⚖️ Do All Personal Injury Cases in Maine Go to Court?
- Rachel Okun
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 18
Not usually. In fact, most personal-injury claims in Maine are resolved through settlement, not trial. A skilled attorney negotiates directly with the insurance company to reach a fair resolution long before a jury is ever selected.
At Okun Law PLLC, our goal is to help you recover full compensation — efficiently and fairly. Whether that means negotiating a settlement or filing suit, we guide you through every step so you can focus on healing.
Why Most Cases Settle Out of Court
There are several reasons Maine personal-injury cases rarely reach trial:
Cost: Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming for both sides.
Risk: Juries are unpredictable, so insurers often prefer the certainty of settlement.
Time: Trials can take years, while settlements can happen within months.
An experienced attorney helps evaluate whether the insurer’s offer is fair, and whether going to court might actually yield a better outcome.
When a Case Does Go to Court
Sometimes, going to court is the best or only option. You may need to file a lawsuit if:
The insurance company denies liability.
The settlement offer doesn’t cover medical bills or lost income.
Fault is disputed or multiple parties are involved.
The insurer delays or refuses to negotiate in good faith.
Even after a lawsuit is filed, many cases still settle before trial, often after discovery or mediation clarifies the evidence and value.
The Court Timeline in Maine
If a case proceeds to trial, expect several stages:
Filing the complaint: Your lawyer officially starts the lawsuit.
Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions.
Mediation or settlement talks: In Maine, alternative dispute resolution is required in almos all cases, and judges encourage resolution before trial.
Trial: A judge or jury decides liability and damages.
From start to finish, a litigated case may take two to three years, depending on court schedules and case complexity.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Having an attorney early doesn’t mean your case will go to court - it means you’ll be prepared if it does. Insurance companies treat represented clients more seriously and are more likely to negotiate fairly.
At Okun Law PLLC, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That approach gives our clients leverage in settlement negotiations, and confidence that they’re ready for any outcome.
Talk to a Maine Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in Maine, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact Okun Law PLLC for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain whether a lawsuit may be needed, and help you make informed choices every step of the way.
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