Maine Injury Lawyer Blog

October 11, 2023

Navigating Murky Waters: Understanding Boating Accidents in Maine

Maine’s coastline, dotted with serene lakes and winding rivers, entices boating enthusiasts from near and far. However, amidst the idyllic settings, the potential for boating accidents exists, casting a shadow on these waters. From collisions to capsizings, the aftermath of such incidents can be devastating, leaving victims grappling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Boating accidents, while relatively uncommon, can have devastating consequences.

According to a recent article, a historic schooner suffered a catastrophic accident after returning from a four-day cruise off the coast of Rockland, Maine. The main mast of the Grace Bailey splintered, leaving one dead and several individuals injured.

September 26, 2023

Farmingdale Tragedy: Understanding Bus Accidents and Your Rights

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a charter bus carrying high school students to a band camp met with a devastating accident on a New York highway. The incident claimed the lives of two adults and left several others seriously injured.

The ill-fated bus was part of a caravan carrying students, band members, color guard, and dancers from Farmingdale High School on Long Island. Their annual pilgrimage to a camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania, ended abruptly only 30 minutes away from their destination. The accident occurred on Interstate 84 in Wawayanda, a town located about 45 miles northwest of New York City. Preliminary investigations suggest that a tire failure may have been a contributing factor in the bus losing control and veering off the road, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

September 13, 2023

Fatal Collision Involving Bucket Truck and Utility Wires Claims Man’s Life in Rangeley

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a tragic incident occurred in Rangeley, Maine, where a man lost his life after a bucket truck collided with utility wires hanging across Main Street. The incident took place on Tuesday, and despite prompt medical assistance, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police investigations indicate that the bucket lift, attached to a Ford Econoline van, struck the suspended utility wires while traveling south on Main Street. It is suspected that the man had been inside the bucket at the time of the collision and had fallen out as a result.

The Legal Implications:

When a person’s death occurs as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or deliberate actions, it may be deemed a wrongful death. Wrongful death claims provide a legal avenue for surviving family members to seek compensation and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. In the Rangeley incident, if it is determined that the accident occurred due to a failure to follow safety protocols, inadequate training, or faulty equipment, the family of the deceased may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.

September 6, 2023

Ensuring Safety: Exploring Structural Support Failures and Legal Remedies

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Safety is paramount when it comes to the places we live and frequent daily. Unfortunately, structural support failures can lead to catastrophic accidents that disrupt lives and cause immense harm.

A recent incident in Augusta serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by structural support failures. According to a report by the Portland Press Herald, a porch on Washington Street collapsed, leading to the displacement of ten individuals. The incident emphasizes the critical need to ensure the stability and safety of structures to prevent such accidents from occurring.

Common Causes of Structural Support Failures

August 24, 2023

Protecting Maine’s Children: Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Child Injuries

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Childhood is a time of boundless energy and curiosity, but unfortunately, accidents can occur that disrupt these precious moments. When a child sustains an injury due to someone else’s negligence, the emotional and financial toll on families can be devastating. A recent incident at Old Orchard Beach has shed light on the potential dangers children can face while enjoying seemingly innocent amusement rides.

According to a recent article, witnesses described a harrowing scene a young boy tumbled from the Superstar ride and was struck by a moving cart before the ride came to a halt.

Injuries to Children: A Devastating Consequence

Child injuries can have far-reaching consequences, impacting both the child and their family. Physical injuries can result in pain, medical expenses, and long-term health issues, while emotional trauma can leave lasting scars. Parents often find themselves facing a daunting array of challenges, from managing medical care to dealing with potential legal issues.

August 16, 2023

Chain Reaction Crashes: Unraveling the Legal Maze with Peter Thompson & Associates

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article a chain reaction crash occurred in Westbrook, Maine when a driver failed to yield at an intersection, triggering a domino effect that involved multiple vehicles. The consequences were severe, leaving several people injured and vehicles mangled. Such incidents not only cause physical harm but also leave emotional and financial scars that can last a lifetime.

Understanding Chain Reaction Crashes

Chain reaction crashes, often referred to as multi-vehicle collisions or pile-ups occur when a series of vehicles collide in a sequence of impacts. These crashes can happen on highways, at intersections, or in heavy traffic, and they typically involve three or more vehicles. The initial collision sets off a chain reaction as vehicles behind the point of impact are unable to stop in time, leading to a cascade of crashes.

August 9, 2023

Excessive Speed Car Accidents: A Deadly Menace on Maine Roads

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Tragedy struck the peaceful roads of Maine once again as two young lives were cut short in a devastating car crash. According to a recent article, two young men were driving together on Tenney Hill Road around 7 a.m. on June 5 when they collided with another vehicle and then hit a cluster of trees. One was pronounced dead at the scene and another was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland. He died as a result of his injuries a week later.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of excessive speed and the havoc it can wreak on our roadways. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are deeply saddened by this loss and remain committed to raising awareness about the perils of reckless driving.

August 2, 2023

Stay Awake, Stay Safe: Understanding Accidents Caused by Drowsy Driving

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Accidents have the unsettling ability to disrupt lives in an instant, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. A recent article from CentralMaine.come serves as a sobering reminder of just how swiftly lives can be transformed by a catastrophic collision. In Norridgewock, a driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed over the center line, striking two other cars, injuring four people. All three vehicles were completely destroyed in the crash. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.

The Alarming Reality:

Drowsy driving is more than just a momentary lapse in attention; it is a leading cause of accidents on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for an estimated 72,000 crashes and 800 fatalities annually in the United States. Maine, despite its serene landscapes and tranquil settings, is not immune to the perils of drowsy driving.

July 25, 2023

Dog Attacks: Understanding Liability and What to Do If You’re Bitten

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Dog attacks can be terrifying and life-altering experiences, affecting victims physically, emotionally, and financially. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 4.5 million Americans experience dog bites annually. Shockingly, a staggering 20% of these incidents demand immediate medical intervention due to the severity of the injuries.

According to a recent article, a six-year-old child was viciously attacked by a dog in Chesterville, Maine. The child was playing outdoors when an unrestrained dog lunged at them, causing severe injuries, particularly to the face and upper body. Fortunately, quick thinking by a nearby adult prevented the situation from escalating further. The child was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, where they underwent emergency surgery.

Liability in Dog Attacks:

In Maine, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets under certain circumstances. Maine operates under a “strict liability” statute when it comes to dog attacks. This means that dog owners are held responsible for injuries inflicted by their dogs, even if the dog has never displayed aggressive behavior before, and the owner had no prior knowledge of their dog’s potential to bite.

July 19, 2023

Understanding the Maine Liquor Liability Act

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Maine’s Liquor Liability Act is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to hold establishments accountable for overserving clearly intoxicated customers. The law holds these establishments partially responsible for the consequences of their patrons’ actions.

According to a recent article, a tragic car crash in Maine has sparked legal action against four bars and restaurants for their alleged involvement in the incident. The lawsuit filed by the parents of a 23-year-old individual involves multiple establishments, including a pub, a sports bar, a gentlemen’s club, and a popular restaurant chain. The legal action claims that these establishments failed to cease serving alcohol to a 22-year-old individual, who was visibly intoxicated and tragically lost his life in the ensuing car crash.

Maine Liquor Liability Laws Explained:

Maine, like many other states, has specific laws in place to hold establishments accountable for their actions when serving alcohol. These laws are designed to protect individuals from the consequences of alcohol-related accidents and injuries.