Helping Our Clients Achieve Results that Matter

Becoming injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act can hurt in more ways than one. You may have physical or mental injuries, or you are experiencing emotional anguish because of the incident. You may also be burdened with new financial obligations such as repair bills or medical costs that you would have otherwise never had to face.

When someone else caused an incident on the road, at a place of business, or anywhere else in any circumstance that caused you injury, you may be able to hold them accountable and seek fair and just compensation. Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. can help you through your personal injury claim by listening to your story and building a personalized strategy to help you get what you need and deserve if you’ve been wrongfully hurt by someone else.

Why Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.?

We care. Our attorneys want to see our personal injury clients succeed and get something when they’ve been hurt because of negligence or a wrongful act. We’ll enlist the assistance of experts and investigators to help us build your case and craft a strategy to maximize the possible amount you can recover.

We offer more than 60 combined years of personal injury law experience among our lawyers who can help you. We’re prepared to respond to you whether you think you have a minor or major case to resolve. We’ll help you fight your claim in court, or seek a solution through alternative dispute resolution.

How Do Maine Courts Determine Fault for Personal Injury?

Maine statute §156. Comparative negligence defines the injured party’s right to compensation when bringing a claim against other parties. The statute states that “fault means negligence, breach of statutory duty or other act or omission that gives rise to liability.” A common example of negligence is a driver who violates traffic laws or makes no attempt to avoid an accident. A person who drives while intoxicated is another example.

When you bring a case, the court evaluates all parties who contributed to your injury or accident and assigns a percentage of fault to each party. If the jury decides your percentage of fault was equal to or greater than the combined fault of the defendants, then it denies you the right to recover damages.

This comparative negligence method for determining fault is the 50 percent rule:

• If your percentage of fault is less than 50 percent, you can recover damages.
• However, the jury also reduces your recovery amount based on your percentage of fault.

For example, if your damages were $100,000 and you were 20 percent at fault, you could only recover $80,000. Our attorneys can thoroughly investigate your personal injury accident to gather evidence that shows other parties are at fault.

Nursing Home Injury Lawsuits

Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. has a nursing home and assisted living abuse team that can help you if you experience or suspect someone you love is experiencing an injury caused by a nursing home. Nursing home abuse and neglect can devastate elderly residents in vulnerable states of health, and cause serious injuries, emotional suffering, and even death. Because nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and employees who care for the elderly have legal obligations to provide adequate care, they can be held liable for harm and damages suffered by victims when they fail to uphold their legal duty.

Our personal injury lawyers in Maine draw from years of experience and extensive resources to protect the rights of elderly victims who were harmed as the result of a nursing home or assisted living care negligence and abuse throughout Northern New England, as well as families that seek justice following incidents that led to wrongful death. Our firm is passionate about holding care providers accountable for causing preventable harm and guiding our clients toward the compensation they deserve.

Portland, ME Personal Injury FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Maine?

In Maine, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally six years from the date of the injury. However, there may be certain exceptions or variations depending on the type of case or the circumstances. For example, there are different statute of limitations for wrongful death and medical malpractice claims and exceptions to the six year rule for claims on behalf of minors. It is recommended to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Maine as soon as possible to determine the applicable statute of limitations for your specific situation.

What is a contingency fee, and how does it work?

A contingency fee is an arrangement in which a personal injury attorney agrees to represent a client for a percentage of any settlement or award the client may receive as a result of their personal injury claim. This means that the client does not have to pay any attorney fees unless they “win” the case. Contingency fees are based on a percentage of the winning settlement or award, too, so the cost is always affordable.

Do I have to go to court for a personal injury case?

Not necessarily. In some cases, a personal injury claim may be resolved through negotiations between the parties involved without the need for a formal lawsuit. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, or if the other party disputes liability or the extent of damages, a lawsuit may be necessary. Starting a lawsuit requires a visit to the court to file it, but even that does not guarantee that the case will go to trial.

How long does it take to resolve a personal injury case?

The length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some cases may be resolved in a few months while others may take a year or longer to conclude. Factors that can impact the length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case include the severity of the injuries, how clear liability is, the number and complexity of legal issues involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Additionally, the process can be affected by the backlog of cases in the court system and the availability of judges, attorneys, and other resources. It is important to work with a qualified personal injury attorney who can provide a realistic timeline for resolving your specific case based on the unique circumstances involved.