Maine Injury Lawyer Blog

May 18, 2025

Teenage Brothers Critically Injured After Dirt Bike Accident

According to a recent article, two teenage brothers from Ellsworth (aged 14 and 16) are receiving critical medical treatment in Boston following a serious dirt bike collision. The incident occurred at a gravel pit near Route 200 in Franklin, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Authorities report that the brothers, Bentley and Cooper Miles, were riding toward each other on a trail when one made a sharp left turn, leading to a crash. Neither teen was wearing a helmet, and both sustained significant injuries to their heads, upper bodies, and limbs.

In response to the accident, the local community has mobilized to assist the family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $30,000, and area businesses are contributing as well. One local company is creating custom decals to distribute in exchange for donations, helping cover the family’s expenses. “They’ve given so much to others—it’s only right we give back,” said Mark Baxter, owner of Forge Training Center. Jean Wood of the Down East Family YMCA echoed that sentiment, noting the community’s strong tradition of support.

May 13, 2025

Auburn Man Hospitalized After Fiery Construction Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a construction accident near Auburn City Hall led to a fire and road closures Thursday afternoon during rush hour. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. while crews were installing a sewer liner as part of a storm drain improvement project. According to Auburn Fire Deputy Chief Matt Fifield, a fueling mishap likely triggered the fire, which ignited the flammable resin-based liner being installed in a manhole on Court Street. Flames were visible shooting from the manhole when emergency crews arrived.

The fire, which also threatened a nearby truck connected to the liner, took a considerable amount of time to bring under control. One worker sustained burns to his arms and was transported to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston for treatment. As of 5:30 p.m., sections of Court and Turner Streets remained closed due to the incident.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, even when safety protocols are followed. Workers operate heavy machinery, handle hazardous materials, and often perform tasks at dangerous heights or in confined spaces. Unfortunately, when accidents happen, they can lead to serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or even death. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we’re dedicated to helping injured workers and their families seek justice and full compensation after construction site accidents in Maine.

May 5, 2025

Skydiving Accident Leaves One Critically Injured

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a man suffered critical injuries after plummeting over 50 feet at high speed during a skydiving incident on Thursday afternoon in Lebanon, Maine. The fall occurred at Skydive New England, shortly after 2:20 p.m., prompting an emergency call to the Sanford Regional Communications Center. Although LifeFlight of Maine was initially contacted, a Boston MedFlight helicopter was ultimately dispatched and landed at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire. Emergency personnel from Lebanon and Frisbie Memorial Hospital provided on-site care before transporting the victim to a trauma center. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the cause of the accident. Skydive New England, which recently launched its 2025 season, is noted as one of the largest skydiving operations in the country.

Skydiving offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush and breathtaking views—but when things go wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic. As the popularity of adventure sports grows, so too does the risk of injury due to equipment failure, operator negligence, or improper training. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are committed to helping victims of preventable skydiving accidents seek justice and compensation.

The Risks Behind the Rush

April 30, 2025

Scallop Fishing Accident Kills 26-Year-Old Father of Two

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, 26-year-old Jaxson Marston of Addison, Maine, tragically lost his life in a scallop fishing accident off the coast of Massachusetts. While working aboard the vessel 25 TO LIFE, approximately 25 nautical miles east of Nahant, Marston was struck in the neck by a rope that had snapped under tension. The impact caused a broken neck and left him intermittently unresponsive. Despite being rushed to shore by the U.S. Coast Guard and transported to Beverly Hospital, Marston was pronounced dead upon arrival. Another crew member also sustained serious injuries, including a concussion and possible broken ribs. Marston leaves behind a 1-year-old daughter and a girlfriend who is currently pregnant with their second child. In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $90,000 to support his grieving family.

Maine’s commercial fishing industry is not just a vital part of the state’s economy—it’s a way of life for thousands of families across the coast. From lobstering in Penobscot Bay to scallop dredging off the shores of Downeast Maine, fishing is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the region. But along with its economic and cultural significance, commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous professions in the country.

The Hazards of Commercial Fishing

April 21, 2025

Three Dead in Lewiston Crash

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a tragic car crash in Lewiston has claimed the lives of three people, including a young mother, her infant daughter, and the child’s father. The Lewiston Police Department confirmed that 20-year-old Adaysia Read died from her injuries over the weekend, days after the late-night crash occurred on Grove Street. Her 7-month-old daughter, Kinsley Willigar, and the vehicle’s driver, 20-year-old Tyrell Willigar of Brunswick, also died as a result of the crash.

