# Labor and Employment (GLE)

## Title 9. Workers' Compensation

### Subtitle 5. Entitlement to and Liability for Compensation

#### Section 9-504

(a) Except as otherwise provided, an employer shall provide compensation in accordance with this title to a covered employee for a hernia caused by an accidental personal injury or by a strain arising out of and in the course of employment if:

  (1) the covered employee provides definite proof that satisfies the Commission that:

    (i) the hernia did not exist before the accidental personal injury or strain occurred; or

    (ii) as a result of the accidental personal injury or strain, a preexisting hernia has become so aggravated, incarcerated, or strangulated that an immediate operation is needed; and

  (2) notwithstanding any other provision of this title about notice, the accidental personal injury or strain was reported to the employer within 45 days after its occurrence.

(b) If a covered employee fails to file a claim for compensation for a hernia caused by an accidental personal injury within the time period required under Sec. 9-709(a) of this title, the covered employee may file the claim within 2 years after the date the accidental personal injury occurred unless the employer or its insurer has been prejudiced by the failure.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a hernia caused as a result of repetitive trauma may be:

  (1) considered an occupational disease; and

  (2) compensable subject to Sec. 9-502 of this subtitle.

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Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)