Health & Medical in Maine
Key Maine Law
Maine Revised Statutes Title 24, Section 2902
Maine requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within three years of the act or omission, or three years from when the patient knew or should have known of the injury, under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 24, § 2902.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Maine
Maine Agencies & Resources
Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine
Licenses and disciplines physicians in Maine; investigates complaints about professional conduct.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Oversees health facility licensing and patient rights in Maine.
Maine Bureau of Insurance
Regulates health insurance and handles consumer complaints in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Maine?
Maine provides a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the malpractice or discovery under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 24, § 2902. A pre-litigation screening panel must be convened before filing, and the SOL is tolled during the panel proceedings.
Does Maine require a pre-litigation screening panel?
Yes. Under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 24, § 2853, Maine requires submission to a screening panel before a malpractice lawsuit is filed. The panel — consisting of a physician, an attorney, and a layperson — reviews the claim and issues a non-binding opinion. The limitations period is tolled while the panel is convened.
Does Maine cap non-economic damages in malpractice cases?
Maine does not have a statutory cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Juries determine appropriate compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses. Economic damages are also uncapped.
How do I file a complaint against a doctor in Maine?
Complaints against physicians may be submitted to the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine at maine.gov/md. The Board investigates and may impose conditions, suspend, or revoke licensure. A board complaint is independent of the pre-litigation panel process or civil litigation.
Related Health & Medical Scenarios
Can I sue over incorrect or excessive medical bills?
Legal options when you receive incorrect, inflated, or surprise medical bills that violate billing regulations or the No Surprises Act.
Can I sue for wrongful death caused by medical negligence?
Legal options when a family member dies due to medical negligence, surgical errors, or hospital failures.
Can I sue for a medication or prescription error?
Legal options when pharmacy errors, wrong dosages, dangerous drug interactions, or failure to warn causes patient harm.
Can I sue for delayed cancer diagnosis?
Legal options when a physician's failure to timely diagnose cancer results in disease progression and reduced treatment options.
Have a Specific Situation in Maine?
Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.