Mann Law, a Maine-based personal injury law firm, run by women, is doing things differently. Our personal injury lawyers in Portland are invested in you, your case, and the process every step of the way.
At Mann Law, you are not just a number. Not just another case. We don’t refer your case to other attorneys and our commitment to you is unparalleled. Because at Mann Law, we pride ourselves on getting to know you, our client.
If you are in Portland, Maine, or the Southern Maine area and need a personal injury lawyer Portland Maine, contact us. Mann Law is a top rated, female-led & owned personal injury law firm you can trust.
Almost any situation in which someone was injured due to the conduct of another person or company could form the basis of a claim for damages. An injured person should consult a nearby attorney to determine the viability of their claim.
Common personal injury cases include:
No matter the type of accident, our Portland personal injury attorney at Mann Law will provide you and your family with the personalized attention you deserve.
You are not required to suffer a particular type or severity of injury to file a personal injury claim. In fact, no injury is too small, and often, victims suffer from more than one injury simultaneously.
There are several common injuries that we see often, including the following:
Remember, this list is not exhaustive, and it is possible to have other injuries that can give rise to a successful claim.
Getting hurt in any kind of accident, anywhere, can cause more than just physical pain. You may be unable to work while you recover, leaving you burdened with costly medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses. The emotional trauma of a severe injury can continue to impact you for years to come.
If your accident was caused by someone else’s reckless or careless behavior, you have the right to pursue legal action with help from an experienced attorney. A Portland, Maine personal injury lawyer at Mann Law is ready to fight for your best interests and support you throughout your recovery. With the Mann Law team by your side, you can focus on healing while we focus on you and your case.
While there are a few exceptions, most personal injury lawsuits in Portland are built around the legal theory of negligence. As our personal injury attorneys in Portland, Maine can explain, someone is “negligent” if they fulfill the following criteria:
What counts as “negligence” can vary from case to case. For example, property owners do not owe the same responsibility to trespassers as customers or other legal visitors. The Portland, Maine attorneys at Mann Law can explain the legal nuances that apply to your personal injury case in a free consultation. Contact Us Today.
One important aspect of personal injury litigation in Portland, Maine is the modified comparative fault codified under 14 Maine Revised Statutes §156. This allows courts to reduce the total value of your damage award if you are found partially at fault for causing or worsening your own injuries.
Additionally, if you are found equally or primarily to blame for an accident compared to all other involved parties combined, you may be unable to get any compensation at all. At Mann Law, our injury attorneys know how to fight allegations of partial fault by insurance companies and defense lawyers to get you the compensation you need.
How long does a personal injury claim take? Another legal aspect of personal injury cases to bear in mind is the statute of limitations. 14 M.R.S.A §752 gives you six years from the date of your injury to file suit. Contacting a personal injury lawyer at our Portland, Maine office will enable us to begin building your case and collecting evidence as soon as possible.
Often the thought of pursuing a civil lawsuit in a court of law can seem overwhelming and downright scary. However, with the assistance of a seasoned and knowledgeable attorney, the process can be smooth and uncomplicated.
If you were injured in an accident, you might be contemplating filing a civil lawsuit for damages. And if you want to familiarize yourself with what to expect, you have come to the right place.
Below we discuss the overall lawsuit process. Remember, each case is unique, and the best way to determine the possible trajectory of your case is to meet with a Portland lawyer.
After you’ve received any emergent and necessary medical treatment following an accident, you should gather information and evidence.
Starting by writing down what you can recall from the incident, including weather conditions, where it occurred, what happened, any nearby surveillance cameras, etc. Documenting this information while it is still fresh in your mind can prove very beneficial later.
You should also keep copies of any receipts and records for medical treatment or property repair (e.g., car repairs). You will also want to request copies of any police reports or witness statements taken at the scene.
