The workers' compensation statute had previously been interpreted to mean that workers would only be compensated for injuries that occurred from some unusual occurrence at work as opposed to normal work activities. In a recent case the Maryland court struck down this interpretation. This ruling will make it easier for workers to file and collect on compensation claims, which could potentially increase workers' compensation costs by $100 million.
See "Md. Ruling Helps Workers With Injuries", Martha McNeil Hamilton, The Washington Post, June 9, 2003