Portland Personal Injury Lawyers
Our law firm has been fighting for the injured since 1979
An accident in Portland can change your life in an instant. You are left with serious injuries that require medical treatment. Medical expenses add up quickly and you’re not sure how you’re going to pay them. If the negligence of another led to your injury, you deserve financial compensation for what happened to you.
Recovering compensation can be complicated. Negligent parties in Portland deny doing anything wrong and don’t accept responsibility. Insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible – or even nothing at all. At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, our personal injury lawyers know how to hold negligent parties accountable.
Medical malpractice, a defective product or another act of negligence in Portland can leave you seriously hurt. You may need diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization, medication, therapy and multiple follow-up visits with doctors. The medical expenses can become overwhelming, especially if your injuries leave you unable to work.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, deny liability, or blame your injuries on pre-existing conditions. They may offer quick settlements that fall far short of covering your losses. Our Portland personal injury attorneys know their tactics and how to fight back. Since 1979, we’ve been standing up to insurers and securing major case results for our clients, including a $4.95 million recovery for a client seriously injured by a defective product.
We dig deep to uncover the truth. Our team investigates thoroughly, gathers evidence, and takes legal action when necessary to access key information. We work with experts, interview witnesses, and build strong cases that insurance companies take seriously. Often, this leads to a fair settlement without going to trial, but if they won’t negotiate, we’re always ready to fight for you in court.
“I consider myself fortunate to have found Jabar LaLiberty to handle my case. Jason and Vickie were wonderful to work with. They made a stressful situation easy to navigate and kept me informed during the entire process. If anyone would find themselves needing legal help for personal injury, I highly recommend Jason Jabar.” - Lorey E., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Portland Personal Injury FAQs
- What is a personal injury?
- What should I do after being injured in an accident?
- What are common injuries in personal injury accidents?
- Should I see a doctor?
- How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Maine?
- Should I talk to the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer?
- What if the insurance company denies my claim?
- How do I file a personal injury lawsuit?
- How long does a personal injury case take?
- How much is my claim worth?
- What damages can I recover?
- Can I file a personal injury lawsuit for emotional distress?
- Will my case go to trial?
- How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
What is a personal injury?
Personal injury is a legal term for harm caused to your body, mind, or emotions due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. It covers a wide range of situations, from car crashes and slip-and-fall accidents to medical malpractice and product liability. If another person, company, or party’s carelessness caused your injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.
What should I do after being injured in an accident?
Being hurt in an accident can leave you unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps early on can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover full compensation. Following a personal injury, here’s what you should do:
- Get medical attention immediately: Even if you feel okay, some injuries can take hours or days to show symptoms.
- Report the accident: Whether it’s to the police, your insurance company, your employer, or the property owner, make sure there’s an official record.
- Gather evidence: Take photos, get witness contact information, and keep any documents related to the accident.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before getting legal advice: They may try to get you to settle for less than you deserve.
- Contact a personal injury attorney: An experienced lawyer can guide you, handle negotiations, and fight for fair compensation.
What are common injuries in personal injury accidents?
Personal injury accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some visible and hidden. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Common after car accidents or sudden impacts.
- Back and spinal injuries: Back injuries can range from strains to more serious damage like herniated discs.
- Broken bones: Complete and incomplete fractures are common in the arms, legs, ribs, and wrists.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions to diffuse axonal injury.
- Soft tissue injuries: This includes sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
- Burns and lacerations: Injuries to the skin caused by heat, chemical, or sharp objects often resulting from slips, falls, or other accidents.
Should I see a doctor?
Yes, and you should do it as soon as possible after your accident. Even if you feel fine, some injuries aren’t immediately obvious, and delaying care can make them worse. Seeing a doctor right away protects your health, creates a medical record of your injuries, and strengthens your case if you decide to file a claim. Insurance companies often question injuries that aren’t documented soon after an accident, so prompt treatment can make a big difference in both your recovery and your legal rights.
How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
You may have a personal injury case if you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions. To have a valid personal injury claim, your case will need to show four key elements:
- Duty of care: The other party had a responsibility to act in a way that kept you safe. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws, and property owners must keep their premises free of hazards.
- Breach of duty: They failed to meet that responsibility, such as speeding through a red light or ignoring a dangerous spill.
- Causation: Their actions (or inaction) directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered real injury or harm as a result, such as medical bills or pain and suffering.
If these elements are present, you may be able to seek compensation for your accident-related expenses. An experienced Portland personal injury attorney can review the facts, explain your options, and help determine if pursuing a claim makes sense for your situation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Maine?
In Maine, you generally have six years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, called the statute of limitations, is strict. If you miss it, you may lose your right to seek compensation. While six years may sound like plenty of time, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade. That’s why it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Should I talk to the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer?