Witnesses say the car collided with a tree in a residential yard, and police believe speed was a contributing factor. Both Read and her daughter were initially taken to Central Maine Medical Center in critical condition and later transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Kinsley was pronounced dead the following morning.

Why Speed Matters

April 9, 2025

Maine Man Killed In Sugarloaf Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a 63-year-old snowboarder from Kingfield, Kendall Willard, died following an accident at Sugarloaf Mountain. The Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Willard died from blunt force trauma after falling while attempting to retrieve a glove he had dropped from a chairlift. Authorities report that Willard walked down a closed trail, which had been shut due to icy conditions. He lost his footing and slid approximately 800 feet into a group of trees. The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Local officials and the community have expressed condolences to his family and friends.

Maine’s rugged mountains and scenic slopes make it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. From Sugarloaf to Sunday River, winter sports enthusiasts come from all over to enjoy the snow-covered terrain. However, with these exciting outdoor activities comes the risk of serious injury. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we understand the complexities of skiing accident claims and are here to help injured individuals pursue the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Skiing Accidents

March 24, 2025

Hit-And-Run in Dixmont Leaves Man With Life-Threatening Injuries

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a man has been hospitalized and is in critical condition after being subjected to a hit-and-run on Kennebec Road this past Friday. Officers discovered the unidentified man unconscious on the shoulder of the road, and he was immediately taken to the emergency room with catastrophic injuries. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and no new information is available at this time.

Hit-and-run accidents are a distressing and all-too-common occurrence in Maine, leaving victims injured and families searching for justice. When a driver flees the scene of an accident without stopping to help or provide information, they not only violate the law but also leave victims in dire circumstances. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are dedicated to helping victims of hit-and-run accidents pursue justice and compensation for their losses.

The Consequences of Hit-and-Run Accidents

March 17, 2025

East Millinocket Crash Kills One After Driver Crosses Center Line

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, a two-vehicle crash in East Millinocket on Friday claimed the life of a Medway woman and left two children injured. The accident occurred just after 12:30 p.m. on Main Street near Dolby Landfill Road. East Millinocket Police have determined that a small Chevy sedan traveling east crossed the center line into the path of a westbound Chevy 3500 service truck. The truck driver attempted to avoid the collision by moving into the opposite lane, but the sedan corrected its course, ultimately colliding with the truck and causing it to overturn. The sedan sustained significant front-end damage. The sedan’s driver, a 66-year-old woman from Medway, was transported via LifeFlight to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. One of the two child passengers, ages 8 and 6, was also flown to the hospital but was reported to be in stable condition. The second child was treated at Millinocket Regional Hospital and later released.

Wrong-way crashes are among the most catastrophic types of motor vehicle accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. These collisions typically occur when a vehicle travels against the designated flow of traffic, frequently leading to head-on impacts at high speeds. Unfortunately, wrong-way crashes are a persistent danger on Maine’s roadways, with devastating consequences for victims and their families.

Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents

March 10, 2025

Teenager Killed in Farming Accident

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, on March 9th, 2025, a heartbreaking accident in St. Agatha, Maine, claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy after he was struck by a farm tractor. The Maine State Police responded to the scene on Chasse Road at approximately 12:41 p.m., where an initial investigation revealed that the young victim was walking behind the tractor when the tragic incident occurred. Despite being transported to Fort Kent Hospital, he sadly succumbed to his injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Risks of Farm Equipment Accidents

Tractor accidents are among the most common causes of serious injury and death in agricultural settings. These massive machines, while essential for farming operations, present significant hazards, particularly when operated near pedestrians or inexperienced individuals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, farming remains one of the most dangerous industries, with tractor-related incidents accounting for a significant portion of injuries and fatalities.

March 3, 2025

Family Sues Maine Jail Over Inmate Suicide

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to a recent article, the family of Kare Randall, who died by suicide at Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against multiple local government agencies and officials, alleging that jail staff failed to protect him despite clear warning signs. Randall’s mother, Latoya Earles, claims the defendants were “deliberately indifferent” to her son’s serious mental health concerns, noting that he had previously attempted suicide at the facility. The lawsuit names Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties, Alternative Correctional Healthcare LLC, and several jail officials as defendants, accusing them of negligence and failing to properly train staff to handle inmates at risk of self-harm. The defendants have broadly denied responsibility, with some claiming they lack sufficient knowledge of the allegations, while also asserting qualified immunity. Earles is seeking financial damages and other relief, while the jail and Maine Department of Corrections have not provided updates on their reviews of the incident.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one is always devastating, but when their death is caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the pain can be even more overwhelming. In such tragic situations, families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial compensation. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we understand the emotional and legal complexities surrounding wrongful death cases and are here to help Maine families navigate the process.