Workers' compensation law in Maryland has some unique terminology. In this post we will discuss several workers' compensation phrases that are used in Maryland.

"Average Weekly Wage" - this is the average earnings of the injured employee over the 14 weeks before the injury. It is a presumption that can be rebutted by other evidence and the average weekly wage affects benefits paid to the employee.

"Temporary Total Disability" - this is paid at 2/3 of the average weekly wage up to a maximum while the employee in still in medical treatment and cannot work at all.

"Temporary Partial Disability" - this is paid where an employee is still in medical treatment, but is earning reduced wages as a result of his or her injuries. The employee is entitled to 50% of the difference between each week's earnings and the average weekly wage and dividing by 2.

"Permanent Partial Disability" - this is paid when the employee has a permanent disability after reaching maximum medical improvement and having returned to work. It is paid under a schedule regulated by law and ratings are obtained under the AMA guidelines.

"Permanent Total Disability" - this is paid where an employee cannot return to work in any capacity and they have reached maximum medical improvement. This is paid at a statutory rate based on the Average Weekly Wage subject to a Cost of Living Increase.

"Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits" - these are provided where an employee upon reaching maximum medical improvement, cannot return to his or her job. A vocational counselor helps the employee find a new job.

"Issues" - where a claim is contested or there is a dispute, either side can file Issues to have the case scheduled for a hearing.

"Accidental Injury" - this refers to an injury suffered by an employee on the job at a specific moment in time.

"Occupational Disease" - this refers to a disease or injury brought on at work over a period of time.

I hope that this terminology is helpful if you have been injured on the job.