If you have suffered injury due to a dog or animal bite, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is here to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a Maine personal injury lawyer. Initial consultations are completely free and confidential.
Have You Been the Victim of a Dog Attack?
Although dogs are known for being great companions, some dogs are too aggressive to be kept as pets. When aggressive dogs attack unsuspecting individuals, those individuals have the legal right to hold the dog owner accountable for any harm done.
Our Maine dog bite attorneys at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. have helped countless residents throughout the state pursue accountability after they have been injured in a dog attack. We offer free consultations to all new clients in which we can discuss whether you qualify for a claim and, if so, how much your claim may be worth. No firm can guarantee favorable results, but our success over the past four decades is evidence of our award-winning skill and commitment to our clients.
Maine State Dog Laws
What Is Maine’s Dog Bite Statute?
According to Maine Revised Statutes § 3961, a dog owner can be held liable if their dog inflicts any harm upon a person or causes any damage to their property if the injury/property damage was no fault of the victim.
The victim will be considered at least partially at fault if they were trespassing on the dog owner’s property or if they provoked the dog to attack in any way. Fortunately, dog attack victims can still file suit as long as their share of the liability is less than 50%.
Please note: Although § 3961 is often referred to as the “dog bite statute,” it applies to any and all attacks made by animals.
Can I Sue if a Dog Bit Me on My Property?
If another person’s dog bit you on your own property, you most likely have grounds for a lawsuit. In fact, where the dog attack/bite occurred is one detail that will certainly come up in court.
Per law, if you (the victim) were not on the dog owner’s property at the time of the attack, it is not necessary to prove that the dog owner was negligent to win your case. This is because Maine is a strict liability state, which simply means that a dog owner will be considered responsible for any injury their dog causes to a person — regardless of whether the dog had previously shown signs of being dangerous.
On the other hand, if you were on the dog owner’s property at the time, you will have to establish that the dog owner was negligent in some capacity, such as by failing to control the dog and prevent the attack.
How Much Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
The value of a dog bite injury lawsuit varies from case to case because you can only sue for the amount of damages that you have incurred.
Typically, the injured individual (plaintiff) will attempt to recover compensation for one or more of the following damages related to the bite/attack:
- Medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy;
- Prescription medications for the injury;
- Psychological counseling or treatment;
- Lost wages due to time taken off work to heal;
- Loss of future wages if the injury has led to a disability;
- Emotional distress or mental anguish; and/or
- Pain and suffering.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Dog Bite?
In Maine, individuals have six years from the date of the dog attack or bite to file a legal claim. After this time limit, also referred to as the statute of limitations, has expired, victims are no longer considered eligible for a claim. It is not recommended to wait years to begin your claim for this reason. What’s more, as time passes, it may become difficult to gather evidence, obtain medical documents, and speak to witnesses.
Start Your Dog Bite Injury Claim Today
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. has handled dog bite claims for years, during which time we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. We understand how a dog attack can affect your life for years to come, as you may be traumatized by the experience in addition to being physically injured. We want to help you obtain the closure and the financial support you need to move on.
