Free MHIC Training

What must you do when an employee is hurt on the job?

Short answer. Report the injury promptly to your workers' compensation carrier and the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission. The employee is entitled to medical benefits and wage replacement while recovering.

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

One of your properly classified employees falls off a ladder on a job site and breaks his wrist. He can't work for 6 weeks.

He asks about workers compensation.

  1. Correct

    Maryland requires employers to carry workers compensation insurance and file claims promptly for workplace injuries. You must report the injury to your carrier and the Maryland Workers Compensation Commission. The employee is entitled to medical benefits and wage replacement during recovery. Prompt, honest handling protects both your employee and your business.

  2. Illegal

    Failing to report a workplace injury and attempting to handle it outside of workers comp is a violation of Maryland labor law. Workers comp exists to protect both the employee (guaranteed benefits regardless of fault) and the employer (limited liability). If the injury turns out to be more serious than a wrist fracture, you've exposed yourself to unlimited liability by not filing the proper claim.

All 14 subcontractors, liens & workers questions

  1. Must you pay subcontractors when the homeowner pays late?
  2. What happens when an unpaid subcontractor files a mechanics lien?
  3. Can a subcontractor put a lien on a house the owner paid in full?
  4. Should a homeowner pay your subcontractor directly?
  5. What if your electrician's license expired mid-job?
  6. Can you hire a plumber who is still getting licensed?
  7. Can a homeowner do their own electrical work on your job?
  8. Who coordinates subcontractors working in the same space?
  9. Who is liable when a subcontractor damages the home?
  10. How do you handle a subcontractor who stops showing up?
  11. Are your regular workers employees or 1099 contractors?
  12. What must you do when an employee is hurt on the job?
  13. What happens when an off-the-books worker is injured?
  14. What are the risks of hiring day laborers for cash?