Maryland Labor and Employment Section 9-504

      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 30 days after its occurrence.