Dog Bites Foster Law Injury Trial Lawyers

Portland Dog Bite Lawyer

Over 22 Years of Experience & $10 Million Recovered for Maine Injury Victims

At CFoster Law, PLLC, dog bite victims in Portland, ME, work directly with Attorney Christian Foster, who brings over 22 years of personal injury experience and a record of more than $10 million recovered for clients throughout Maine. He’s been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Maine and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Your case is handled by someone prepared to take it the distance.

We work on a contingency fee schedule, so you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Free consultations, including virtual options, are available, and we’re reachable 24/7 because a dog attack doesn’t happen on a schedule. Dog bite victims face immediate medical bills, lost income, and real emotional trauma. Getting experienced legal support quickly can make a difference in what you recover.

Contact our Portland, ME, dog bite attorney by calling (207) 305-3854 today.

Understanding the Severity & Impact of Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional harm. Common injuries include puncture wounds, torn muscles, infections, nerve damage, and scarring, often requiring extended medical treatment. Attacks can also cause lasting psychological harm, including PTSD, particularly in younger victims. Compensable damages typically include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and long-term scarring or disability. Legal action holds negligent owners accountable and can help prevent future attacks.

Maine Dog Bite Laws: How Local Rules Shape Your Case

Maine holds dog owners strictly liable under 7 M.R.S. § 3961 when their dog injures someone who is not on the owner’s or keeper’s property at the time of the injury, regardless of whether the dog had any prior history of aggression. If the bite occurs on the owner’s property, the victim must show the owner was negligent in failing to control the dog. That distinction matters, and how the attack happened shapes the legal path forward.

Portland requires dogs to be leashed in public areas unless in designated off-leash zones, and violations of that ordinance can strengthen a liability claim. Maine’s modified comparative fault rule under 14 M.R.S. § 156 also applies: if a victim shares some fault, their compensation may be reduced proportionally, but recovery isn’t barred unless their fault equals or exceeds the defendant’s. Maine law also covers injuries beyond bites; a victim knocked down by an off-leash dog may have a valid claim as well.

How CFoster Law, PLLC Handles Portland Dog Bite Cases

Attorney Foster prepares every dog bite case as if it will go to trial. That approach can give clients stronger leverage when negotiating with insurance companies and helps ensure nothing is left on the table if a settlement isn’t fair. He carefully reviews all available evidence and builds a strategy designed to maximize recovery, drawing on an extensive network of resources that includes medical experts, investigators, and witnesses.

Building a strong claim typically involves gathering medical records, animal control reports, witness statements, and photographs, along with any evidence of prior aggressive behavior by the dog. Most dog bite claims are pursued against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, which means understanding insurance company tactics is as important as knowing the law. Throughout the process, we provide frequent case updates and regular check-ins so clients know where things stand.

Here’s what sets our representation apart:

Trial-first preparation: Every case is built as if it’s going before a jury, giving clients maximum leverage at every stage.
Named attorney accountability: You work with Attorney Foster directly, not a rotating roster of associates.
Thorough case investigation: We collect medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, and expert testimony to build a powerful claim.
Recognized leadership: Attorney Foster serves on the Board of Governors for the Maine Trial Lawyers Association and was selected by peers to join the Edward Thaxter Gignoux Inn of Courts.
Client-focused communication: From start to finish, we provide honest counsel, personalized attention, and consistent updates on your case.
Contingency-fee access: No legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact CFoster Law, PLLC Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a dog attack in Portland, don’t wait to reach out. We offer a free initial consultation, including virtual options, to review your circumstances and explain your legal options with no obligation.

Contact us today at (207) 305-3854 to speak with a Portland dog bite attorney prepared to fight for the compensation you may be entitled to seek.

Dog Bite Liability in Maine: What Portland Victims Often Miss

Most people assume only the dog’s owner can be held responsible after an attack. Maine law reaches further than that. Liability under 7 M.R.S. § 3961 extends to both owners and keepers, meaning a dog sitter, house guest, or caretaker who was in control of the dog at the time of the attack may also bear legal responsibility. If someone other than the owner was handling the dog when you were hurt, that person’s liability is worth examining.

Landlord exposure is another factor Portland victims frequently overlook. A landlord who knowingly allowed a tenant to keep a dangerous dog on the property may share liability for an attack that occurs on or near that property. Whether the landlord had notice of the dog’s aggressive tendencies is a key factual question in those situations.

