Workers’ Comp for TBI in Baltimore: Key Steps to Take

1) Get medical help promptly—and describe the head/neck injury clearly

If you suspect a head injury at work—whether from a fall, being struck by an object, a vehicle incident, or a blast/impact event—seek medical care as soon as you can. Tell the provider exactly what happened, where you hit your head (or how your head/neck moved), and whether you had symptoms like confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, vision changes, sensitivity to light/noise, memory problems, or sleep disruption.

A concussion (a type of TBI) can occur even without loss of consciousness, which is one reason early evaluation and documentation matter. For symptom context, see CDC—Concussion.

2) Report the injury to your employer promptly (and keep proof)

Notify a supervisor or HR as soon as you can. Even when you give notice verbally, it is often helpful to follow up in writing (for example, by email) and keep a copy. Include the date, time, location, how the incident occurred, and your symptoms—even if they seem mild at the time.

Maryland law has a notice provision for workplace injuries (with important exceptions and fact-specific issues). For the statutory notice rule, see Md. Code, Labor & Employment § 9-706.

3) Document symptoms like a timeline—because TBI symptoms can evolve

Maintain a simple symptom diary. Track headaches, dizziness, balance issues, concentration problems, memory lapses, irritability, mood changes, sleep issues, and how long tasks take compared to before. Note triggers (screens, noise, driving, physical exertion) and any setbacks.

Also document missed work, reduced hours, job duty changes, and safety concerns (for example: near-misses, driving restrictions, or inability to operate machinery). A clear timeline can help your treating providers understand your course of symptoms and can also help clarify disputed issues in a claim.

4) Ask about appropriate referrals (neurology, neuropsychology, vestibular, vision)

Depending on symptoms, your care team may recommend specialists such as neurology, neuropsychological testing, vestibular therapy, ophthalmology/neuro-ophthalmology, and behavioral health support. Not every case needs every specialist, but targeted referrals may help evaluate persistent symptoms and functional limitations.

5) Be careful with return-to-work—get restrictions in writing

Many workers feel pressure to return quickly—especially if they “look fine.” With TBIs, symptoms may flare with screens, multitasking, noise, bright light, physical exertion, or irregular sleep.

If you return to work, ask your treating provider to put restrictions in writing (for example: reduced hours, limited screen time, no driving, no ladders/heights, no heavy machinery, frequent breaks, limited exposure to noise/light). Written restrictions help clarify what work is considered medically appropriate and can reduce confusion about job expectations.

6) Understand benefit categories that often matter in Maryland TBI cases

Workers’ compensation may involve multiple categories of benefits depending on the medical evidence and work capacity, including:

• Medical treatment related to the work injury (see generally Md. Code, Labor & Employment § 9-660).
• Temporary total disability (TTD) when you cannot work for a period of time (see generally § 9-610).
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) when you can work but earn less due to restrictions (see generally § 9-615).
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) in some cases if there is a lasting impairment (see generally § 9-627).

Which benefits apply—and for how long—depends on the facts, medical findings, and how the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission addresses disputed issues.

7) Expect causation and documentation questions—and prepare for common disputes

Concussion/TBI symptoms can overlap with other conditions (for example, migraine history, anxiety/depression, sleep disorders, prior concussions, or unrelated stress). As a result, insurers may question whether ongoing symptoms are related to the work event and what restrictions are medically necessary.

Helpful steps often include prompt reporting, consistent follow-up care, clear work-status notes, appropriate specialist evaluation when recommended, and a symptom timeline that matches the medical record.

8) If a third party caused the incident, consider a separate claim (without undermining comp)

Some workplace TBIs involve third parties—like negligent drivers, outside contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. In those situations, you may have a separate personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation. These situations can raise complex coordination and lien/subrogation issues, so it is often worth getting advice early.

9) If you’re denied or benefits are cut off, act quickly

A denial does not necessarily mean your case is over. But deadlines can matter. In Maryland, there is also a statutory time limit for filing a workers’ compensation claim (with exceptions that can be highly fact-specific). For the general two-year rule, see Md. Code, Labor & Employment § 9-709.

If you receive a denial, a termination notice, or a dispute about treatment or your work capacity, consider speaking with a Maryland workers’ compensation attorney promptly to protect your options.

FAQ (Maryland workers’ comp and TBI)

Can I have a work-related concussion without losing consciousness?

Yes. A concussion can occur without loss of consciousness, which is why prompt evaluation and clear documentation of symptoms and the incident mechanism are important.

What if my symptoms show up days later?

TBI symptoms can evolve. Report the incident and any new or worsening symptoms as soon as you notice them, and keep your medical providers updated so the medical record reflects the timeline.

What should a good work restriction note include?

Specific limits (hours, driving, screens, ladders/heights, machinery, breaks, light/noise exposure) and a follow-up date. Vague notes can create disputes about what work is medically appropriate.

Where can I find Maryland’s notice and filing rules?

See Md. Code, Labor & Employment § 9-706 (notice) and § 9-709 (time for filing), and consider getting advice about how they apply to your specific facts.

Talk to a Maryland workers’ comp lawyer about a TBI claim

Contact our office to discuss next steps, documentation, and how to respond to denials or benefit disputes.

Maryland-specific disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Maryland workers’ compensation notice, filing deadlines, and benefit eligibility can be fact-specific, and rules and agency practices can change. If you believe you suffered a work-related head injury in Maryland, consider consulting a qualified Maryland workers’ compensation attorney about your specific situation.