Maine Jury Instruction — 10.10.3 Employee vs. Self-Employed Independent Contractor is a specific instruction given to a jury in Maine when determining whether a worker should be classified as an employee or a self-employed independent contractor. This instruction provides guidance on the factors that should be considered in making this determination. In Maine, the classification of a worker as an employee or a self-employed independent contractor has significant implications for various legal rights and obligations, including taxation, workers' compensation, and benefits entitlement. Therefore, it is crucial for the jury to accurately understand the distinction between the two categories. Maine Jury Instruction — 10.10.3 Employee vs. Self-Employed Independent Contractor outlines the key elements that the jury should evaluate during their deliberations. These factors typically include: 1. Control: The jury should analyze the level of control exerted over the worker by the employer. Factors to consider include whether the employer has the right to command how the work is to be performed, the degree of supervision, and the level of independence enjoyed by the worker. 2. Economic Realities: This factor refers to the economic relationship between the parties. It considers whether the worker is economically dependent on the employer or is engaged in an independent business. The court should instruct the jury to assess the extent to which the worker invests in equipment or materials, bears the costs, manages the profits and losses, and has an opportunity for financial gain or loss. 3. Opportunity for Profit or Loss: This element looks at whether the worker has the opportunity to profit or suffer financial loss based on their managerial skills, decisions, or investments, indicating possible independent contractor status. 4. Skill: The jury should consider whether the worker possesses specialized skills that are not generally present in the particular occupation. This factor helps determine if the worker is providing services as an independent contractor. 5. Permanency: The instructions should emphasize the duration and continuity of the worker's relationship with the employer. A more permanent or ongoing arrangement may suggest an employer-employee relationship, while a temporary engagement points towards an independent contractor. It is important to note that the Maine Jury Instruction — 10.10.3 Employee vs. Self-Employed Independent Contractor may not encompass all possible variations and circumstances. Therefore, it is essential for the jury to listen carefully to the case presented in court and apply their judgment to the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Different variations of Maine Jury Instruction — 10.10.3 Employee vs. Self-Employed Independent Contractor may exist in relation to specific industry practices, contractual arrangements, or legal interpretations. However, the core principles outlined above typically form the basis for any instructions provided to the jury in Maine when faced with such classification issues.