Insurance Defense
The firm has relied on the insurance industry for a large portion of its caseload since it was founded. From the defense of automobile accident and premises liability cases to more complex matters involving product liability, business liabilty, construction law and policy interpretation, Douglas Denham provides its insurance clients with a full range of legal services. The firm's lawyers are particulalrly attuned to the special requirements of insurance companies and the persons who handle their claims.
Workers' Compensation
The Maine workers' compensation statute has been significantly amended every two years since 1983; it was completely revised in 1992. Employers and insurers must rely on counsel who are thoroughly familiar with this extremely complex and changing area of law. The lawyers at Douglas Denham have concentrated in this area for years and are frequent speakers at seminars on workers' compensation law for insurers and employers. Representation is provided statewide before the Workers' Compensation Board, and the lawyers work closely with employers and insurers to manage claims and avoid litigation.
Insurance Coverage
Martica Douglas has developed special expertise in counselling insurers, businesses and individuals on their rights and obligations under various types of policies. She argued and won the case of Perreault v. Maine Bonding before Maine's highest court, establishing that an insurer does not have a duty to defend an insured accused of sexual abuse. Her legal services to insurers cover a wide range of policies and situations.
ERISA and Health Care
The law affecting the rights of HMO's, health insurance carriers and patients is in a rapid state of flux. The firm's attorneys have developed expertise in responding to the needs of insurance clients in this area and have also represented individual insureds in their claims for health benefits.
Labor and Employment Law
The firm advises employers in labor relations matters and represents them before the Maine and National Labor Relations Boards. The firm's lawyers represent both employers and employees in cases involving discrimination under the Maine Human Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans With Disabilites Act (ADA), and other federal statutes affecting discrimination claims. The firm also advises school boards and departments on Title IX claims.
Medical Malpractice
Building on its background in the medical aspects of personal injury lawsuits, the firm has developed expertise in the specialty of medical malpractice litigation. The firm's lawyers have obtained significant recoveries against doctors and hospitals on behalf of persons seriously injured by their negligence. In addition, the firm has defended health care providers accused of malpractice.
Probate and Estate Planning
Sheilah McLaughlin has a broad estate planning and probate practice. She assists clients with planning wills, powers of attorneys, and advanced health care directives, as well as clients with more complex needs requiring specialized trusts. She also assists clients with the probate matters, including probating estates, advising personal representatives, and serving as personal representative, as well as representing clients in probate court on matters relating to guardianship and conservatorship.
Adoption, Divorce and Family Law
The firm's lawyers are adept at guiding clients through the difficult and often contentious legal aspects of marital dissolution, child custody and property disputes, and post-divorce litigation.
Elizabeth Ernst is one of the few lawyers in Maine who concentrate in the area of adoption law. She represents adopting parents, birth parents and agencies involved with adoptions both within Maine and interstate. Ms. Ernst works in the Probate Courts of the state applying Maine law and the compact governing multi-state adoptions.
Criminal Defense
The firm's attorneys are skilled advocates for the rights of those facing the power of the criminal justice system. We represent clients in both state and Federal criminal proceedings.
Representative Clients
Allstate Insurance Co.; AMICA Mutual Ins. Co.; Cianbro Corporation; Great American Ins. Co.; Continental/CNA; General Accident Group; Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services; Manpower Temporary Services; Metropolitan Property & Casualty Ins. Co.; Parker Hannifin Corporation;Prison Health Services; Prudential Property & Casualty Ins. Co.; Ryder Truck Rental; St. Paul Ins. Co.; Sentry Ins. Co.; Sisters of Charity Health Care System; The Travelers; Wausau Ins. Co.; Yasuda Fire & Marine Ins. Co.; Zurich-American Ins. Co.
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