the current status, any scheduled hearings, and past actions taken on your claim.
To access this system, visit the Maryland WCC website (above) and navigate to the claim search section.
Enter the required details, and the system will display relevant information. This tool is especially useful if you want to monitor your claim without making phone calls or sending emails.
Contacting the Insurance Carrier
Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and insurance companies are responsible for processing claims. You can contact the insurance carrier directly to ask about the status of your claim, pending payments, or required documentation.
When calling the insurance company, it helps to have your claim number, date of injury, and any previous correspondence available.
If the adjuster handling your claim isn’t responsive or there are unexplained delays, you may want to consider reaching out to their employer or seeking legal assistance.
Speaking With the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
For workers who need additional assistance beyond the online search tool, contacting the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission directly is another option. The WCC also has a customer service department that can provide updates on claims and explain the next steps if a claim appears to be stalled.
You can contact the WCC by phone or in person. If visiting in person, bringing all relevant claim documents can speed up the process. If you have legal representation, you can also ask your attorney about the status of your claim on your behalf.
Checking With Your Employer
Although the claim is processed through an insurance carrier, your employer may also have updates.
Employers are often in communication with the insurance company and may be able to provide insight into the claim’s progress.
Employers should be cooperative in helping you navigate the process. However, if your employer is unresponsive or seems unwilling to provide the information you need, this could be a sign of a larger issue.
In such cases, you may need to take additional action to make sure your rights are protected.
Potential Delays
Delays in workers’ compensation claims can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include inadequate medical documentation, disputes over whether your injury is work-related, and slow response times from insurers.
Understanding the cause of a delay can help determine the best way to move forward.
If a claim has been pending for an extended period without explanation, workers should consider following up frequently and keeping detailed records of all communications.
If the delay appears intentional or unreasonable, seeking legal advice may be necessary to expedite the process.
What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied or Delayed
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.
The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission offers a formal appeal process, which includes hearings where you can present evidence. If your claim is delayed without a clear reason, filing a complaint with the WCC may also be an option.
Legal representation can be invaluable in these situations. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can gather important evidence, represent you in hearings, negotiate with insurance companies, and reopen a case for worsening conditions or resolve current disputes.
Keeping Track of Your Claim
Keeping track of the status of your workers’ compensation claim requires diligence.
The online Case Search tool, direct communication with the insurance carrier, and assistance from the WCC are all ways to stay informed. Knowing where to turn for help can prevent unnecessary delays and ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.
Staying proactive, maintaining accurate records, and seeking legal help can significantly improve your chances of a positive outcome.
At Belsky & Horowitz, LLC, we believe that workers who understand the process and their rights are in a better position to get the compensation they deserve and need for recovery and financial stability.
If you need help with your Maryland workers’ compensation claim, we’re here for you.
