As anyone who has experienced a death in the family can tell you, losing a loved one is a difficult experience. If your loss could have been prevented, the tragedy is intensified immeasurably. If you have lost a loved one because somebody was negligent, we can help you begin to rebuild your life.
A "wrongful death" is any death that was caused by the actions or negligence of a person or group of people. This can cover a wide range of circumstances. If, for instance, a person dies as a result of a dangerous side effect of a prescription drug, the victim's family can file a product liability lawsuit against the drug's maker for causing their loved one's wrongful death. Likewise, if a driver is not paying attention and causes a car accident that results in the death of a motorcyclist or other driver, a claim can be made for the wrongful death. Under the laws of the state of Maine, our team of lawyers can fight to gain justice and closure for victims' families by seeking compensation from the negligent party.
In motorcycle and car accident cases, drunk driving is a common cause of wrongful death. In 2003, alcohol was reported to be a factor in 36 percent of all traffic deaths in Maine. The attorneys at our firm have handled numerous cases involving drunk drivers; wrongful death claims are an essential tool in holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions.
If someone is tried in criminal court for causing a death, they may still be pursued in a civil claim under wrongful death law. It does not matter whether the person was acquitted or convicted in the criminal trial. The standard of proof in a wrongful death claim is not "beyond a reasonable doubt," as in a criminal trial, but rather a "preponderance of the evidence," meaning whichever way most of the evidence points. This can often mean that a person who is not convicted of causing a death can still be held accountable to the victim's family. If you have experienced the wrongful death of a loved one, contact our offices. Attorneys at our practice can help you seek justice in what is doubtless an incredibly difficult time.
Biddeford Office
193 Main St.
Suite 105
Biddeford, ME 04005
Phone: (207) 284-9787
Fax: (207) 283-2915
Portland Office
5 Moulton St.
P.O. Box 4686
Portland, ME 04112
Phone: (207) 772-4624
Fax: (207) 772-1302
TTY: (207) 772-1496
Lewiston Office
157 Main St.
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 783-4000
Fax: (207) 786-7241
Bangor Office
9 May St.
P.O. Box 776
Bangor, ME 04402
Phone: (207) 945-5555
Fax: (207) 947-8111