Workers’ compensation insurance benefits employees injured or ill due to their job.
In Maine, employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees.
Here’s what you need to know about how Maine workers comp insurance works.
Who Needs Maine Workers Comp Insurance?
Any employer with employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, must carry workers’ compensation insurance in Maine.
This applies to all types of businesses, regardless of the number of employees or work type.
What Does Maine Workers Comp Insurance Cover?
Maine workers’ compensation insurance benefits employees injured or ill due to their job.
This includes medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation.
Medical Treatment
Workers’ compensation insurance in Maine covers the cost of medical treatment related to the injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications.
Wage Replacement
If an employee cannot work due to injury or illness, workers’ compensation insurance in Maine provides wage replacement benefits.
This includes temporary total disability benefits, which are paid when the employee cannot work, and temporary partial disability benefits, which are produced when the employee can work but not at total capacity.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If an employee cannot return to their previous job due to injury or illness, workers’ compensation insurance in Maine provides vocational rehabilitation services.
These services help the employee learn new job skills or find a job suitable for their abilities.
How Are Maine Workers Comp Insurance Rates Determined?
In Maine, workers’ compensation insurance rates are based on the type of work performed and the likelihood of injury or illness.
The more hazardous the work, the higher the workers’ compensation insurance rates will be.
Employers can reduce their workers’ compensation insurance rates by implementing safety programs and providing training to their employees.
What Should You Do When Injured On The Job?
When injured on the job in Maine, you should immediately report the injury to your employer.
Your employer will provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form, which you should fill out and submit to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
You should also seek medical treatment for your injury or illness immediately. If your damage is severe or life-threatening, you should go to the emergency room or call 911.
Once your claim has been submitted, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier will investigate your claim and determine if your injury or illness is covered under the policy.
If your claim is approved, you will receive medical treatment and wage replacement benefits.
What Happens If An Employer Doesn’t Have Workers Comp Insurance In Maine?
If an employer in Maine fails to carry workers’ compensation insurance, they may be penalized and fined.
The Maine Workers’ Compensation Board has the authority to fine employers who don’t carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Employers may also be liable for damages if an employee is injured in a civil lawsuit.
In addition to the financial consequences, employers who don’t carry workers’ compensation insurance may also face damage to their reputation and loss of employee trust.
Employers must prioritize workplace safety and comply with Maine’s workers’ compensation laws to protect their employees and business.
What Are Some Exemptions To Maine Workers Comp Insurance?
In Maine, certain types of workers may be exempt from workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
For example, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and sole proprietors are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Additionally, some domestic workers, such as babysitters and housekeepers, may be exempt from coverage.
However, just because someone is classified as an independent contractor or sole proprietor does not necessarily mean they are exempt from coverage.
If workers meet specific criteria, such as working exclusively for one employer or having little control over the terms of their work, they may be considered employees.
If you’re still determining whether you must carry workers’ compensation insurance in Maine, it’s best to consult with workers’ comp professionals in Maine to discover your options.
Protect Your Business With Maine Workers Comp Insurance Today
Maine workers comp insurance is an essential protection for both employers and employees.
It benefits employees injured or become ill due to their job and protects employers from costly lawsuits.
If you’re an employer in Maine, you must ensure you have workers’ compensation insurance to protect your employees and your business.
If you’re an employee injured on the job, report the injury to your employer and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
With the proper protection and resources, we can all work together to create a safer workplace in Maine.
