Maine Workers' Compensation Laws

For occupational diseases, the limitation period runs from when the employee knew or should have known that the disability was caused by employment.

Report the injury to your employer within 180 days (for injuries on or after January 1, 2020). Written notice is recommended. The employer then has 7 days to file a First Report of Injury with the Workers’ Compensation Board.

If benefits are denied or disputed, file a Petition for Award with the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board within 2 years of the injury or the employer’s first report.

Nearly all Maine employers with one or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Limited exemptions exist for certain agricultural/aquaculture seasonal workers, domestic workers in private homes, sole proprietors without employees, and independent contractors.

TTD benefits pay 80% of the employee’s after-tax average weekly wage, subject to a maximum benefit level. Benefits are payable when an employee misses more than 7 days of work. If more than 14 days are missed, benefits are retroactive to day one.

For injuries on or after January 1, 2020, the maximum weekly benefit is the greater of $441 or 125% of the state average weekly wage, adjusted annually by the Department of Labor.

The employer may select the initial treating physician for the first 10 days. After 10 days, the employee may choose their own healthcare provider and must notify the employer of the change.

Employers cannot discharge, threaten, or discriminate against an employee for filing or intending to file a workers’ compensation claim. Violations may result in reinstatement and back pay.