If you got hurt in an accident someone else caused in Maryland, you could be entitled to financial compensation (also known as damages) under the stateās personal injury laws. Damages can cover a wide range of accident-related losses. But sadly, far too many victims find their valid personal injury claims denied every day. An experienced Waldorf injury lawyer can determine what types of damages are available in your case and help you fight for them.
What are Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Maryland accident victims are often entitled to damages for injuries sustained due to another partyās negligence. Common types of personal injury claims involve motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, animal attacks, defective products, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.
Damages should compensate the injured person for the full extent of losses they incurred. In other words, full and fair damages should make victims āwholeā again. A personal injury lawyer can review your case and advise you on the type of damages you can pursue.
Types of Damages in Maryland
So, what types of damages are recoverable in personal injury cases? Monetary compensation is typically categorized into two types of compensatory damages:
- Economic Damages ā Accidents often come with steep price tags. Economic damages reimburse personal injury victims for the quantifiable losses they suffer. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. They can also include money for past and future medical expenses, medical equipment, the cost of home health care, property damage, or other accident-related costs.
- Noneconomic Damages ā Not all losses have a fixed cost. Noneconomic damages compensate injured victims for those intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life due to injuries or permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Maryland also allows some victims to recover punitive damages for the harm they suffered. Unlike the other types of compensatory damages, punitive damages are intended to “punish” the liable party for especially reckless conduct. A skilled lawyer will pursue all possible types of compensation available in your personal injury claim.
Are There Caps on Damages in Personal Injury Cases?
Yes. Maryland limits the amount of noneconomic damages that can be awarded to claimants in wrongful death and personal injury cases. Under Maryland law, the award for noneconomic damages increases by $15,000 every year. There is no cap on economic damages in personal injury cases.
Does the Statute of Limitations Affect Your Right to Damages?
Yes. The personal injury statute of limitations sets the deadline for when a victim must take legal action. In Maryland, the statute of limitations gives plaintiffs three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you file suit after the limitation period expires, the court could dismiss your case regardless of the strength of your evidence. Because building a robust personal injury case takes time, it is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights to maximum compensation.
Contact a Waldorf, MD Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence? You need a Waldorf, MD personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery. At Trollinger Law LLC, we have vast experience advocating for the rights of injury victims and have successfully recovered millions of dollars in personal injury compensation for our clients. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
