As an employee, you may be pleased to discover that Maryland has passed three new laws to help you offset your medical bills for injuries you sustained at work. These changes aim to improve employee protections and increase employer compliance.
Amending regulations for hearing loss claims
Effective October 1, 2024, HB0669/SB0843 will make the following changes:
- Increases the frequency assessment threshold from 3,000 Hz to 4,000 Hz.
- Exempts employers from hearing loss claims for employees under 90 days.
- Removes the aged-based deductions for age-related hearing loss.
- Adjusts the calculation methods for determining hearing loss.
Most of these changes will expand the coverage for hearing loss claims and help workers sustain their treatments.
Increased penalties for employers
SB216, already in effect since July 1, 2024, will increase the penalties for employers who fail to provide workers’ compensation insurance. The new rules increase the penalty from $10,000 to $25,000. This change aims to increase employer compliance with workers’ compensation laws.
Expanding coverage for public safety employees
The Caring for Public Employees in Safety Professions (CAPES) Act will expand coverage for employees in public safety professions. Going into effect on October 1, 2024, the new law will add thyroid, colon and ovarian cancer to the list of cancers already covered by workers’ compensation.
While these laws aim to help workers, recovering workers’ compensation may take time and introduce legal challenges, especially if your claim was denied or delayed. You may seek legal counsel if you need help navigating this complex process.