Insurance and damages in Maine dog bite cases
In most Maine dog bite cases, the claim is pursued against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy rather than personal assets. That means dealing with an insurance company whose goal is to minimize the payout. Tactics such as downplaying injury severity or shifting partial blame to the victim are common, and recognizing them early is part of building an effective claim. Maine doesn’t impose a statutory cap on damages in dog bite cases, so you can pursue the full value of your injuries, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term effects.

Maine also prohibits municipalities from passing breed-specific legislation under 7 M.R.S. § 3950. Liability turns on what the individual dog did and the circumstances of the attack, not the breed. A dog’s breed doesn’t determine whether an owner may be held responsible.

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5-Star Client Reviews

See the Difference An Experienced Attorney Makes

At Foster Law, we give your case the time and attention you deserve. Read some of our client testimonials below, or call us at (207) 305-3854 today to get started.

"Thrilled With the Outcome"
Christian Foster went above-and-beyond the call of duty in what was very complex litigation. I was thrilled with the outcome of my case.

- Adam C.
"He Cares About Justice"
He took time to answer all questions and if needed he would repeat until we all understood. We feel honored and grateful that Mr. Foster was our attorney.

- Carlo & Denise G.
"I Felt Protected"
Because he took his time, he was able to represent me very well resulting in a fair settlement.10 out of 10 experience!!!

- Rebecca T.
"He Changed My Mind About Lawyers"
He did a wonderful job. This experience completely changed the way I feel about attorneys. He is a testament to his profession which all attorneys should strive for.

- Former Client
"Better Than "Best Case""
He knows what he's doing but beyond that, his personality has a great calming effect. I prepared myself for the worst case and got me better than the "best case".

- John
"Christian Foster is a rare species among personal injury lawyers."
Despite formidable delays and obstacles created by COVID and the insurance company, Christian persevered in creative ways, always with the highest integrity and my unique interests and concerns in mind.

- Lucille M.
"Highly Recommend!"
I could not be happier with the service and results I received from Attorney Foster and I highly recommend him for your needs.

- Lee B.
"Compassionate and Knowledgable"
His knowledge of the law and his guidance left me feeling like I was really being taken care of and he settled my case quickly... he's a five-star attorney who gets the job done.

- Lisa

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Portland, ME

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

Your first priority is safety and medical care. Move away from the dog and seek treatment, even if the bite seems minor. Puncture wounds carry a high risk of infection and can be more serious than they initially appear. Photograph your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible. Report the bite to local authorities such as Cumberland County Animal Services to create an official record and potentially uncover a history of prior aggression. Then contact a dog bite attorney in Portland as soon as possible to protect evidence and preserve your legal options.

Can I Claim Compensation for a Dog Bite in Portland?

Yes. You may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Factors such as injury severity, lasting effects, and the owner’s negligence all influence the value of a claim. We can help you gather evidence, prove liability, and pursue compensation you may be entitled to seek.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Maine?

Maine’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is six years from the date of the incident under 14 M.R.S. § 752. Despite that window, evidence such as animal control reports, photographs, and witness accounts degrades over time, and missing the deadline eliminates your right to pursue compensation regardless of the strength of your claim. Contacting a Portland dog bite attorney as soon as possible protects your options and can give your case a stronger foundation.

What Are Common Defenses Against Dog Bite Claims?

Dog owners commonly assert that the victim provoked the dog, was trespassing at the time of the attack, or assumed the risk of the encounter. Under Maine’s strict liability rule, provocation and trespass are the primary defenses available to owners for off-premises attacks. Insurance companies may also invoke Maine’s modified comparative fault rule under 14 M.R.S. § 156, attempting to assign partial fault to the victim to reduce the payout. Strong documentation, witness statements, animal control records, and expert testimony are the tools used to challenge these defenses and support the value of a claim. When you work with CFoster Law, PLLC, those arguments don’t go unanswered.

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Experienced Trial Lawyers

With over 22 years of experience in the courtroom for our clients, we are prepared to take your case to trial - and we fight to win.
We Have Won Tens of Millions

With a highly-skilled trial attorney and dedicated legal team, we have a long track record of success - both in and out of the courtroom.
Personalized Service

We really get to know our clients, making sure to give you all the information you need to make truly informed choices.
Digging Deeper in Each Case

We listen carefully, investing the time you deserve; interviewing witnesses, making house calls, and immersing ourselves in your case to give you the best shot at winning.