It’s generally best to hold off on speaking with the insurance company until you understand your rights. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not your best interests. They might ask questions designed to get you to say something that could be used to reduce or deny your claim. Speaking with a lawyer first can help you navigate these conversations, protect your interests, and ensure any communication doesn’t hurt your case.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
If an insurance company denies your personal injury claim, it doesn’t necessarily mean your case is over. Denials can happen for many reasons, such as disputes over fault, coverage, or the extent of your injuries. In these situations, it’s important to review the denial carefully and gather supporting evidence, like medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. An experienced Portland personal injury lawyer can help challenge the denial, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, guide your case through the legal process to pursue the compensation you deserve.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, filing a personal injury claim is often the first step toward seeking compensation. In many cases, insurance companies may offer a settlement to resolve your claim. However, sometimes negotiations don’t result in a fair agreement, or the responsible party may deny liability entirely.
In those situations, your attorney may suggest pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. The steps of the personal injury lawsuit process typically include:
- Consultation with a personal injury lawyer: Begin by meeting with an experienced personal injury attorney. They will evaluate the details of your case, advise you on your legal options, and discuss potential outcomes.
- Investigation: Your lawyer will gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. They may also consult with experts to strengthen your case.
- Drafting and filing the complaint: If the case proceeds, your lawyer will draft a formal complaint outlining your allegations and the damages sought. This document is then filed with the appropriate court to initiate the lawsuit.
- Serving the defendant: After filing, the defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit through a process called service of process. This ensures the defendant is aware of the legal action and has an opportunity to respond.
- Defendant's response: The defendant typically has a set period to respond to the complaint, either admitting or denying the allegations. They may also file motions to dismiss or request more time to prepare their defense.
- Discovery phase: Both parties exchange information through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. This phase helps each side understand the other's evidence and prepare their cases.
- Settlement negotiations: Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, where both parties agree on a compensation amount without going to trial. Sometimes, a neutral third party helps guide these discussions. In mediation, a third party (mediator) helps both sides reach an agreement. In arbitration, the third party (arbitrator) hears both sides and issues a decision, which is usually final and binding.
- Trial: If a settlement isn't reached, the case proceeds to trial. Both sides present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury, who then makes a decision.
- Judgment: Following the trial, the court issues a judgment, determining liability and awarding damages if applicable.
- Appeal process: An appeal is when one side asks a higher court to review the decision of a trial court because they believe a legal mistake affected the outcome. It doesn’t mean the case is retried. Instead, the higher court looks at the record and decides if the original decision should stand, be changed, or be sent back for another trial.
How long does a personal injury case take?
The timeline for a personal injury case can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and how quickly evidence can be gathered. Many claims settle with the insurance company within a few months, while others can take a year or more if negotiations are extended. If the case goes to trial, the process can take longer, sometimes several years, because of court schedules and additional steps like discovery and pretrial motions.
Other factors, such as the number of parties involved or delays in obtaining medical records, can also affect how long your case takes. An experienced lawyer can help guide the process, keeping you informed and working to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
How much is my claim worth?
The value of a personal injury claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your daily life. Cases involving long-term care, surgery, or permanent disability are typically worth more. Every case is unique. An attorney can help evaluate your situation and give you a clearer idea of what your claim might be worth.
What damages can I recover?
If you’ve been injured, you may be wondering what types of compensation are available. Personal injury cases are designed to cover not only your financial losses but also the impact on your daily life. The damages you can recover will depend on your situation, but they generally fall into several categories:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications.
- Lost income: Wages lost while recovering or if you can’t return to work.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of damaged property, like a car.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injury limits activities you once enjoyed.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit for emotional distress?
Yes, it’s possible to seek compensation for emotional distress in Maine, but you must show that it was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. Emotional distress claims usually fall into two categories:
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED): This occurs when someone’s careless or reckless actions cause you serious emotional harm, even if they didn’t intend to. In Maine, NIED often must be connected to another injury or special circumstance.
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED): This happens when someone engages in extreme and outrageous conduct intended to cause severe emotional suffering.
Strong evidence can help support your claim, such as medical records, therapy notes, or expert testimony. An experienced Portland personal injury lawyer can help you build your case and fight for fair compensation.
Will my case go to trial?
Many personal injury cases are resolved before trial through settlements. A trial is usually only necessary if the parties cannot agree on a fair resolution. Your lawyer can guide you through the negotiation process while preparing for trial. If your case does go to trial, your lawyer can present a strong case in court.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything up front. The lawyer’s fee comes out of the settlement or award only if you win. This arrangement allows you to get legal help without worrying about paying out of pocket.
At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process. Our team is committed to fighting for fair compensation and guiding you through every step of your case, with no upfront costs and no financial risk unless we secure a settlement or award for you.
Personal injury attorneys who never back down
We will determine the total damages you have suffered in your Portland accident and demand compensation. This includes compensation for current and future medical expenses, lost wages if you couldn’t work and other damages such as pain and suffering. We are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome.
If you were hurt in Portland, we encourage you to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for taking legal action after a personal injury accident is up to six years (three years in cases of medical negligence). That sounds like a long time, and it is, but it’s important to start work on your case before evidence is lost or destroyed and the memories of witnesses fade.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in our Portland office. We can go over the details of your case, review your legal options and answer any questions that you have. There’s no cost and no obligation.