Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured by someone’s negligent misconduct, you may be able to recover compensation for the harms you have suffered. Accident victims should not be left to face the financial, physical, and emotional consequences of someone else’s negligence alone. A seasoned Maryland personal injury lawyer could assess your potential claim to compensation and help recover the full and fair financial damages you deserve. Reach out to a dedicated attorney today.
Common Maryland Personal Injury Cases
Below are examples of personal injury cases frequently handled by a Maryland attorney:
- Truck accidents
- Car accidents
- Defective product claims
- Medical malpractice
- Bicycle accidents
- Dog bite attacks
- Motorcycle accidents
The injuries a victim may suffer vary widely according to the type of accident they are involved in. Common injuries which may be underlying in a personal injury lawsuit include back injuries, shoulder injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and concussions.
Strict Liability Laws
While most personal injury cases in Maryland must be proven under the legal theory of negligence, the law may enforce the doctrine of strict liability in certain cases. For injuries suffered from a dog or animal attack, the owner may be strictly liable for the victim’s damages if the dog was running freely prior to the accident. This means that regardless of whether or not there was any negligence on their part, a dog owner may be held liable for injuries inflicted by their animal.
Contributory Negligence in Maryland
Sometimes, a court may find that both the plaintiff and the defendant share liability for the underlying accident. In such cases, the courts follow the contributory negligence doctrine. This doctrine would preclude a plaintiff from any financial recovery if they are found to bear the slightest fault for the accident.
Deadline to File a Claim
Maryland Code Annotated Courts and Judicial Proceedings §5–101 states that personal injury victims have three years from the date the accident occurs to file a civil lawsuit. In cases involving medical malpractice, specifically, a different statutory deadline applies. Pursuant to Md. Code Ann. Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-109(a), an injured individual has three years from the date they discover the injury or five years from the actual injury date to file suit, whichever occurs earlier.
Certain exceptions may apply to these statutory deadlines. A personal injury lawyer in Maryland could explain the time limits which may apply to the victim’s claim and ensure compliance with them.
Compensation Types
Below are common compensatory damages which may be recovered in a successful personal injury case:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Future reduced earning potential
- Ambulance bills
- Therapy costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Medication and prescription costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
In very rare circumstances, a plaintiff may also be able to recover punitive damages for their losses. These types of damages may be awarded in cases where the actions of the defendant are so shocking or egregious that they merit punishment.
Arrange a Consultation With a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
A Maryland personal injury lawyer could provide the resolute representation needed to pursue justice from those who negligently caused you harm. An attorney could evaluate the viability of your potential claim, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and construct a compelling case on your behalf.
Set up your case consultation with a skilled Maryland lawyer today.