Maine Dog Bite Lawyers Fighting for Victims and Their Families
Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable for Serious Injuries & Attacks
Not every dog is friendly, and when an aggressive dog isn’t properly restrained, innocent people can suffer life-changing injuries. A dog attack can leave victims with deep wounds, nerve damage, or even permanent scarring. For children, the trauma can be even more devastating — turning a terrifying moment into years of fear, anxiety, and medical treatments.
Maine law holds dog owners responsible for the harm their animals cause, but filing a personal injury claim isn’t always as simple as it should be. Liability disputes, insurance company pushback, and legal loopholes can make it difficult for victims to get the compensation they deserve. The dog bite lawyers at Romanow Law Group fight for victims in Portland and throughout Maine, taking on negligent owners and the insurance companies that try to minimize these claims.
Our Portland Dog Bite Attorneys Will Demand Justice
Beyond the physical pain, dog bite victims often face costly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress that can’t be ignored. When a preventable attack disrupts your life or harms a loved one, you deserve justice.
The Maine dog bite attorneys at Romanow Law Group build strong cases to secure maximum compensation, ensuring victims have the resources they need to heal and move forward. We make the process easy, handling the legal fight so clients can focus on recovery. If you or your child suffered a serious dog bite, contact Romanow Law Group today for a free consultation.
“During the first meeting with these people, I knew they cared about me. They listened to me and then advised my every step. … Because of their thorough dive into my case and quick actions, the case was over before we ever stepped in front of a judge.” — Cody W., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Maine
Dog and animal attacks can leave victims with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and lasting trauma, making it crucial to have the right information from a trusted legal authority. Understanding your rights and the legal process can mean the difference between struggling with the aftermath alone and securing the compensation you deserve. Romanow Law Group’s FAQ provides clear, reliable answers to help victims of dog and animal attacks in Maine take the right steps toward justice.
- Who is liable for a dog bite or animal attack in Maine?
- What if I was bitten by a dog in Portland, but the owner claims they didn’t know the dog was dangerous?
- Are landlords liable if a tenant’s dog attacks someone in Maine?
- What if I was attacked by a dog in a public place like the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland?
- Can I file a claim if my child was bitten by a dog at a friend or family member’s home in Maine?
- What if I was working — like delivering packages or performing home repairs — when a dog bit me?
- What are Maine’s dog bite laws, and how do they impact my case?
- Do specific cities or towns in Maine have stricter dog bite ordinances?
- What should I do if I was bitten by a dog in Bangor, where local leash laws were ignored?
- Are dog owners liable in Maine if their dog attacks someone off-leash in a designated leash-only zone, like in South Portland?
- Will insurance cover my medical bills after a dog bite in Maine?
- What if the dog owner refuses to provide insurance information after an attack?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a dog bite injury in Maine?
- What types of injuries from dog attacks qualify for compensation?
- How can a Maine dog bite lawyer help me get compensation for my injuries?
Who is liable for a dog bite or animal attack in Maine?
Liability in a dog bite or animal attack case depends on several factors, including ownership, negligence, and local laws. Maine follows a strict liability rule in many cases, but there are circumstances where additional legal considerations apply. The following parties may be held responsible for an attack:
- Dog Owners: In most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for injuries their animal causes, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
- Landlords or Property Owners: If a landlord knowingly allowed a dangerous dog to remain on their property, they may share liability.
- Animal Caretakers or Dog Walkers: If a person in charge of a dog at the time of an attack failed to control it, they could be responsible.
- Businesses or Commercial Property Owners: If a dog attack occurs at a business or rental property where dogs are permitted, the business owner may have some liability.
Determining liability can be complicated, especially when insurance companies attempt to shift blame. A Maine dog bite lawyer can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and ensure victims receive full compensation.
What if I was bitten by a dog in Portland, but the owner claims they didn’t know the dog was dangerous?
Under Maine’s strict liability law, a dog owner can still be held responsible for an attack, even if they claim they had no prior knowledge of aggressive behavior. This means you don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — only that the attack happened and caused injury.
