Maine Statute of Limitations

Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death action must be filed within two years of the date of death.

Personal Injury Actions

Personal injury actions must be brought within six years of the date of the injury.

Medical Malpractice Actions

Actions against health care providers must be filed within three years of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred. In the case of a minor, suit must be filed within six years of the act or within three years after the minor reaches 18, whichever comes first. This section does not apply to suits involving discovery of a foreign body, in which case the period of limitations begins when the object was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Products Liability Actions

Products liability actions must be brought within six years after the plaintiff suffers the injury.

Special Rules for Minors

Except in cases of medical malpractice or wrongful death, minors have six years after their 18th birthday to file suit.