Bangor Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one in a preventable tragedy is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. At Berman & Simmons, we have seen firsthand the profound grief and challenges accompanying these situations. If someone you love has passed away due to another's negligence, contact us for guidance and advocacy. 

Families in Bangor and across Maine have trusted us to fight for them in difficult times for over a century. With compassion and a commitment to justice, we have held numerous at-fault parties accountable and secured over $1.5 billion in compensation. Our landmark results include wrongful death recoveries of $20 million and $14 million, among other significant victories. 

While no amount of money can make up for the loss of someone you loved, it can eliminate financial burdens and help you move forward with your life. Reach out to Berman & Simmons to discuss your case and options for pursuing compensation with our Bangor wrongful death attorneys. These initial meetings are free, and we can conduct them virtually for your convenience. 

Call (207) 307-0322 or submit our online contact form with information about how we can help you. Our legal team is prepared to support you and pursue the justice you deserve.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Maine?

Maine law controls who can pursue wrongful death cases. Under Title 18-C, Section 2-807 of the Maine Revised Statutes, wrongful death claims must be made "by and in the name of the personal representative or special administrator of the deceased person." This means that family members or loved ones cannot file a wrongful death claim directly. 

We recognize many people have questions about a loved one’s wrongful death before they have gone through the process of having a personal representative appointed. Our firm has experience guiding Maine families through this process, and there is no need for you to handle it on your own before contacting us about a potential wrongful death case. 

The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Maine

It is important to note that there is a time limit for filing a wrongful death claim in Maine. According to Maine’s laws, most wrongful death lawsuits for deaths that occurred on or after October 25, 2023, must be filed within three years of a person's death. For deaths that occurred prior to this date, Maine law allows only two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. 

A notable exception to these general time limits is for wrongful death cases arising out of medical malpractice by a healthcare provider, which may have up to three years to file from the date the medical error occurs. 

The applicable time limit for your case will depend on the facts of your situation. To avoid the possibility that the statute of limitations could expire, you should consult our Bangor wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible to determine what specific time limits apply to your case.

The Kinds of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle