Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer in Maine
Whether a dog owner in Maine is automatically liable for a bite, the deadline to sue, how lawyers usually charge (contingency fees), how to check a lawyer's license, and free help. We do not recommend or rank lawyers.
What a lawyer costs in Maine: fee rules
| Rules on contingency fees | A contingent fee agreement must be in a writing signed by the client stating how the fee is figured, including percentages on settlement, trial or appeal, the litigation and other expenses deducted from the recovery, whether expenses come out before or after the fee is calculated, and any expenses the client owes whether or not they win; at the end, the lawyer gives a written statement of the outcome and the client's share. Maine bans contingent fees in any initial action for divorce, annulment, judicial separation, paternity or parentage, parental rights and responsibilities, emancipation, grandparent visitation, guardianship or child support (and post-judgment proceedings to change those orders), contingent fees for criminal defendants, and probate estate administration fees based on a percentage of the estate. For actions for professional negligence covered by 24 M.R.S. Sec. 2961, the total contingent fee (excluding litigation expenses) may not exceed 33 1/3% of the first $100,000 recovered, 25% of the next $100,000, and 20% of any amount over $200,000, unless a court approves a higher fee on petition. Statute: https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/24/title24sec2961.html |
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| If you disagree with a lawyer's bill | The Board of Overseers of the Bar runs a free fee arbitration program for clients (or, with the client's written consent, others) disputing fees charged by a lawyer admitted in Maine, after a good-faith effort to resolve it with the lawyer. If the lawyer fails without good cause to reply within 30 days, the panel may still decide the matter. The award is binding on both sides, and by filing the petitioner gives up the right to sue over the disputed fees; awards are enforceable under the Uniform Arbitration Act. Decisions generally issue within 20 days after the hearing, and any ordered refund is due within 30 days. |
| If a lawyer takes your money | Maine's Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection may reimburse clients for losses caused by an attorney's dishonest conduct, such as misusing client funds or taking money for the attorney's own benefit; legal malpractice is not covered. Contact: P.O. Box 527, Augusta, ME 04332-0527; 207-623-7801. |
Maine rules to know first
| Dog owner liability | When a dog injures a person who is not on the owner's or keeper's premises, the owner or keeper is liable for the damages without proof of negligence; the injured person's fault reduces recovery for physical injury only if it exceeded the owner's fault. For other animal injuries (or dog injuries on the owner's premises), the owner or keeper is liable if the damage resulted from the owner's negligence and was not the injured person's fault. Source: 7 M.R.S. § 3961 |
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| Deadline to sue | Six years. Maine's general rule is that civil actions must be filed within 6 years after the cause of action accrues, unless another statute sets a different period. Personal injury claims fall under this general rule. Some injury claims have shorter special deadlines, such as medical malpractice (3 years), wrongful death (3 years) and claims against governmental entities (2 years). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 752 |
Find and check a lawyer
| Lawyer referral service | The Maine State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides "up to 30 minutes' consult with a qualified, local lawyer for $35"; after that consultation, you and the lawyer agree on a fee or rate for further work. |
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| Check that the lawyer is licensed | The Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar's online Attorney Directory lists attorneys admitted to practice in Maine as of the previous day. Search by name, city, state, ZIP, county or six-digit bar number. The Board notes that being listed does not necessarily mean an attorney is in good standing or currently permitted to practice; to check public discipline records, call the Board at (207) 623-1121. |
| Check discipline history or file a complaint | Grievance complaints about Maine lawyers go to the Board of Overseers of the Bar. They must be in writing and signed, using the online form, PDF form or a letter with a detailed summary and relevant documents. Mail: Board of Overseers of the Bar, 97 Winthrop Street, P.O. Box 527, Augusta, ME 04332-0527; phone (207) 623-1121; board@mebaroverseers.org. There is no cost. Central Intake reviews it, Bar Counsel investigates and the lawyer must respond in writing; a Review Panel then dismisses, dismisses with a warning or refers it for a public hearing (the first phase usually takes 90 to 120 days). You may request review of a dismissal within 14 days. Final public discipline is published on the Board's website. |
Free legal help
| Free legal aid | The Maine Judicial Branch lists free civil legal aid providers: Pine Tree Legal Assistance (the state's LSC-funded legal aid organization, for low-income people; ptla.org), Volunteer Lawyers Project, (800) 442-4293; Maine Equal Justice Partners, (866) 626-7059; Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, (800) 497-8505; Legal Services for Maine Elders, (800) 750-5353 (people 60 or older); Disability Rights Maine, (800) 452-1948; and the clinics at Maine Law, (207) 780-4370 or toll-free (877) 780-2522. LSC grantee list: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/our-grantees |
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.