Dog Bite Liability in Maine
Whether a dog owner in Maine is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: 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; 7 M.R.S. § 3961
| Dog bites | 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 |
|---|---|
| Deadline to sue for an injury | 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 |
More Maine personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Maine
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Maine
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Maine
- Car Accident Claims in Maine
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Maine
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Maine
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Maine
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Maine
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Maine
- Truck Accident Claims in Maine
- Construction Site Injuries in Maine
- All Maine personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Maine?
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.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Maine?
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.
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.