MD SB993

Nondependent children of covered employees would be permitted to file wrongful death lawsuits under Title 3, Subtitle 9 of the Courts Article, bypassing the workers' compensation system's exclusive remedy rule

Currently, workers' compensation law bars most lawsuits against employers for workplace injuries or deaths, limiting survivors to workers' compensation benefits only

The exemption applies specifically to adult children or other children who do not qualify as "dependents" of the deceased worker under workers' compensation definitions

The bill applies prospectively only and does not affect any actions filed before the effective date

Effective date: October 1, 2026