If you are reading this after your injury and realize that you missed many of these steps, do not panic. Even if you didn’t document evidence early on, your lawyer will likely be able to track most of it down. At Mann Law, our legal team has readily available resources to investigate any accident.
If you are contemplating legal action, consult a Portland personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Portland is the most populous city in Maine, and there is no shortage of personal injury attorneys. However, choosing the best lawyer for your unique needs is vital to the success of your case. You should turn to your closest family and friends for attorney recommendations, research potential candidates online, and conduct consultations and interviews with prospective lawyers.
Depending on the type of accident, you will likely file a claim with the defendant’s insurance company before filing a lawsuit. Your attorney will issue a demand and try to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. If both parties agree, the claim is settled.
If you cannot settle your claim with the insurance company or defendant early on, your attorney will discuss filing a civil lawsuit.
The formal discovery process will begin at this time, and the parties will exchange documents, conduct depositions, consult expert witnesses, and participate in mediation. If the parties still do not settle after months of discovery, your case will likely go to trial. As the injured plaintiff, you have the burden of proving your case. Having a sharp advocate on your side will be imperative to your success.
It is important to remember that settlement negotiations are typically ongoing, and even if you do not initially agree, your case can settle at any time—even after filing a lawsuit with the court.
One of the most common questions is how much a personal injury lawyer costs. The cost of a personal injury attorney can vary among firms, lawyers, jurisdictions, and case types. However, most personal injury attorneys are paid on a contingency fee basis. This means they are only paid if and when you are.
Every firm and lawyer will have their specific fee structure, and it is important to discuss what will be expected upfront before signing a representation agreement. Here at Mann Law, we only get paid when you do. Contact us to discuss how we can help and our fee structure. We prioritize open, honest, and transparent communication with our clients.
You might ask yourself, Is it worth getting a personal injury lawyer? The answer is yes. Even though no law requires it, hiring a personal injury lawyer is always worth it. We strongly encourage every accident victim to consult a personal injury attorney before filing an insurance claim or civil lawsuit. You should hire an attorney to handle your case for many reasons. Still, one of the biggest reasons is that often, the defendants are large corporations or insurance companies with deep pockets. They have unlimited resources to challenge your claim.
A second reason it is worth hiring a seasoned professional is that these claims usually involve a lot of litigation, extensive discovery, and tough negotiations.
Remember, the defendant and their insurance companies may try and intimidate you with this information to get you to accept a menial settlement. It would be best if you did not take any offer or discuss any aspect of the case without an attorney present.
Time is of the essence with personal injury claims, so we advise you to consult with one of our injury lawyers soon after your accident. Years can go by quickly when you are recovering from serious injuries. And while you’re recovering, evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witness memories fade—making your case harder to prove. So act quickly for the best results.
Personal injury lawsuits can go far beyond seeking damages for medical expenses and lost wages. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, and other emotional losses. These can be far more difficult to prove than your out-of-pocket expenses. Negotiating the settlement you deserve takes a skilled advocate and negotiator.
With so many different types of personal injury claims comes various settlement amounts. For instance, a construction accident victim’s settlement may differ dramatically from a slip-and-fall victim’s. Several elements will factor into a settlement and even a jury award, including the following:
Each plaintiff, case, and settlement is unique. While most personal injury cases settle, some proceed to trial. Whether you want to negotiate a settlement or move to a trial, the personal injury attorneys at Mann Law can guide you on the best course of action.
Personal injury litigation is rarely a simple or straightforward process, especially if you try to pursue your claim alone. The case may appear straightforward to you, however, proving fault and getting the compensation you deserve requires significant legal experience.
At Mann Law, we have nearly 50 years of combined legal experience and a track record of success on both sides of these cases – we have worked for the insurance companies and now we work against them. Our Portland personal injury lawyers are dedicated to getting you the resources you need to make your best recovery. We are a statewide firm with satellite offices for easy accessibility. Contact us today to set up your free consultation and learn how we can support you.
