This page collects the rules that decide what an injury claim is worth in Maine: who can recover when both sides share the blame, how long you have to sue, what insurance drivers must carry and whether the state caps damages. Every rule links to the statute or court decision behind it, and every calculator on this site uses these same values.
Maine is an at-fault state, so claims are paid by the at-fault party’s insurer, and its 50% bar rule sets how much your own share of fault costs you.
Fault. Maine uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar. Your award drops by your share of fault, and at 50% or more you recover nothing, so an even split leaves you with nothing. Insurers know this, so expect them to argue your share up.
Filing deadlines. You have six years from the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Families have three years for a wrongful death claim, usually counted from the date of death. Claims against a government agency need written notice much sooner.
Car insurance. Maine is an at-fault state, so the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays your claim. Drivers must carry at least $50,000 per injured person, $100,000 per crash and $25,000 for property damage, written 50/100/25. Uninsured motorist coverage is also required.
Damage caps. No cap on injury damages. Medical malpractice and punitive damages can have separate limits.
Dog bites. Owners are strictly liable for injuries their dog causes off the owner’s premises. Bites on the owner’s property follow the negligence rules.
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage, and at 50% or more you recover nothing.
six years from the injury in most cases.
Usually the at-fault party’s insurer: auto, homeowner’s or business liability coverage. The policy limit often sets the practical ceiling.
Not in most injury cases. No cap on injury damages. Medical malpractice and punitive damages can have separate limits.