Personal Injury Law in Waldorf, MD

Accidents can happen at any time and in any place. But there are intricate legal considerations when it is due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness.

If you don’t take the proper steps, you may not get the compensation you deserve for your damages and suffering. Discover how a Waldorf personal injury attorney can protect your interests below.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law in Waldorf pertains to seeking compensation for injuries caused by negligence. In these cases, the plaintiff seeks financial compensation for expenses and other losses. These cases involve the participation of insurance companies and may settle before going to trial.

Examples of Personal Injury Claims in Waldorf, MD

Some personal injury claims are more common than others. But almost any incident resulting in physical or mental injury could qualify.

A few examples of the most common personal injury claims include:

• Car accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Product liability
• Workplace accidents
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Defamation or slander
• Assault and battery
• Nursing home abuse or neglect
• Construction accidents

Most Common Injuries in Waldorf 

The Maryland Department of Health identifies injuries as a severe and life-threatening concern. According to their data, unintentional and intentional incidents are the most common cause of death for 1 – 44 year olds. Drug poisoning, firearm incidents, and falls are most likely to cause harm to Waldorf residents and others throughout the state.

Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Waldorf, MD

If you pursue a personal injury claim in MD, there are steps you can expect. Since tort law involves procedures and timelines, it’s important to have a lawyer dedicated to your case.

Proving Negligence

The first step for any personal injury claim is to prove the other party was negligent. While this may seem straightforward, the court needs proof, not just supposition. Before filing a lawsuit, your legal team will gather evidence to bolster your assertions.

Maryland defines negligence as the failure to use reasonable care under the circumstances. However, the state also operates under the principle of contributory negligence. As a result, plaintiffs from Waldorf can be partially or fully at fault for the accident or injury. Depending on how the case goes, you may not recover damages. The one exception is that not wearing a seatbelt does not count as contributing injuries in a collision.

The Court Process in Maryland

The process of a personal injury lawsuit begins when the court accepts your civil complaint. This documents your assertion that the defendant caused damage. As the process moves forward, there may be depositions, medical evaluations, and document production. This discovery process can be lengthy and typically ends in either a settlement or a court appearance.

The Maryland Judiciary provides more details on the process for personal injury lawsuits. There is information about the procedures for discovery, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations. It is also worth considering the possibility of a counter-lawsuit. But if you have detailed questions, it is best to talk to your attorney.

Maryland Personal Injury Settlement

Settlements happen in most instances to avoid going to trial. The aspects that could impact the final amount include the severity of your injuries. Additionally, the extent of medical treatment or lost wages become factors.

The amount of your settlement depends on several critical factors. Nonetheless, there are general estimates to consider from reputable sources. For instance, Forbes reports the average costs after an auto collision for injuries is $20,235. However, Waldorf residents should know that most cases settled for less than $10,000.

In cases where the opposing party has insurance, they may prefer to settle out of court. Accepting a settlement can be advantageous for both the injured party and the insurance company. It allows for faster compensation and avoids legal entanglements. Opting for a court trial in MD runs the risk of receiving no compensation at all.

Damage Awards in Maryland

In a personal injury case in Maryland, if it goes to court, your legal team will ask for damages. There are three types of damages that a court may order the defendant to pay.

Special compensatory damages refer to compensation for actual financial losses, such as medical bills or insurance deductibles. In order to claim them, you must provide evidence in the form of receipts or other documentation.

In personal injury cases, general compensatory damages are not tied to any specific expenses. For instance, if you experienced severe pain and emotional distress, you can ask for this compensation.

To receive punitive damages is uncommon and left to the discretion of the court. The severity of the defendant’s negligence and the corresponding injury may lead the judge or jury to award them.

The damage cap for personal injury cases adjusts for inflation and depends on the type of lawsuit. For example, the non-economic damages cap for medical malpractice cases was $830,000. Regardless, there is no cap on economic damages in Waldorf, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Statute of Limitations in Waldorf, MD Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury cases have a specific time limit for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, the clock starts ticking from the time of the injury. But in some cases, it starts from when the discovery of the injury, which can be bothersome to prove. It is essential to file within the given time frame, or you risk losing your right to seek compensation.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases varies depending on the type of case. Most litigation has a three-year statute of limitations. But there are some exceptions. Medical malpractice cases from Waldorf can get up to five years.

It is important to consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the funds you need.

Work With an Experienced Waldorf, MD Lawyer

If you have suffered an injury caused by someone else, consider pursuing a personal injury claim in Waldorf. Our team of experienced lawyers can assist you in navigating the process and seeking compensation for your damages. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Maryland state lines.

Submit a request for legal help through our website or call (866) 345-6784!