We Help Injured Workers Get The Maine Workers’ Comp They Need
Anyone can sustain an injury while doing their job. Then suddenly they are facing time missed from work and a pile of medical bills, and are unsure of what to do. Whether you are a construction worker dealing with heavy equipment or someone who works in an office, your employer is probably required to provide workers’ compensation benefits.
At McTeague Higbee in Topsham, Maine, we have helped injured workers recover the funds they need for more than 40 years. We give them a voice, ensuring employers fulfill their duty to provide compensation benefits. If you have been injured in the course of your employment, talk to an attorney right away to learn how workers’ compensation can help you.
What Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ compensation covers a broad range of workplace injuries, including those caused by an employee’s carelessness. If an employer fails to keep up safety measures and an employee gets hurt, they could be liable. Workers’ comp can also be claimed for repetitive stress injuries, where a worker develops an injury from performing the same task repeatedly for a long period of time.
The main limitation is injuries that are self-inflicted, meaning the employee was violating company policy or breaking the law when they were injured. Benefits may also be limited if an employee has drugs or alcohol in their system at the time of the accident.
What Expenses Are Covered?
Benefits from workers’ compensation can help you cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Retraining costs
There are also benefits available for permanent injuries as well as compensation for the families of workers who are killed in their line of work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Workers’ Compensation
If you are about to journey through the Maine workers’ compensation process, it is natural to face concerns. In the following section, our workers’ compensation attorney addresses common questions those injured on the job often ask.
How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Maine?
Maine workers’ compensation law requires injured employees to notify their employer within 60 days of a work injury or the discovery of a work‑related condition. This deadline is firm, and a delayed notice can allow the insurer to argue that the injury occurred outside work hours.
Immediate reporting strengthens the claim and helps ensure the employer can meet its duty to file a First Report of Injury with the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board. This key filing starts the formal claim process and documents the injury in the state system.
How much of my lost wages will workers’ comp cover?
Wage replacement benefits in Maine are based on the worker’s average weekly wage, which reflects their earnings before the injury. If the injury leaves you completely unable to work, the law provides weekly benefits equal to two‑thirds of your gross average weekly wage.
These payments are subject to a statewide maximum weekly limit that changes each year. The benefits are generally not taxed, which helps preserve the worker’s income during recovery. Understanding how the average weekly wage is calculated is important because it directly affects the amount of wage replacement benefits you will receive.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury in Maine?
Not generally. The Maine workers’ compensation system follows the exclusive remedy rule. This means employees usually cannot file a civil lawsuit against their employer for a job‑related injury. The system is designed to provide benefits without requiring proof of employer fault.
However, a separate claim may be available when a third party caused or contributed to the injury. Examples include negligent subcontractors or defective equipment manufacturers. In those situations, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This type of claim offers additional damages that are not available through the workers’ compensation system.
Call Today To Learn More
To take advantage of our consultations, contact the firm online or call 207-910-7047 and request an appointment. In your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer who can outline the options for your case.