Maryland

With few exceptions, every employer with one or more employees is required by law to provide Maryland workers compensation insurance. The entire cost of workers compensation insurance must be covered solely by the employer.

Agricultural employers with less than three employees or an annual payroll for full-time employees which does not exceed $15,000, are not required to carry workers compensation insurance. Office workers and independent contractors working on farms (with the exception of migrant laborers) are also excluded from coverage. Domestic servants and their employers may jointly elect to be covered by the act, even if the worker would not otherwise meet the earnings requirement.

Unless you meet any of the criteria listed above, there are no other distinctions made regarding sub-contractors/contractors. Sole proprietors with no employees may choose whether or not to carry workers compensation insurance.

Any Maryland state employer that fails to provide workers compensation insurance may be considered guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject to a fine of at least $500 but under $5,000 and/or possible imprisonment for less than one year.