How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Maine?
- Rachel Okun
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Understanding Maine’s Personal Injury Deadlines
If you’ve been injured in Maine, whether in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another preventable incident, you only have a limited time to file a claim. That time limit is called the statute of limitations, and missing it can completely bar you from recovering compensation.
In most cases, Maine law gives you six (6) years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. That’s one of the longest deadlines in the country, but waiting too long can still hurt your case. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and waiting until the last minute is never going to help your case.
⏰ The Six-Year Rule - and When It Starts
Under 14 M.R.S. § 752, Maine’s general statute of limitations for personal injury claims requires you to file your case within six years from the date of the accident or injury.This typically applies to:
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
Dog bites and animal attacks
Slip and fall or premises liability cases
General negligence and product-related injuries
That six-year clock starts on the date you were injured, not the date you contacted an attorney or started medical treatment.
⚠️ Exceptions That Can Shorten (or Extend) the Deadline
While six years is the general rule, there are important exceptions that can change the timeline:
1. Claims Against the Government If your injury involves a Maine state agency, city, or other government entity, the deadline is much shorter. You must usually file a written notice of claim within 1 year of the incident (although this depends on the year you were injured.) 14 M.R.S.A. § 8107, and you must file a lawsuit within two years of the injury. 14 M.R.S.A. § 8110.
2. Medical Malpractice Claims Maine has a three-year limit for medical negligence claims (24 M.R.S. § 2902). The clock generally starts when the malpractice occurs, not when it’s discovered, though rare exceptions exist for delayed discovery.
3. Wrongful Death Claims When a loved one dies as the result of someone else’s negligence, you have (3) years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim under 18-C M.R.S. § 2-807.
4. Minors or Incapacitated Individuals If the injured person is a minor or legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the clock may be paused (“tolled”) until they turn 18 or regain capacity.
Because these exceptions can be complex, it’s critical to talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
🕵️ Why Acting Early Helps Your Case
Even though Maine’s six-year window seems generous, starting your claim early offers major advantages:
Evidence is stronger: Photos, surveillance footage, and physical evidence are easier to secure early.
Witnesses are easier to reach: Memory fades, and people relocate.
Medical documentation is clearer: Early records connect your injuries directly to the event.
Negotiations go smoother: Insurers take claims more seriously when they’re promptly and properly presented.
At Okun Law PLLC, we often see better outcomes when clients contact us soon after an accident - not years later.
💬 What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
If you try to file after the statute of limitations expires, the court will almost always dismiss your case, no matter how strong your evidence is. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a Maine personal injury attorney right away to confirm which deadline applies and take timely action.
🧭 How Okun Law PLLC Can Help
At Okun Law PLLC, we help injured Mainers navigate these deadlines and protect their right to compensation. From investigating your case to handling insurance negotiations and court filings, our goal is to make sure your claim is filed on time and built for success.
We represent clients in car accidents, motorcycle and bicycle crashes, wrongful death, premises liability, and other negligence claims throughout Maine.
📞 Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured in Maine, don’t wait. Contact Okun Law PLLC today for a free consultation. We’ll review your timeline, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
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