Maine workers' comp is administered through the Maine Workers Compensation Board. It's purpose is to safeguard employees and employers. It's designed to aid employees and their families if they suffer injuries or fall ill from workplace events or other circumstances. It also provides support to family members of workers who pass away in the workplace as a result of incidents or other issues.

Employee injury and illness can be a challenge. The employee usually has doctors, and the insurance company, and perhaps employers may have doctorsthat provide information and advice. In addition, lawyers could play a role for both the employer and the employee. While an employee may be able to be able to represent themselves during a worker's compensation claim in Maine It is best to seek advice provided by an attorney.

There are very specific steps to follow in the workers compensation claim procedure. If you've suffered an injury You must notify your employer right away. You can inform your manager or supervisor. Your employer will then be required to complete out an "First Report of Injury" form and send a copy to you. In the next step, your employer must either pay for your lost work hours within 14 days or send a "Notice of Controversy" to the state board if they believe that the claim is inadmissible. workers comp lawyer

The injured worker can receive compensation until they are not able to work, provided they are totally incapacitated. It is when an injury that is severe enough it is unable to perform any work. But, if the injuries are a result of a partial, the benefits are limited to a time period of up to 260 weeks. There are some exceptions to this limitation that are defined in the Maine laws of the state.

Employees in Maine are entitled to select their own health care provider in the event that, after receiving medical care from the chosen physician within the first 10 days, they feel they are not satisfied. The employer is always entitled to the right to require that the worker visit a doctor selected by the employer for an additional diagnosis.

If employees are able to resume work but their health condition hinders them from earning the amount of income they used to be making, they may be eligible to receive benefits in the form of partial payments. These benefits will be set at 80% of the difference between the average weekly wage prior to the injury and the income after the injury.

The workers ' compensation claim process can be a long and exhausting process. After months or years of dealing with this process there may come the point that you're likely to think about a settlement offer. You should try to take a step back from the process and consider the whole picture before you make a decision.

In most states, once you accept a settlement, you forfeit the right to pursue any other dispute or claim related to the subject. This is important to note since it's so easy to focus on the short-term and immediate benefit of a lump sum payout from an agreement. This is why, in the majority of states, if you choose to settle, you forfeit the right to take any other decision regarding the claim. This may not seem like an issue. But, you must consider what you'll be doing five to ten years from now regarding finances, the amount of income and work. The lump sum of money now may seem like a lot of money but how long will it last , and how long before you have issues that prevent your from being able to work? If the settlement money is gone after five years and you're still paying medical bills and you are unable to work, or to earn a salary that will pay you the amount that you were used to, you may find that in 5 years you're having difficulties paying medical bills and earning a living.

Of course there may be circumstances in which a settlement is the best choice perhaps because the issues surrounding the claim have become disputed and the outcome is now getting uncertain. In the event that you decide to accept a settlement, then you'll have that you fill out the appropriate documents (each state has its own requirements for forms) and make sure you supply all the information required. workers compensation

Employees need to be aware of their rights when it comes to workers compensation issues and because the laws are different in each state and are often quite complex, it's an excellent idea to consider having a lawyer that specializes in matters involving workers compensation advise you. Such an attorney may be able to assist you stay clear of making a choice which could be detrimental to you for the foreseeable future.

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

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