How much is a neck injury worth in Maryland workers' comp?
How Maryland workers' compensation pays for a neck injury, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How a neck injury is paid in Maryland
Not on the schedule; paid as a percentage of 500 weeks.
General rule for permanent injuries in Maryland: Unlisted injuries: disability % × 500 weeks; Commission considers nature of disability plus age, experience, occupation and training; weekly rate depends on the total weeks awarded (three tiers).
What is different in Maryland
The weekly PPD rate rises with the size of the award: under 75 weeks, 75-249 weeks, and 250+ weeks ('serious disability', where the number of weeks is also increased by one-third). Permanent loss of use of a hand, arm, foot, leg or eye counts the same as its loss.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Maryland law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for a neck injury helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Maryland vs. neighboring states
| State | How a neck injury is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Delaware | 300 weeks | $288,816 |
| Pennsylvania | wage loss | — |
| Virginia | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| West Virginia | whole-person % × 400 weeks | — |
| District of Columbia | wage loss | — |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in Maryland
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,537 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $50 (or actual AWW if less) - secondary (Nolo, 2025 figures) |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How is a neck injury paid in Maryland workers' comp?
Not on the schedule; paid as a percentage of 500 weeks.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Maryland in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,537 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland does not pay the first 3 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. 9-621 (TTD), 9-625 to 9-630 (PPD), 9-627 (schedule). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Maryland
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. 9-621 (TTD), 9-625 to 9-630 (PPD), 9-627 (schedule); Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. §§ 9-625 to 9-630; § 9-627 (schedule and 500-week 'other cases')
- Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- wcc.state.md.us/adjud_claims/comp_rates.html
- law.justia.com/codes/maryland/labor-and-employment/title-9/subtitle-6/part-iv/section-9-62
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Maryland workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.