A Complete Guide to Personal Injury Claims in MarylandPersonal Injury Lawyer and A Client

When you get injured due to someone else's negligence, it can turn your life upside down. As you face medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of an uncertain future, you need clear answers about your rights and options under Maryland personal injury law.

At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we've helped countless clients with the complicated personal injury claims process. In this comprehensive guide, our personal injury attorney will walk you through the key aspects of Maryland personal injury law, from the types of cases to the compensation you may receive.

Table of Contents

What Is a Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case arises when someone suffers harm due to another party's negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These cases can involve physical injuries, emotional distress, or even damage to your reputation. The goal of a personal injury claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover compensation for the losses you've suffered.

What Are the Different Types of Personal Injury Cases?

Personal injury law covers a wide range of situations. Some of the most common types of cases we see include:

Each type of case has its own unique challenges and legal considerations. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you with the specifics of your situation.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

While you're not legally required to hire a lawyer, having an experienced advocate on your side can significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury case. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and the legal process can be overwhelming. A skilled personal injury attorney can:

  • Investigate your case and gather evidence

  • Identify all liable parties

  • Handle all communication with insurance companies

  • Negotiate for a fair settlement

  • Take your case to trial if necessary

What Is Contributory Negligence?

Maryland is one of the few states that follows a contributory negligence rule. Under this standard, you cannot recover any compensation if you are found to be even one percent at fault for your injuries. This harsh rule makes it especially important to have a strong legal team, as the insurance company may try to use contributory negligence to avoid paying your claim.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive?

In a successful personal injury claim, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical expenses, including future treatment costs

  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Property damage

Specific compensation types and amounts will depend on the details of your case.

What Are Punitive Damages?

In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, a court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. While Maryland has no cap on these damages, the amount must be reasonable and proportionate to the actual harm suffered and the severity of the defendant's actions.

How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in Maryland?

There is no specific formula for calculating pain and suffering damages in Maryland. Considered factors include:

  • Severity and permanence of your injuries

  • Impact on your daily life and relationships

  • Emotional distress and mental anguish

  • Disfigurement or scarring

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you document your pain and suffering and build a strong case for fair compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Maryland?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from recovering compensation. There are some exceptions, such as cases involving minors or injuries that were not immediately discovered. It's important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How Long Will My Case Take?

The timeline for a personal injury case can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate a fair settlement. Some cases may be resolved within months, while others could take years. Your attorney can give you a better idea of what to expect based on the specifics of your situation.

What Should I Do Right After an Injury?

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, taking these steps can help protect your health and legal rights:

  • Seek medical attention right away.

  • Report the incident to your employer, the property owner, and/or police as appropriate.

  • Document everything, including taking photos and getting witness contact information.

  • Avoid giving statements to the insurance company.

  • Contact an experienced personal injury attorney for advice.

Why Choose Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum?

When dealing with a serious injury, finding an experienced legal firm is not enough—you need a powerhouse team that knows the insurance industry inside and out. At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we provide strategic insight that most firms simply can't offer.

Our team includes attorneys who have worked on the other side, in the very insurance companies we now fight against. This gives us a rare, behind-the-scenes understanding of how insurers think, evaluate claims, and try to minimize payouts. We use that insider knowledge to your advantage, staying one step ahead of the insurance company. We anticipate their tactics, negotiate from a position of strength, and build cases that command attention and respect.

Whether you're dealing with a complex medical malpractice case, a catastrophic truck accident, or a slip and fall injury, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and recover the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.