Governor Signs Reform Bill Increasing Max Weekly Benefit

Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a workers’ compensation reform bill that would, among other things, increase the maximum weekly benefit, to 125% of the state’s weekly average wage from 100%. Mills, a Democrat, on Monday signed LD 756, which also authorizes a cost-of-living adjustment of up to 5% for workers with a permanent partial disability. The bill also doubles the time to file a claim, to 60 days from 30. The bill caps attorney fees for lump-sum settlements, at 10% of the benefits left after deducting the costs incurred by the employee, including those for medical...