Detailed Answer
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
If you suffered a workplace injury in Maryland and you’re unsure whether someone filed a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf, follow these steps to confirm the claim’s status.
- Contact Your Employer: Maryland law (Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. § 9-603) requires employers to file an employee’s injury report with their insurance carrier within 30 days of notice. Call or email your supervisor or human resources department. Ask if they submitted the First Report of Injury (FROI) and request a copy.
- Reach Out to the Insurer: Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier handles the claim. If you have the insurer’s name or claim number, call their customer service line. Provide basic details—your name, date of injury, and employer—to confirm whether they have an open claim.
- Search the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) Docket: The WCC maintains an electronic case management system. Visit the WCC website at www.wcc.state.md.us and use the Docket Search or Electronic Case Inquiry to look up your name or claim number. This public portal shows filings, hearings, and orders.
- Request Records from the WCC: If the online search doesn’t yield results, you can file a Public Information Act request for your claim records. Instructions and request forms appear on the WCC site under “Records & Forms.” There may be a nominal fee for copies.
- Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: An attorney can verify filings for you, interpret the results, and represent your interests. They can also ensure your claim proceeds correctly and meets all deadlines.
Helpful Hints
- Keep detailed notes on every call or email—record dates, names, and content.
- Obtain and save any claim or file numbers you receive.
- Follow up in writing if you don’t get an answer within a week.
- Review important deadlines under Maryland’s statute of limitations (Lab. & Empl. § 9-502).
- Consider sending certified mail when requesting records to create an official receipt trail.