The top-rated workers compensation lawyer in Lewiston, Maine is Berman & Simmons, rated 4.6 stars across 148 reviews. Other highly rated options include Hardy Wolf & Downing, Lhommedieu Law Office PA, Fales & Fales, P.A.. This directory lists 16 workers compensation lawyers serving Lewiston.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berman & Simmons | 129 Lisbon St | (207) 407-7804 |
| 2 | Hardy Wolf & Downing | 186 Lisbon St | (207) 531-5758 |
| 3 | Lhommedieu Law Office PA | 190 Bates St | (207) 786-5244 |
| 4 | Fales & Fales, P.A. | 192 Lisbon St | (207) 407-5706 |
| 5 | Allan E. Lobozzo | 500 Main St | (207) 841-4282 |
| 6 | Law Offices of Joe Bornstein | 157 Main St | (207) 783-4000 |
| 7 | Peter Thompson & Associates | 213 Lisbon St | (207) 777-3640 |
| 8 | Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. | 443 Main St | (207) 783-8500 |
| 9 | Skelton Taintor & Abbott | 500 Canal St | (207) 784-3200 |
| 10 | Paradie, Rabasco & Seasonwein P.A. | 472 Main St | (207) 333-3583 |
Berman & Simmons serves the Lewiston, Maine metro area and surrounding communities as a workers compensation law firm. It assists employees who have suffered job-related injuries or illnesses in navigating the claims process to secure the medical care and wage replacement benefits they are entitled to under state law. The firm handles the filing of initial claims and appeals of denied benefits before the Maine Workers' Compensation Board.
Hardy Wolf & Downing serves clients throughout the Lewiston, Maine, metro area, focusing exclusively on workers compensation law. The firm assists injured workers with claims for medical benefits and lost wages resulting from workplace accidents. It navigates the complexities of filing with the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board and advocates for fair settlements. The office provides representation during disputes with employers and insurance carriers. Its services include handling claims for repetitive stress injuries and occupational diseases.
Lhommedieu Law Office PA in Lewiston provides representation for workers injured on the job, guiding clients through claims, appeals, and benefit disputes. Its service approach includes managing legal filings, negotiating with insurance carriers, and preparing cases for hearing. Office hours are maintained for regular client consultations and urgent claim matters. The firm handles services for local businesses, including industrial sites, retail stores, and municipal properties.
Fales & Fales, P.A., serves workers in Lewiston and the surrounding Androscoggin County communities, handling claims for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. The firm assists clients through the process of securing medical benefits and wage replacement after an accident on the job. It manages cases involving disputes over injury coverage and return-to-work issues. To handle a typical job, the firm gathers employment records and medical documentation, then negotiates with insurance carriers or represents the client at a hearing before the state workers' compensation board.
Allan E. Lobozzo serves individuals and families in Lewiston who require representation for workplace injury claims. The firm assists clients with filing workers' compensation benefits, navigating disputes with insurance carriers, and appealing denied claims to secure necessary medical care and lost wage replacement. The practice focuses on protecting the legal rights of injured workers throughout the complicated hearing and negotiation process. It also handles cases for clients in the broader Androscoggin County area, including neighboring Auburn.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein provides legal representation for workers injured on the job in the Lewiston, Maine area. Its attorneys handle the full range of workers compensation claims, from initial filings to appeals hearings. The firm assists with medical benefit coordination, lost wage recovery, and settlement negotiations. Legal services are offered on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay only if compensation is secured. The firm primarily serves workers from local manufacturing plants, retail establishments, construction sites, and restaurants throughout the Lewiston region.
Individuals and businesses in Lewiston, Maine turn to Peter Thompson & Associates for workers compensation legal matters. The firm assists injured workers with claims for medical benefits and lost wages, while also guiding employers through compliance issues. Services include navigating administrative hearings and appealing denied claims before the state board. Understanding Maine’s complex compensation laws, the practice offers straightforward counsel for those navigating workplace injury disputes. Peter Thompson & Associates also extends its services to clients throughout nearby Auburn and the broader Androscoggin County area.
The Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. focuses on Workers Compensation law, guiding injured workers through claims for medical benefits and lost wages in Lewiston. It assists clients with filing initial paperwork and navigating disputes with insurers or employers. As seasonal employment fluctuates in Maine, the office helps workers address injuries sustained during peak summer labor or winter road-maintenance shifts, providing critical support through each stage of the recovery and compensation process.
Skelton Taintor & Abbott in Lewiston, ME offers representation on a one-time consultation or an ongoing case management basis, typically covering medical claim disputes and wage replacement benefits under state workers’ compensation law. The firm handles all phases of a claim, from initial filing through hearings and appeals, ensuring compliance with Maine’s specific regulations. Services are provided on a scheduled or as-needed basis depending on case progression and settlement requirements.
After a winter slip on ice or a tough shift in a Lewiston warehouse, workplace injuries can disrupt life quickly. Paradie, Rabasco & Seasonwein P.A. provides legal guidance for workers navigating those claims. They focus on securing rightful benefits and addressing insurance or employer denials. For anyone recovering from an on-the-job accident, their legal team helps clarify the process toward compensation and medical coverage. A case begins with an initial assessment of the specific incident and injuries.
What Does a a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Lewiston Cost?
The cost of hiring a workers compensation lawyer in Maine is generally structured as a contingency fee, which means you do not pay any legal fees unless your case is successful. Under Maine law, the maximum contingency fee is capped at 25% of the benefits recovered, though some attorneys may charge a lower percentage for straightforward claims. For example, if you receive a $50,000 settlement, the attorney fee would be no more than $12,500. Additionally, you may be responsible for costs such as medical record copying fees, independent medical examination fees, or expert witness fees, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity of your case.
