A woman in black mourns the loss of a loved one due to a wrongful death in Portland, ME.

Have You Lost a Loved One Because of the Recklessness of Another?

A Portland wrongful death lawyer at Lowry & Associates can serve as your trusted, compassionate partner in the fight for the damages your family deserves. No matter where in the state of Maine, we are committed to providing the support and advocacy you need during this difficult time.

Get Your FREE Case Review

Your Wrongful Death Lawyer in Portland, ME

The death of a loved one is a tragic and devastating event for a family. When death comes unexpectedly as the result of an accident, the shock and grief are indescribable. The emotional toll is compounded by unexpected expenses: medical bills, funeral expenses, travel expenses, and more. All of these things can make a terrible situation even worse.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, we can help. A compassionate Portland wrongful death lawyer at Lowry & Associates will get you and your family what you need to put the pieces back together. No amount of money will ever make up for your loss. However, you don’t have to suffer a financial burden in addition to an emotional burden. We understand what you’re going through, and we can help.

Get a FREE Case Review

We Make It Easy

All it takes to get started on your claim is giving us a call or filling out our online form for your free case review. We handle the rest!

You Have Rights

If you lost someone you love due to someone else’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to significant compensation. We work hard to win for you!

Only Pay If We Win

We work on contingency, meaning you pay from your final settlement ONLY if we win. There are no upfront costs, and your initial consultation is free. Why wait?

Table of Contents

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought when someone’s life is tragically cut short due to the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or entity. The compensation from a wrongful death claim is intended to provide financial and emotional support to the deceased’s loved ones. It may include damages for the loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and financial contributions that the deceased would have provided. While these lawsuits cannot undo the loss, they can help families cope with the significant burdens left in the wake of such a tragedy.

A woman meets with a client to discuss what compensation is available for wrongful death cases in Portland, ME.

What Is Included in the Average Wrongful Death Settlement?

If your loved one’s death could have been prevented, you and your family may be entitled to the following compensation:

●  Immediate expenses associated with the wrongful death (medical and funeral costs)

●  Loss of the victim’s anticipated earnings until the time of retirement or natural death

●  Loss of benefits caused by the victim’s wrongful death

●  Pain and suffering experienced by the victim

●  Loss of care, protection, and companionship to the survivors

●  Mental anguish suffered by the survivors

Get a FREE Case Review

Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

While the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is responsible for filing the claim, the distribution of compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit in Maine is complex and depends on several factors, including the deceased’s next of kin and their relationships. Key considerations might include whether the deceased had a spouse, children, or other close relatives. Each case is unique, and the specific circumstances of the family play a critical role in determining how compensation is allocated.
If you are a spouse, child, parent, partner, close relative, or friend of the deceased, we encourage you to call us. We can guide you through the process of determining how the compensation may be distributed.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death can arise from a wide variety of situations where negligence or intentional harm results in the loss of life. Below are some of the most common types of wrongful death cases our Portland wrongful death lawyers handle:

  • Car Accidents–Automobile accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death claims. Whether due to reckless driving, speeding, or impaired driving, these incidents can have devastating consequences for families.
  • Truck Accidents–The size and weight of commercial trucks make them particularly dangerous. Collisions involving trucks often result in severe injuries or fatalities, and these cases may involve additional complexities due to regulations and corporate liability.
  • Motorcycle Accidents–Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road. When drivers fail to share the road responsibly or are otherwise negligent, fatal accidents can occur, leading to wrongful death claims.
  • Pedestrian Accidents–Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer life-threatening injuries. Drivers who fail to yield or are distracted may be held liable for wrongful death in these tragic situations.
  • Dog Bites–Severe dog attacks can sometimes result in fatal injuries, particularly for children or elderly victims. In Maine, dog owners can be held accountable for such incidents if their negligence contributed to the attack.
  • Product Liability–Defective or dangerous products, ranging from faulty medical devices and dangerous prescriptions to unsafe household appliances, can lead to fatal injuries. In these cases, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be liable for wrongful death.
  • Slip and Fall Accidents–Fatal injuries can also occur in slip and fall incidents, especially when hazardous conditions on someone else’s property are involved. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises.

See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

5 Star Reviews

Two different doctors involved in my treatment had prior dealings with your firm.  Both commented on how impressed they were with the high standards of honesty and integrity of your firm.

-Diane K.
5 Star Reviews

Everyone was very understanding, and they all knew me by my first name, it was a very comfortable place to go!

-Bonnie M.
5 Star Reviews

I feel that your team was superb about all that took place with my case, and if I ever need the support of an attorney again, you would be at the top of my list!