If the bite occurred in Portland, local leash laws may also come into play, strengthening your case. Insurance companies may try to argue that the attack was provoked or that you were trespassing, but a lawyer can counter these defenses and ensure you receive full compensation.
Are landlords liable if a tenant’s dog attacks someone in Maine?
A landlord in Maine can be held liable for a dog attack if they knew or should have known that a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action. For example, if a landlord in a Portland apartment complex allowed a tenant to keep a known aggressive breed despite complaints, they may share responsibility for an attack.
Liability often depends on whether the landlord had the ability to remove the dog or enforce property rules. Since these cases are complex, a lawyer can investigate the landlord’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior and determine if they can be held accountable.
What if I was attacked by a dog in a public place like the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland?
If a dog attacks you in a public place like the Eastern Promenade Trail, Fort Williams Park, or Baxter Woods, the owner is typically liable. This includes if the dog was off-leash in a restricted area. Portland has clear leash laws requiring dogs to be restrained unless in designated off-leash zones, and violations can strengthen your claim.
Sometimes, the city or a park management entity could share responsibility if they failed to enforce leash laws or control stray animals. A Portland dog bite lawyer can help gather evidence, such as eyewitness statements or surveillance footage, to prove liability and secure compensation for your injuries.
Can I file a claim if my child was bitten by a dog at a friend or family member’s home in Maine?
Yes, a parent or guardian can file a claim on behalf of a child who was bitten by a dog, even if the attack happened at the home of a friend or family member. Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, particularly in young children, and a claim may help cover long-term medical and psychological care. Consider the following when filing a claim:
- Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage: Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites, meaning the claim is often handled through insurance rather than directly against a friend or family member.
- Maine’s Strict Liability Law: In most cases, dog owners are automatically liable if their pet bites an innocent person, including a child.
- Medical and Psychological Impact: Children often require specialized care for bite wounds, scarring, and emotional trauma after an attack.
Filing a claim can help secure financial support for medical treatment without causing personal strain between family or friends.
What if I was working — like delivering packages or performing home repairs — when a dog bit me?
Delivery drivers, postal workers, and contractors frequently encounter dogs while on the job, and Maine law protects workers from dog attacks that occur while they are legally on someone’s property. If you were bitten while delivering a package in Portland’s West End or working on a home in Falmouth, the dog owner is likely liable under strict liability laws.
Additionally, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer can determine whether you should file a workers’ comp claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both, ensuring you receive full financial recovery.
What are Maine’s dog bite laws, and how do they impact my case?
Maine has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, meaning that an owner can be held responsible for an attack even if the dog has never bitten anyone. However, there are legal nuances that may affect your case, including:
- Strict Liability for Injuries: Maine law states that a dog owner is liable if their dog injures a person who was lawfully present and not provoking the animal.
- Negligence Claims: Victims may have additional grounds to seek compensation if an owner violated leash laws or failed to secure a dangerous dog.
- One-Bite Rule Exception: The owner may not be held liable if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.
Understanding how Maine law applies to your specific situation can make a difference in how you pursue compensation. A Maine dog bite attorney can assess your case, determine legal standing, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do specific cities or towns in Maine have stricter dog bite ordinances?
Yes, some Maine cities and towns enforce stricter ordinances beyond state laws, which can impact liability and legal claims. Here are a few examples:
- Portland: All dogs must be leashed in public areas unless in designated off-leash zones. Violations can increase liability.
- Bangor: Has a dangerous dog ordinance that allows officials to impose penalties on owners of dogs with aggressive behavior.
- South Portland: Enforces strict leash laws and has fines for owners whose dogs are caught running at large.
- Lewiston and Auburn: Maintain designated “no-dog” zones in public parks, meaning owners who violate these rules could be considered negligent.
Local ordinances can influence liability and insurance claims, so it’s important to know the rules where the attack happened.
What should I do if I was bitten by a dog in Bangor, where local leash laws were ignored?
If a dog bite occurs in Bangor and the owner violated local leash laws, you may have strong legal grounds for a claim. Taking the right steps can help protect your health and your right to compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor bites can cause infections or nerve damage, so prompt treatment is essential.
- Report the Attack: Contact Bangor Animal Control or the local police department to file an official report.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the injury, the location, and any evidence showing the dog was off-leash.