It is important to discuss fee arrangements during your initial consultation, which is typically offered at no charge. Some attorneys may also offer a hybrid fee structure, such as a reduced hourly rate for certain tasks, but contingency fees remain the most common. Remember that these figures are general estimates, and actual costs can vary based on the specific details of your claim. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney to understand the full cost implications for your situation.
About workers compensation lawyers in Lewiston
Workers compensation insurance provides critical financial and medical support for employees who suffer on-the-job injuries, develop occupational diseases, or experience repetitive stress injuries from their work duties. In Lewiston, Maine, workers across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and retail face daily risks that can lead to serious harm. Construction accidents, for example, frequently involve falls from height, equipment malfunctions, or trench collapses, while office workers may develop carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain from prolonged sitting and repetitive motions. Maine law requires most employers to carry workers compensation coverage, ensuring that injured workers receive wage replacement and medical care without needing to prove fault. This system is designed to be a no-fault exchange: employees give up their right to sue their employer in exchange for guaranteed benefits. Understanding the nuances of this system is essential for any worker in Lewiston who has been hurt on the job.
Maine’s workers compensation laws are governed by Title 39-A of the Maine Revised Statutes and administered by the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Under these laws, any employer with one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, must carry workers compensation insurance. Certain exemptions exist for sole proprietors, partners in a business, and some agricultural workers, but the vast majority of Lewiston employers are required to provide coverage. Benefit calculations in Maine are based on the employee’s average weekly wage, with a formula that replaces 60% of that wage for temporary total disability, up to a maximum weekly benefit. As of 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,173.84, while the minimum is $235.00. These amounts are adjusted annually based on the state average weekly wage. The WCB sets strict deadlines and procedures for claims, and failure to follow them can jeopardize your right to benefits.
The types of benefits available under Maine workers compensation law are designed to address the full range of injury impacts. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits provide wage replacement while you are completely unable to work and are recovering. Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits apply when you have a lasting impairment but can still work in some capacity, with compensation based on a percentage of impairment to the whole body. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are for workers who can never return to any gainful employment, providing ongoing weekly payments. Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary treatment related to the work injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Vocational rehabilitation benefits may be available if you cannot return to your previous job, helping with retraining and job placement services. Death benefits provide financial support to dependents if a worker dies from a work-related injury, including funeral expenses up to $10,000 and weekly payments to surviving spouses and children.
The claims process in Maine begins with strict reporting deadlines. You must notify your employer of the injury within 30 days of the accident or when the injury becomes apparent, though reporting as soon as possible is strongly recommended. Your employer must then file a First Report of Injury with the WCB within 10 days of receiving notice. After filing, the insurance carrier has 21 days to accept or deny the claim. During the process, the insurance company may require you to attend an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing. Your claim will continue until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), the point where your condition has stabilized and further improvement is unlikely. At MMI, the doctor will assign a permanent impairment rating, which determines your eligibility for PPD benefits. Settlement options in Maine include lump-sum payments, where you receive a single payment to close the claim, or structured settlements, where payments are made over time. Lump-sum settlements often require WCB approval and may impact future medical coverage, so careful consideration is necessary.
Disputed claims are common in Maine workers compensation cases. An insurance carrier may deny a claim for reasons such as failure to report the injury on time, lack of medical evidence linking the injury to work, or allegations that the injury was self-inflicted or occurred while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to file a Petition for Award with the WCB, which triggers a formal dispute process. An administrative law judge will hold a hearing where both sides present evidence, including medical records, witness testimony, and expert opinions. The WCB also offers mediation services to help resolve disputes without a formal hearing. If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you can appeal to the WCB’s Appellate Division and, ultimately, to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. The role of the WCB is to oversee the entire system, ensuring that claims are handled fairly and according to law. Having legal representation during this process can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
In some situations, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim in addition to your workers compensation benefits. Workers comp generally bars you from suing your employer, but if a third party—such as a manufacturer of defective equipment, a negligent subcontractor, or a property owner—caused or contributed to your injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. For example, if a construction worker in Lewiston is injured by a faulty crane, they may have a claim against the crane manufacturer. Similarly, if a delivery driver is hit by a negligent motorist while on the job, they can sue the driver. Maine law allows you to recover damages for pain and suffering, which workers comp does not cover. However, your employer or its insurance carrier has a right of subrogation, meaning they can recover the amount of workers comp benefits paid from any third-party settlement or judgment. This interaction can be complex, and coordinating both claims requires careful legal strategy to maximize your total recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific deadlines apply to filing a workers compensation claim in Lewiston, Maine?
In Maine, you must notify your employer of a work-related injury within 30 days of the accident or when the injury becomes apparent. The employer must then file a First Report of Injury with the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board within 10 days. For occupational diseases, the 30-day clock starts from the date you are diagnosed or when you should reasonably have known the disease was work-related. Missing these deadlines can result in a permanent loss of benefits, so prompt action is critical.
How much does it cost to hire a workers compensation lawyer in Lewiston?
Most workers compensation lawyers in Maine work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the fee is taken as a percentage of the benefits you recover. Typical contingency fees range from 20% to 25% of the amount obtained, though this is capped by Maine law at 25% for most cases. Some attorneys may charge a small flat fee for initial consultations, which are often free. You may also be responsible for out-of-pocket costs like medical record fees or expert witness fees, but these are usually deducted from your settlement.
What is the typical timeline for a workers compensation case in Maine?
After you report your injury, the insurance carrier has 21 days to accept or deny the claim. If accepted, temporary total disability benefits begin within 14 days. If denied, you can file a Petition for Award with the Workers’ Compensation Board, and a hearing is typically scheduled within 60 to 90 days. Reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) can take months or years depending on the injury severity. Settlement negotiations often occur after MMI, and a lump-sum settlement may take an additional 30 to 60 days for WCB approval.