Workers Compensation in Maine
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Maine requires employers to carry workers' compensation insurance; the state fund is the primary insurer.
How Maine treats Workers Compensation
Maine mandates workers' compensation coverage for employers with one or more employees. The state operates a monopolistic state fund (the Maine Workers' Compensation Board) that is the sole provider of workers' compensation insurance for most employers, though some large employers may qualify for self-insurance. Benefits include medical care, wage replacement at two-thirds of average weekly wage, and vocational rehabilitation. Maine's system emphasizes employee protection and has relatively generous benefit structures compared to some states.
The general definition of Workers Compensation
Insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured during work.
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that employers are required to carry to protect employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. When an employee is hurt at work, workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers. In exchange, the employee generally gives up the right to sue the employer for the injury. The system is designed to provide quick, predictable benefits without the need for a lawsuit. Benefits vary by state and depend on the severity of the injury.
Read the full Workers Compensation entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maine.