Lost Wages in a Maine Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Maine, you can recover lost wages and future earning capacity as part of your claim. Here is exactly how to document, calculate, and recover your income losses.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Modified comparative fault (50% bar)
Fault System
6 years
Filing Deadline
At-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Maine
Past Lost Wages
All income you lost from the date of the accident through settlement or verdict — including salary, hourly wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment income.
Future Lost Earnings
If your injury causes permanent or long-term disability affecting your ability to work, you can recover the present value of future income losses. Expert economic testimony is typically required.
Lost Business Income
Self-employed individuals and business owners can claim documented lost profits caused by their inability to work.
Benefits & PTO Used
Sick days, vacation days, and other benefits consumed due to your injury may be recoverable as lost wages.
No-Fault vs At-Fault in Maine
Maine Injury Law
Maine stands out with a generous 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, the longest among most states. Maine applies modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar, and the state does not require no-fault PIP insurance. Maine's rural character and forestry, fishing, and tourism industries generate distinctive injury litigation including logging accidents, boating injuries, and claims against seasonal tourist businesses. Premises liability cases involving ATV and snowmobile accidents on privately owned land are common. Maine has no general cap on compensatory damages. Maine courts apply the discovery rule for latent injury cases. The Maine Health Security Act governs medical malpractice claims, requiring a mandatory pre-litigation panel screening process before cases proceed to trial. Wrongful death claims in Maine are subject to a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of death, shorter than the general personal injury period. Dram shop liability is recognized for over-service of alcohol to intoxicated persons.