Terrence D. Garmey Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

How Has Accident Litigation Changed Over the Years in ME

Thursday, September 10, 2009 by Terrence D. Garmey

Changes in law and litigation constantly occur in order to adapt to recent trends in law and society. Accident and personal injury litigation has changed over the years in Maine in order to ensure the wellbeing of the public. Changes in Maine accident litigation include:

The legal process
Types of damages applicable to victims
Statutes of limitations

When filing a lawsuit it is important to understand characteristics of accident litigation and personal injury law unique to Maine.

Changes in the Legal Process

In order to attain compensation for your personal injury civil lawsuit it must be proven that the defendant acted negligently and this negligent behavior caused injury to the plaintiff. This has become a challenging task in Maine and has become a very important factor for the judge/jury to consider before awarding damages.

Damages

Maine enforces what is called comparative fault laws. Comparative fault means that if it is proven you were at least responsible for half of the negligent behavior you are not entitled to any damages. There are several requirements for personal injury damages in Maine. Damages can be awarded if the plaintiff has encountered:

Large medical and/or hospital bills
Loss of income
Pain and suffering

In Maine victims of personal injury may bring suit against more than one party. If it is proven each party acted negligently they will be responsible for a share of the damages.

Statutes of Limitations

Statutes of Limitations refer to the amount of time in which an individual may bring suit against any negligent party believed to have caused injury to the individual. Different states have different laws regarding appropriate amounts of time in which a lawsuit can be file. In Maine the legal amount of time in which a personal injury lawsuit can be filed is two years.

Maine Accident Litigation

Changes have been made in Maine accident litigation over the years in order for the law to be adapted to an ever-changing society. Changes have been made in the personal injury legal process, amount of damages awarded and laws governing the amount of time in which individuals may file a lawsuit. The more one understands about Maine personal injury law the easier the legal process will become.

Brought to you as service of the medical malpractice law firm of Smith, Elliott, Smith & Garmey. Contact them today toll free at 866-767-4359, www.sesgattorneys.com.

Posted at 12:17 PM

Topic: Personal Injury