Information
for the Employer
·
If
you are uninsured for the date of the alleged accident, notify the Workers' Compensation Commission
and the Uninsured Employers Fund immediately.
·
Complete
the Employer’s
Questionnaire and list any defenses you may have such as: “The claimant is
not an employee,” “The claimant is an independent contractor,” “The claimant is
a casual employee,” etc.
·
You
must appear for a hearing when
summoned in order to have your side heard by the Workers' Compensation
Commission. If you do not appear, the Commission will decide the case
based upon the information provided by the injured worker.
·
All
disability benefits awarded and related medical expenses of the injured worker
will be your responsibility. Payment is to be made within thirty (30) days
from the date of the award of compensation.
·
Should
you default in payment of the award, the claimant may apply to the Director of
the Uninsured Employers Fund (UEF) for payment.
Applicable
Fines and Assessments:
1.
$1,000
non-insured fine.
2.
15%
of any award made as a result of the claim, not to exceed $5000.00 for any one
claim.
3.
8.5%
of any permanency award, death claim, or settlement agreement approved by the
Commission.
The
following actions are taken following the failure of an employer to pay the
resulting fines, assessments, and repayment of claimant benefits:
1.
UEF
will file a lien against the assets of the employer for all fines, assessments
and repayments due.
2.
UEF
will request suspension of the employers license or
permit to do business in the State of Maryland.
3.
Any
debt owed to the UEF that is in default will be referred to the State's Central
Collection Division which adds an additional 17% collection fee to the debt.
4.
Failure
to obtain insurance is misdemeanor and is subject to a fine up to $5,000 or one
year imprisonment or both. Corporate officers responsible for general
management of the corporation are suject to the fine
and imprisonment.
5.
In
cases of extreme hardship, an uninsured employer may request the UEF to allow a
repayment plan to be established. Such a plan provides for monthly
payments for a maximum duration of 36 months, and the above four actions will
not occur providing the agreed upon monthly payments are made.