- Gather Witness Statements: If anyone saw the attack or can confirm the dog was unleashed, their testimony could be valuable.
- Consult a Lawyer: Violating local leash laws strengthens a liability claim, but insurance companies may still try to minimize your case.
Since Bangor has clear leash and dangerous dog ordinances, an attorney can use these violations to hold the dog owner accountable and maximize your compensation.
Are dog owners liable in Maine if their dog attacks someone off-leash in a designated leash-only zone, like in South Portland?
Yes, if a dog was off-leash in a designated leash-only area — such as Bug Light Park in South Portland — the owner is likely liable for any injuries caused. Many Maine cities, including South Portland and Scarborough, have ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed in public spaces, and violations can serve as evidence of negligence.
Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, leash law violations can make it easier to prove fault. If an insurance company tries to shift blame onto you, a lawyer can use the local ordinance violation to strengthen your claim and maximize your compensation.
Will insurance cover my medical bills after a dog bite in Maine?
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance typically covers dog bite claims, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by downplaying injuries, arguing that the victim provoked the attack, or claiming the policy doesn’t apply.
If the dog owner’s insurance refuses to pay, you may be able to file a lawsuit for compensation. An attorney can review the insurance policy, negotiate with the insurer, and take legal action if necessary to ensure you receive fair compensation.
What if the dog owner refuses to provide insurance information after an attack?
If a dog owner refuses to provide their insurance details after an attack, you still have legal options to pursue compensation. Maine law requires dog owners to take responsibility for their pet’s actions, and refusing to cooperate does not absolve them of liability.
You can report the attack to local authorities, such as the Portland Police Department or Animal Control, who may be able to obtain the owner’s information. A lawyer can also file a claim directly against the dog owner and, if necessary, subpoena records to uncover their insurance policy details.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a dog bite injury in Maine?
Maine law generally gives dog bite victims three years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long can weaken your case, as evidence may disappear, witnesses may become harder to locate, and insurance companies may argue that your injuries were caused by something else.
If the victim is a minor, different time limits may apply. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible ensures that your case is filed correctly and that you have the strongest possible chance of recovering compensation.
What types of injuries from dog attacks qualify for compensation?
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause a range of serious injuries, many of which require expensive and ongoing medical care. Common injuries that may qualify for compensation include:
- Puncture Wounds and Deep Lacerations: These can lead to nerve damage, scarring, and a high risk of infection.
- Broken Bones and Crush Injuries: Large dogs can knock victims down, causing fractures or other blunt force trauma.
- Facial Injuries and Disfigurement: Dog bites to the face often require reconstructive surgery, particularly in children.
- Nerve and Tissue Damage: Deep bites can sever nerves, leading to permanent loss of sensation or mobility.
- Rabies and Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria and, in rare cases, expose victims to rabies if the animal was not properly vaccinated.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Emotional Trauma: Many victims, especially children, experience long-term psychological effects from a dog attack.
Seeking compensation can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress related to these injuries.
How can a Maine dog bite lawyer help me get compensation for my injuries?
Dog bite claims can be more complicated than they seem when insurance companies try to reduce payouts or shift blame. A Maine dog bite lawyer can help in several key ways:
- Investigating Liability: Gathering evidence, witness statements, and local ordinance violations to build a strong case.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Negotiating fair settlements and pushing back against insurers that try to deny or undervalue claims.
- Calculating Full Compensation: Ensuring you receive payment for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and any future treatment needs.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: A lawyer can take the case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
Having an experienced legal team ensures that you aren’t left struggling with medical debt or lost income after a serious dog attack. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
Contact a Maine Dog Bite Attorney in Portland Today
A dog attack can leave lasting scars — physically, emotionally, and financially. When someone else’s negligence leads to serious injuries, you shouldn’t have to fight for justice alone. A Maine dog bite attorney at Romanow Law Group can take on the legal battle for you, proving liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and demanding the full compensation you deserve.
Romanow Law Group offers free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. There’s no risk in getting the legal support you need — only the opportunity to recover and move forward. Contact us today and let their team fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.