Guidance To Coverage For Serious Injuries In Maine
When an accident occurs at the workplace, injured employees and their families suffer. While life-altering injuries can be devastating, there are options available for workers to limit the impact of the accident and receive the compensation they deserve. At The Bayer Law Office, employees dealing with serious injuries or the aggravation of a preexisting ailment can find the assistance required to maximize their workers’ compensation benefits and seek further compensation through legal proceedings.
Attorney Richard D. Bayer has been a reliable advocate for injured workers in Portland and elsewhere in Cumberland County for more than 20 years. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Bayer has assisted countless clients in securing compensation for their physical injuries. He has vast experience with the work injury process and can help clients ensure their case is supported by substantial evidence and testimony.
What Are Some Of The Most Common Harmful Substances Workers Can Be Exposed To?
Exposure to dangerous chemicals and substances is, unfortunately, a part of the job for some workers. Some of the most common substances workers could be exposed to are:
- Asbestos
- Mercury
- Lead
- Formaldehyde
- Chlorine
- Benzene
Fortunately, Maine workers have rights and should obtain legal counsel if they suffer an injury or illness due to exposure to harmful substances or other toxic chemicals.
What Is The Longshore And Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
Maine’s economy relies heavily on the commercial fishing industry, which brings an influx of employees who work in various maritime occupations to the state. Due to the high prevalence of maritime workers, a significant number of employees seek compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides financial assistance to employees injured while performing their duties. However, for a worker to be covered, the employee must have suffered their injury while on navigable waters or during the unloading and loading of the ship or boat. In the event that a maritime worker loses their life while on the job, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act also offers benefits to the dependents of the employee.
However, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act does not cover all maritime employees. Workers who are covered under the Jones Act, which includes crew members on the vessel, are not able to seek benefits under this law.
Can You File A Claim For Mental Health-Related Problems For Work?
Yes, in Maine, employees have the opportunity to file a claim for work-induced mental health concerns. In fact, Maine has two categories for mental health-related cases: physical-mental claims and mental-mental claims. A physical-mental claim involves a worker suffering mentally from the physical impact of their injury. A mental-mental claim does not involve a physical injury at all.
What Options Are Available To Families For Workers Who Died At Work?
When families lose a loved one because of a workplace accident, they are often unsure of what benefits are available as they contend with their grief. Maine families should be aware they can potentially qualify for workers’ compensation death benefits. After securing compensation for the loss of a loved one, families can cover the funeral expenses and possibly receive a percentage of their deceased family member’s annual income.
Families may want to consider taking legal action if they believe their loved one lost their life based on their employer’s carelessness. Maine families should discuss their situation with a legal professional and consider filing a wrongful death claim if employer negligence contributed to their loved one’s passing.
Contact The Bayer Law Office For A Free Case Evaluation
Work injuries can have a resounding impact on everyone involved. To obtain relentless representation following an injury, do not hesitate to contact The Bayer Law Office by calling 207-466-6768 or using the online contact form.