Maine workers' compensation is managed through the Maine Workers Compensation Board. It's there to protect both employers and employees. It's designed to aid family members and employees if they suffer injuries or fall ill because of workplace incidents or other circumstances. It also provides support to the families of employees who die from workplace incidents or other issues.

The effects of illness and injury on employees can be a challenge. The employee is usually accompanied by doctors, and the insurance company as well as employers may have doctors, all providing advice and information. Furthermore, lawyers may be involved on behalf of the employer and employee. Although a worker can represent themself during a workers compensation claim in Maine, it may be recommended to seek the counsel from an attorney.

There are specific steps involved in the worker's comp claim process. If you've been injured, you need to inform your employer as quickly as possible. It is possible to inform your supervisor or someone in management. Your employer then has to fill out an "First Report of Injury" form and give an original copy to you. Your employer is then required to either pay for your lost work hours within 14 calendar days or send a "Notice of Controversy" to the state board if they think the claim is untrue. workers comp lawyer

Injured workers can be granted benefits for as long as they are not able to work, provided that they are completely incapacitated. This means that injuries are so bad it makes it impossible to do any kind of work. However, if your injury is a partial injury the benefits are restricted to a period of 260 weeks. There are some limitations to this as defined in Maine law of the state.

Workers in Maine have the right to choose their own health care provider if, after receiving medical care from the chosen doctor for the first 10 days, they feel they are dissatisfied. Employers always have the right to make the worker visit a doctor selected by the employer for an additional diagnosis.

If employees are able to return to work , however their condition prevents workers from earning the level of income they were previously earning, they could be eligible to receive some benefit payments. The amount of these payments will be equal at 80% of the amount that is the difference between the weekly average salary before the injury and the earnings after the accident.

The workers compensation claim process is a lengthy and complicated process. After months or even weeks of battling through this process there may come the point where you're likely to take a look at a settlement. You should try to take an uninvolved step from your situation and take a look at the whole picture before you make an informed decision.

In many states, when you sign a settlement agreement that you accept, you lose the right to bring any dispute or claim that is related to the dispute. This is worth repeating since it's so easy to focus on the short-term benefits and immediate benefit of a lump sum payout from the settlement. So, again, in the majority of states, if you choose to settle the claim, you will lose your right to any further actions in the case. This may not seem like a significant problem. However, you need to think about the situation you'll be in between 5 and 10 years in regard to finances and work and income. A lump sum now might seem like a lot of cash, but how long will it last ? And how long will you face issues that will prevent you from working? If the settlement money is gone after 5 years and you continue to incur medical expenses and are not able to work or to earn a salary that will pay you the amount that you were used to You may discover that after five years you're facing challenges covering medical fees and earning a living.

Of course , there are circumstances in which a settlement is the best option for a variety of reasons, such as when the details in the claim are being contested and the outcome is now getting uncertain. If you choose to accept the settlement, you'll need to be sure to complete the correct forms (each state has its own requirements in terms of forms and requirements) and ensure that you submit all the required information. workers compensation

Employees need to be aware of the rights they have in the area of workers' compensation. Because the laws are different in each state and can be very complex, it's very good idea to consider having a lawyer that specializes in workers' compensation issues to advise you. This lawyer might be able to help you make a wise decision that will be a problem later on.

The Board for Maine Workers' Compensation is comprised of regional offices within Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston and Portland to assist workers injured while on the job.