Maine Dog Bite Settlement Calculator & Compensation

What Is the Maine Dog Bite Settlement Calculator?

The Maine Dog Bite Settlement Calculator is an interactive tool that uses real legal principles—specifically Maine’s Strict Liability Law (7 M.R.S.A. § 3961) and Modified Comparative Fault Law (14 M.R.S.A. § 156)—to estimate what your dog bite injury claim might be worth.

By inputting information such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Severity of the bite
• Fault (provocation or trespassing)
• Dog owner negligence
• Permanent injury or scarring

…the calculator estimates a fair settlement amount based on the circumstances of your case.

Understanding Maine’s Dog Bite Laws

Maine follows a strict liability rule. This means that a dog owner is automatically responsible if their dog bites someone—regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before.

However, there’s a catch: Maine also applies a Modified Comparative Fault rule.

If the victim is found 50% or more at fault—for example, if they were trespassing or provoked the dog—they cannot recover any damages. If they are less than 50% at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.

Example:
If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000.

What Compensation Can Victims Receive?

Dog bite settlements in Maine typically include both economic and non-economic damages.

1. Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Property damage (like torn clothing or broken glasses)

2. Non-Economic Damages

These are intangible losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma or PTSD
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In wrongful death cases, Maine law caps non-economic damages (like loss of companionship) at $750,000.

How the Calculator Estimates Settlement Value

The calculator works through a multi-step process:

1. Base damages: It adds up your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
2. Pain & suffering multiplier: It multiplies your total medical expenses by a severity factor (based on bite severity, injury type, and lasting effects).
3. Adjustments: It adjusts the total up or down based on:
   • Victim’s age and gender (e.g., young children often get higher damages)
   • Dog owner’s negligence
   • Prior history of aggression
   • Comparative fault (provocation or trespassing)
4. Insurance cap: Finally, it applies any insurance policy limit that might restrict the total payout.

This gives you a realistic settlement range, though only a qualified Maine dog bite lawyer can provide exact legal advice.

Average Dog Bite Settlements in Maine

While every case is unique, recent data suggests:

• Minor injuries: $10,000 – $30,000
• Moderate injuries (scarring, deep bites): $30,000 – $100,000
• Severe or permanent injuries: $100,000 – $500,000+
• Wrongful death claims: Up to $750,000 (cap for non-economic damages)

Remember: outcomes depend on fault, insurance limits, and medical evidence.

Why Legal Help Matters

Even though this calculator gives a useful estimate, insurance adjusters often try to settle for less. A Maine personal injury lawyer experienced in dog bite cases can:

• Prove liability and negligence
• Collect medical records and expert testimony
• Negotiate for fair pain and suffering compensation
• Ensure you don’t accept an undervalued offer

Key Takeaways

• Maine’s strict liability law protects dog bite victims.
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages.
• Settlements include both economic and non-economic losses.
• Use the Maine Dog Bite Settlement Calculator to estimate your claim.
• Consult a lawyer for accurate, case-specific advice.