Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, the emotional toll is compounded by frustration and unanswered questions. At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Maine are here to help you find answers and pursue justice.
We understand that no amount of compensation can replace a family member, but wrongful death claims can help to provide financial stability and hold negligent parties accountable. If you’re considering pursuing a claim, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and next steps.
Why choose Shaheen & Gordon?
For decades, our firm has stood by families in their most difficult moments. Our lawyers bring compassion, dedication, and decades of experience to every case they handle. We work closely with medical experts, accident reconstructionist, and other experts to evaluate the financial impact of the loss. For certain family members, damages might also be available for the loss of the deceased individual’s comfort, society and companionship.
When you work with our team, you can expect:
- Direct access to experienced wrongful death lawyers in Maine
- Clear communication and ongoing support
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies
- Relentless courtroom representation, if needed
We take every case personally—because we know you’re not just filing a personal injury claim; you’re fighting for justice.
Don’t just take our word for it—see what our clients have to say
“I have been calling around to different local law offices trying to get some answers for a legal issue. It has been an extremely frustrating experience thus far. Today, I spoke with Alex Spadinger, and he was absolutely wonderful! He spent a long time on the phone with me and was very honest and up front about the costs of service. It was nice to finally get some assistance with the questions I had.”
“I had an excellent experience with Attorney Alex Spadinger and assistant Judy Wilson. They handled my personal injury case with professionalism, attention, and care. Their expertise, experience, patience, and kindness were greatly appreciated.
“Was unfortunately involved in an accident and needed a personal injury attorney. A friend suggested I contact the folks at Shaheen & Gordon. I am so glad I did. Working with them was easy. Their knowledge, professionalism and genuine interest in my case was extraordinary.”
What is a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death action is a civil lawsuit brought when someone dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity. These lawsuits seek compensation for the damages caused by the death, including the loss of the loved, economic loss caused by the death including future earnings, medical and funeral expenses, and the conscious pain and suffering experienced by the deceased individual if applicable.
Under Maine law, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim, but the compensation awarded can benefit the deceased’s spouse, children, or other family members.
What to expect when we investigate a wrongful death claim
Strong wrongful death cases are built on evidence, expert analysis, and legal precision. Our firm handles all aspects of your claim, including:
- Gathering police reports and medical records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with forensic, medical, and financial experts
- Calculating long-term economic loss and non-economic damages
- Filing all legal paperwork within the statute of limitations
We take care of the legal complexities so you can focus on your family and healing.
Common causes of wrongful death cases
Wrongful death lawsuits often stem from a variety of fatal accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Premises liability accidents (such as falls or unsafe property conditions)
No matter the cause, our wrongful death attorneys in Maine will investigate the facts, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove liability and maximize your compensation.
What compensation can be recovered in a wrongful death claim?
Compensation in a wrongful death claim may cover a wide range of losses:
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and future income
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
- Loss of comfort and companionship
- Emotional distress experienced by the surviving family
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the conduct of the defendant was motivated by express malice towards the person injured or was so outrageous that malice toward the person injured can be implied.
Who can recover damages in a Maine wrongful death case?
In Maine, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. If a personal representative is not named in a will, the probate court can appoint someone to serve in this role. The personal representative is responsible for acting in the best interests of the deceased’s surviving family members and beneficiaries.
Eligible beneficiaries in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Children (including adopted children)
- Parents
- Other heirs
While only the personal representative may file a claim, the compensation awarded in a successful wrongful death lawsuit is typically distributed to these beneficiaries, depending on their relationship to the deceased individual.
How are wrongful death settlements calculated?
Wrongful death cases are about more than just recovery — they’re about honoring a loved one’s life and ensuring families don’t shoulder financial burdens caused by someone else’s negligence. At Shaheen & Gordon, we work closely with economic and medical experts to calculate the full scope of damages in your wrongful death claim.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Any costs related to your loved one’s final medical care.
- Funeral and burial costs: Reasonable expenses tied to laying your family member to rest.
- Loss of income and future earnings: The income your loved one would have earned during their life.
- Loss of comfort, society, and companionship: The emotional and relational support of the deceased loved one
- Conscious pain and suffering: Experienced by the deceased individual prior to their death.
- Punitive damages: For conduct of the defendant motivated by express or implied malice.
Every wrongful death case is unique. Factors like the age of the deceased, their income and health at the time of death, and their role in the family all play a role in determining settlement value. Our attorneys fight to ensure that your family receives fair and full compensation.
Maine’s statute of limitations
Time matters when pursuing a wrongful death claim. Under Maine law, you generally have three years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Missing the statute of limitations deadline can mean losing your right to compensation. The sooner you reach out, the more time we have to build your case and preserve key evidence.
Schedule a free consultation today
You’ve already endured the unimaginable by losing a loved one—you shouldn’t have to fight this legal battle alone. Our team is ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you with care every step of the way.
Call Shaheen & Gordon today at (800) 451-1002 to or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation with a trusted wrongful death lawyer in Maine. Our personal injury attorneys work on contingency and will not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We answer commonly asked questions about wrongful death in Maine
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maine?
Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death action in Maine.
What is the time limit to bring a wrongful death claim?
The general statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Maine is three years from the date of the individual’s death. This means that the personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the claim within three years, or they risk losing the right to pursue compensation entirely.
However, there are some exceptions that can affect this and the deadline could be shorter or longer in certain circumstances.
Can I recover for the loss of the family member in a wrongful death claim?
Yes, depending on who the surviving family members are, they may be eligible to receive compensation for loss of the comfort, society and companionship of the deceased individual.
What if the deceased was partly at fault?
Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the deceased was less than 50% at fault, surviving you still may recover compensation, but it may be reduced by the percentage of fault.
Do wrongful death cases go to trial?
Not always. Many wrongful death lawsuits are settled through negotiation, but our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure full and fair compensation.