-Heidi H.
5 Star Reviews

Keep up the good work! I hope I do not…But if I ever do need another accident attorney, you are top on my list!

-Jason B.
5 Star Reviews

I really can’t comment on how to improve yourselves, but just to keep up with the way you handled my case.  I recommend you to all of my friends; it’s a pleasure knowing you’re out there!

-Michael S.
5 Star Reviews

Marie Lopez is a great lady.  She was up on everything!  I could call anytime and she had all the paperwork on hand!

-Lenora M.
5 Star Reviews

I feel the firm handled my case in an honest and professional way.  I am very happy with my results and would use your firm in the future (though hopefully I won’t have to!)

-Robyn B.
5 Star Reviews

Throughout the duration of my case, everyone I have dealt with in your firm has been very kind, courteous and very helpful.  My lawyer did not give up and fought for what was rightfully owed to me, even though the process was timely.  I am 100% percent satisfied with the service I was provided with.  The case went smooth, and I was always treated with respect and courtesy.  I thought I wouldn’t have been treated so well being a younger client!

-Taryn W.
5 Star Reviews

Everyone was excellent, you could not ask for a better team of professionals working on your side!

-Misty B.
5 Star Reviews

Thank you for all the help on my case.  The entire staff at Lowry & Associates really delivers an outstanding service!

-Richard S.

See More Testimonials

How To File a Wrongful Death Suit

We begin by conducting a thorough review of your individual case in order to give you an idea of your legal options. Once we determine that you have a case, we take over from there!

Once we take over your case, our first task is to build a robust case for you with the strongest evidence. Medical bills and records, police reports, and witness statements may all be used to support your claim.

Worried that the insurance adjuster will convince you to accept less than our claim is worth? Rest easy knowing that we will field all calls from the insurance company and negotiate your claim on your behalf. You never have to speak with them, just send them to your advocates at Lowry & Associates!

The final step will be collecting your settlement. You will be given a final offer and have the opportunity to either accept or decline it. If you do accept, we work hard to make sure you receive your payment on time.

Affordable, Local Legal Representation

At Lowry & Associates, we are committed to providing accessible and affordable legal services to families in Maine during their most challenging times. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Additionally, we offer free case reviews, so you can explore your legal options without any financial risk.

Wrongful death claims can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already coping with the loss of a loved one. The legal process—filing a lawsuit, gathering evidence, and negotiating—adds an additional layer of stress. Lowry & Associates in Portland, ME, is here to help. We take on the burden of handling every aspect of your claim, from meeting filing deadlines to pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

It’s important to note that Maine law imposes a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, so time is of the essence. If a claim isn’t filed within the required timeframe, the opportunity to seek compensation may be lost. Don’t wait—reach out to our compassionate legal team today to get started.

Get a FREE Case Review

Our Experienced Portland, ME, Wrongful Death Attorneys

Attorney James C. Beardsley of Lowry & Associates

Attorney James C. Beardsley

View Bio
Attorney Mary K. Larsen

Attorney Mary K. Larsen

View Bio
Attorney Ashley H. Winslow

Attorney Ashley H. Winslow

View Bio
Attorney Colin Reilly

Attorney Colin B. Reilly

View Bio

Portland, ME, Wrongful Death FAQs

Generally, wrongful death settlements are not taxable. However, there can be exceptions depending on the type of case and how it is resolved. Each case is different, and it’s important to consult with a tax professional to understand how a settlement might affect your tax obligations.

Due to the complex, sensitive nature of wrongful death claims, it can take a year or more to settle. Our team works hard to expedite this process as we know that time is of the essence in cases like this. We even stick around after the final settlement is agreed upon to make sure that you receive your check in a timely manner. It’s important to get started ASAP in order to get your claim settled sooner rather than later.

In the United States, wrongful death cases are typically civil lawsuits, not criminal cases. This means they focus on seeking monetary compensation for the losses suffered by the deceased’s family or estate, such as funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress, rather than imposing criminal penalties like jail time. However, a single event can result in both civil and criminal cases. For example:

  • A driver responsible for a fatal accident may face criminal charges like DUI or manslaughter.
  • The victim’s family can also file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages.

These cases are independent, and even if the defendant is not convicted criminally, they could still be held liable in a civil court. In civil cases, the burden of proof is lower, requiring only a “preponderance of the evidence” to establish liability.

While the statute of limitations on wrongful death cases in Maine is typically 3 years from the date of death, there are situations in which you have less time to file. Contact a Portland wrongful death lawyer from Lowry & Associates as soon as possible to begin the process so that you do not miss out on compensation.

Get Your FREE Case Evaluation

There's absolutely no obligation.