Have You Suffered a Personal Injury?
A personal injury lawyer in Maine who aggressively pursues compensation for clients
Many injuries in Maine happen as a result of auto accidents and other traffic accidents. Our Maine accident lawyers handle these types of cases every day for Mainers. Personal injury, however, is not limited to car accidents, truck accidents or other road-related injuries. Mainers are injured every day due to all types of negligence, from slip and fall accidents to nursing home abuse.
When this happens, our Maine law firm can fight for your rights every step of the way. If necessary, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit and demand the money you deserve, including financial compensation for pain and suffering in certain circumstances.
Significant settlements and verdicts
- $3.75 million for a truck accident injury victim from Bangor, Maine hurt in head-on collision.
- $3.24 million for a car accident injury victim from East Waterboro, Maine hurt in an asleep at the wheel accident.
- $2 million for a motorcycle accident injury victim from Hampden, Maine hurt by a driver who failed to yield at an intersection.
“What was a very difficult time for me was made a lot easier by the wonderful people at Joe Bornstein. I felt so supported and cared for. I would absolutely recommend their services to anyone dealing with the confusing system of healthcare, auto insurance, and everything that goes along with getting injured in an accident. I am truly grateful for everything they did for me.” - Danielle G,. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Average Rating: 4.9/5 stars, 176 reviews
FAQs About Personal Injury
- What is personal injury law?
- What types of personal injury cases does our law firm handle?
- What should I do after a personal injury accident?
- What are common mistakes people make with personal injury claims?
- What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Maine?
- Is Maine an at-fault state?
- How do you prove negligence was a factor in a personal injury claim?
- What is the difference between a settlement and a personal injury lawsuit?
- Should I file a personal injury lawsuit in Maine?
- How much is my personal injury lawsuit or claim worth?
- How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
- How can a Maine personal injury lawyer help me?
What is personal injury law?
Personal injury law enables people who have been harmed to recover or otherwise be compensated for their losses, whether it’s by filing an injury claim or personal injury lawsuit. You may be eligible for different types of damages, depending on the circumstances of your personal injury. A loss can be any of the following, or a combination of these things:
- Physical injury
- Emotional trauma
- Damage to property
- Pain and suffering
The acts may be intentional, or they may be the result of negligence. In most cases, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. If you wait too long, you may lose your rights due to the statute of limitations.
If you or a loved one was injured, or a loved one was killed, take action promptly to make sure your rights are fully protected.
What types of personal injury cases does our law firm handle?
Our law firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases in Maine. Whether you were hurt in a traffic collision or an accident on someone else’s property, we’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a personal injury case, we’re happy to talk with you and provide guidance. Our firm handles personal injury cases involving:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Boat accidents
- Construction accidents
- Dog bites
- Drowning accidents
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
What should I do after a personal injury accident?
After suffering an injury, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But taking the right steps after an accident can make a big difference in both your recovery and your ability to file a strong personal injury claim. Your recovery should be your priority, but it’s also important to protect your rights. Here’s what to do:
- Seek medical attention: Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to show symptoms.
- Report the accident: Whether it happened on the road, at work, or on someone’s property, make sure the proper authorities or responsible parties are notified.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos. Write down the names and contact information of witnesses and anyone involved.
- Keep records and documents: Hold onto medical bills, doctor’s notes, accident reports, and any other documents related to your injury.
- Be careful about discussing the incident: Don’t post about it online or talk to the other party’s insurance company before getting legal advice.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: An attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
What are common mistakes people make with personal injury claims?
Even honest mistakes can hurt your case or reduce the compensation you’re able to recover. Knowing what to watch out for can save you time, stress, and money. Here are some of the most common errors people make after a personal injury:
- Delaying medical care: Waiting to see a doctor or skipping follow-up appointments can make it seem like you weren’t seriously injured.
- Admitting fault: Saying things like “I’m sorry” can be misunderstood as accepting blame, even if you weren’t at fault.
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurance company: The other party’s insurer may try to use your words against you. It’s best to let your lawyer handle communication.
- Accepting a quick settlement: Insurance companies often offer low payouts early on. Once you accept, you can’t ask for more, even if your injuries get worse.
- Posting on social media: Photos or updates can be taken out of context and used to challenge your claim.
- Missing deadlines: In Maine, there’s a time limit for filing personal injury claims. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to compensation.
What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Maine?
In Maine, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is six years from the date of the accident or injury. This means you generally have up to six years to file a lawsuit against the person or party responsible for your injuries. If you miss this deadline, the court may dismiss your case, leaving you without a legal path to recover compensation.
