Slip and Fall Claims in Maine: Proving the Property Owner Was Negligent

Slip, trip, and fall injuries are common but not automatic claims. Maine law requires proof that the property owner was negligent.

The Owner's Duty

Maine property owners must keep premises reasonably safe and warn of known hazards. Whether they breached that duty depends on what they knew or should have known about the danger.

Notice Is the Battleground

A key question is whether the owner had notice of the hazard — a spill, ice, a broken step — and a reasonable chance to fix it. Evidence of how long the danger existed is often decisive.

Comparative Fault in Falls

Owners often argue the victim wasn't watching where they were going. Under Maine's modified comparative negligence (50% bar), you can still recover if your share of fault stays below the bar.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Maine attorney.