Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer
Experienced Accident Lawyers Helping Residents of Baltimore
Unfortunately, accidents happen every day in Maryland and throughout the United States. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident due to the carelessness or recklessness of another, then you may be able to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Whether you have been hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or an instance of medical malpractice, the Baltimore personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help. We have represented numerous clients in successfully resolving their injury claims.
- Car Accident
- Drowning
- Nursing Home Fall
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Toxic Torts & Toxic Exposure
- Work Injury
- Wrongful Death
Injury Accidents and Negligence Law
Personal injury claims can arise in a variety of ways including, but not limited to: automobile accidents, drowning, nursing home falls, spinal cord injury, toxic torts and exposure, work injuries and wrongful death.
An individual who is injured can typically file a negligence claim against the at-fault party. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care in one’s actions. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would act in the same or similar circumstances. As such, what is considered ‘reasonable’ will vary according to the circumstances. For example, a reasonable automobile driver would obey the traffic laws and drive in a way that would not endanger others on the road. Another example of behaving reasonably would be when a shop owner puts up a “wet floor” sign after the floor has been mopped so as to alert customers of the potential danger of slipping. Essentially, reasonableness is determined by the context and circumstances of a particular situation.
In order to prevail on a negligence claim, the plaintiff must establish the following elements: i) the defendant owed plaintiff a duty of care; ii) defendant breached that duty; and iii) the defendant’s breach was the proximate cause of plaintiff’s harm. All of these elements need to be established for a plaintiff to be able to seek compensation for his or her injuries.
Plaintiffs who successfully establish negligence may be able to recover a variety of damages including past, present and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, therapy costs, property damage, and any other cost arising from the accident. The specific amount of compensation a plaintiff will ultimately obtain depends on the exact nature and extent of the harm suffered. If you’ve lost someone due to the negligence of another, then you might be eligible to receive wrongful death damages.
It is important to note that plaintiffs have a limited time frame to file a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Under Maryland law, an injured party has three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Failure to act within this time can result in being barred from pursuing a claim altogether.
What should I do immediately after an accident to protect my personal injury claim?
If you have been injured in an accident, your first priority is seeking medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, a doctor’s evaluation can document your condition and prevent complications. Next, gather evidence by taking photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from any witnesses and report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or a property owner. Finally, consult a Baltimore personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances, such as claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines. Failing to file within the required time frame may result in losing your right to seek compensation. A Baltimore personal injury attorney can review your case and ensure all legal deadlines are met.
What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
Victims of personal injury accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. In severe cases, compensation may also include future medical care, loss of earning capacity, and emotional distress. If the negligence resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members may be eligible for additional damages. A Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help determine the full scope of compensation available in your case.
Lawyers Protecting Injured Victims’ Rights in Prince George’s County
At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, our Baltimore personal injury lawyers have experience handling virtually all types of accident claims for clients throughout Prince George’s County. Our talented team of attorneys has over 100over 200 years of combined experience. We proudly represent clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. We attempt to get each of our clients the maximum amount of compensation allowed under the law. While we try to settle every case as efficiently as possible, we are not afraid to zealously advocate for you in the courtroom if necessary.
If you want to learn more about your legal rights and options, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 410-998-3600 for a free consultation.
