There are many burdens associated with being the victim of a personal injury. Not only do you have to face the pain and suffering caused by the injury, but you must deal with the financial stress of lost wages, a possible impact on your ability to earn future wages and injury-related medical bills. The trauma and loss can be overwhelming. In such an event you must ensure that your rights are protected and that you are compensated for your pain, suffering and financial losses. The following information will shed light on the personal injury laws in Maryland and how you can ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to.
A “Contributory Negligence” State
Maryland has harsh personal injury laws when it comes to the rights of victims. Because Maryland is a “contributory negligence” state, an accident victim’s failure to exercise due care, thereby contributing to the accident, can prevent the injured victim to receive compensation for his or her injury and/or losses. Because of this it is crucial to obtain the services of a Maryland personal injury attorney. Your attorney will work to prove fault and to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
There are a number of ways in which a personal injury could occur. Any injury that results from the negligence or actions of another individual can be considered a personal injury case. Some of the more common forms of personal injury cases include automobile accidents, boating accidents, trucking accidents, railroad accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice cases, nursing home abuse, sexual abuse and slip and fall accidents.
When you file suit in a personal injury case you are entitled to different types of compensation. Compensation received for a personal injury may include payment for all medical bills related to the injury, payment for any permanent disability stemming from the injury, payment for emotional distress, payment for lost wages, payment to cover the expense of hiring help to help you care for yourself and your household while you were injured and any other costs you may have incurred as a result of the accident.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a time frame in which you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. This window of time is referred to as a statute of limitations. In Maryland the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years. This means that you must consult with an attorney and file suit within three years of the date the accident and/or injury occurred.
Working with a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury law in Maryland is very complicated. Because Maryland is a contributory negligence state, you will want to retain the services of an attorney who will work to prove that you were no way at fault for the injury that you suffered. Your attorney will also help to determine how much compensation you are entitled to and he or she will ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the proper amount of compensation.
Click here if you would like to receive a free consultation regarding your personal injury case in Maryland and to see if you may be eligible to receive compensation for any losses and/or pain and suffering that you have endured.