It’s important to understand that while six years may sound like plenty of time, waiting too long can still hurt your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become harder to reach, and insurance companies may be less cooperative as time passes.
There are also exceptions to the rule, such as cases involving minors or government entities, which may have shorter deadlines or different filing requirements. That’s why it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand exactly how much time you have, make sure all deadlines are met, and begin building your case while the details are still fresh.
Is Maine an at-fault state?
Yes, Maine is an at-fault state for personal injury claims. That means the person or party responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying damages. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim against their insurance or take legal action to recover compensation. However, Maine also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault, as long as you are less than 50% responsible.
How do you prove negligence was a factor in a personal injury claim?
To prove negligence, you need to show that the other party had a legal duty to act safely, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. This often involves collecting evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photos or video footage, medical records, and expert testimony. For example, in a slip and fall case, proof might include showing the property owner knew about a hazard but failed to fix it. An experienced attorney can investigate your case and gather the documentation needed to prove liability and support your claim.
What is the difference between a settlement and a personal injury lawsuit?
In most cases, the best way to get the money you deserve to pay for your accident-related expenses is to accept a settlement offer or file a personal injury lawsuit. What’s the difference?
A settlement is a one-time payment designed to pay for all injury-related expenses, including future anticipated expenses. So if you decide to accept a settlement offer, you cannot ask for any additional money in the future, even if your injury-related expenses suddenly go up.
A personal injury lawsuit is a legal action filed by the injury victim in a civil court. If a judge or jury rules in favor of your lawsuit, they will award damages, the legal term for financial compensation.
Should I file a personal injury lawsuit in Maine?
We hear this question a lot at our Maine law firm from injury victims. Many times, the best way to get the money you deserve for your injury accident is to take legal action. This is especially true if the at-fault party or their insurance takes the following approach:
- makes a lowball settlement offer
- negotiates in bad faith and refuses to make a better settlement offer
- denies your injury claim and refuses to pay you the money you deserve.
Deciding whether to file a lawsuit is a very serious decision. That’s why a Maine personal injury attorney from our law firm wants to meet with you. We can answer your questions and explain the pros and cons of taking legal action and other possible legal options.
How much is my personal lawsuit or injury claim worth?
If you were hurt in an accident in Maine caused by someone else, you deserve to be financially compensated for all your injury-related expenses. What you might not realize is just how many expenses your injury claim or personal injury lawsuit might include:
- Cost of all medical care, including any future medical treatments.
- Vehicle repairs or replacement costs if you need to buy a new car or truck.
- Money for any property damaged due to your accident.
- Replacement income if you need to stay home from work to rest and recover.
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work due to a permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages (a legal term for financial compensation for losses that don’t have a specific financial impact but which are just as real).
Add up all these expenses and financial losses and your injury claim or lawsuit could be worth thousands of dollars or significantly more. So how do you know how much your case could be worth? Often, the best way is to talk to an experienced Maine personal injury attorney. We’re here to help you make things right.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and there are no hourly fees. Instead, we only get paid if we recover compensation for you – usually a percentage of your settlement or court award. If your case isn’t successful, you don’t owe us anything. This arrangement allows people who are injured to access experienced legal representation without added financial stress.
How can a Maine personal injury lawyer help me?
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, our personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting for people who have been injured through no fault of their own. We provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation to protect the rights of Mainers who are going through a difficult time.
We provide top legal services by aggressively pursuing the maximum compensation allowed under the law. If the insurance company is not adequately responding to your needs, we’re ready to stand up for you and demand justice.
We understand how serious or catastrophic injuries due to someone’s irresponsible behavior can create extreme hardship. So, if you were injured due to a dog bite, or you or a loved one was exposed to a harmful substance, such as asbestos, we’re here for you. Don’t let someone else’s reckless actions ruin your life. You have options. Take back control. Call us for a free consultation.
Contact a personal injury lawyer in Maine
Call Joe now: 1-866-275-4563. Contact a Maine personal injury lawyer for a free, confidential case evaluation. We understand how frustrating it is for personal injury victims to deal with insurance company red tape after an accident. We can help. At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we fight aggressively for our clients. Let us handle the insurance companies for you.
"My husband and I are so very grateful to all the staff for all their hard work. Everyone in this office was so very helpful and did a great job explaining everything to us in a way we could understand at a time when my husband was injured and so many other things were on our minds."
- H.S., Bucksport, ME
