Filing a workers’ comp claim in Maine.
Administered by the Maine Workers' Compensation Board. Primary form: WCB-1 — Employee's Claim for Compensation.
Build your Notice of Claim letter now
Our workers’ comp wizard generates a dated, written Notice of Claim letter you can send to your employer today — free.
Open Notice of Claim wizardMaine State Board
- Agency
- Maine Workers' Compensation Board
- Primary claim form
- WCB-1 — Employee's Claim for Compensation
- Official website
- https://www.maine.gov/wcb/
Deadlines at a glance
90 days from date of injury (notify employer)
Report to your employer first. Put it in writing — email, text, or signed letter. Missing this window can reduce or eliminate benefits.
2 years from date of injury or last benefit
File WCB-1 — Employee's Claim for Compensation with the Maine Workers' Compensation Board before this window closes.
7 days, retroactive after 14 days
Medical benefits typically begin immediately. The waiting period applies to wage-replacement (TTD/TPD) benefits only.
Federal programs that may apply
The Maine program covers most private-sector workers. Three federal programs run in parallel for specific worker categories:
- FECA — Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Covers civilian federal employees. Filed through the US DOL, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
- LHWCA — Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Covers maritime workers (longshoremen, shipbuilders, harbor workers) on navigable US waters.
- Jones Act — 46 U.S.C. § 30104. Covers seamen injured in the course of employment. Provides a negligence cause of action and maintenance and cure rights outside the state WC system.
Need help with more than the notice letter?
Disputed claims, denial appeals, permanent disability ratings, and third-party tort claims alongside workers’ comp require sustained documentation. SynthCounsel’s Case Pass gives you unlimited documents, deadline tracking, and AI-assisted brief building for 12 months.