You may have heard that victims often receive compensation after being injured. But how exactly does this system work in Maryland? How do you hold negligent parties accountable? Is a lawsuit necessary? How much do you stand to receive, and is a personal injury lawsuit really worth the time and effort? What steps do you need to take in order to ensure fair compensation for your injuries? All of these questions can be answered by getting in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Waldorf, such as the Law Office of Robert Castro. You can get in touch today by calling (301) 870-1200.
Common Personal Injury Lawsuits
Although personal injury lawsuits may stem from a wide range of accidents, there are a few types of common lawsuits:
- Car Accidents: Car accidents are common in Maryland, and injured victims often seek compensation for their medical bills, missed wages, and emotional distress. Maryland is an “at-fault” state, which means that you need to prove someone else’s negligence caused your crash. Examples include drunk drivers, distracted drivers, and reckless drivers. You can also sue government agencies. For example, you might sue the police for causing an accident while pursuing a suspect in an excessively dangerous manner.
- Slips and Falls: Slips and falls are also quite common. These accidents occur when members of the public suffer injuries due to property owner negligence. These premise liability cases often include spills, wet surfaces, and debris scattered across floors. This forms a tripping hazard that causes victims to lose their footing, suffering head injuries, fractured hips, broken wrists, and a range of other injuries. Property owners can be held accountable.
- Product Liability: Manufacturers, designers, and marketers can be held accountable for injuries caused by product defects. For example, a lithium-ion battery might explode in someone’s face for no reason.
Common Mistakes When Filing Personal Injury Lawsuits
One of the most common mistakes for plaintiffs filing personal injury lawsuits is the failure to seek proper medical attention after injuries. In order to win your lawsuit, you will need to show that you suffered legitimate injuries. If you wait too long, the defendant may claim that your injuries were not that severe. After all, if they were so serious, then why did you wait for weeks before seeking attention? Avoid these uncomfortable questions by getting treatment as soon as possible after your injury. Accept treatment at the accident site and agree to be transported to a nearby hospital.
Even if your injuries do not seem all that severe, they may be worse than you realize – especially when the shock and adrenaline wear off. It is better to be safe than sorry – and you can use your medical records to prove the extent of your injuries when you file your lawsuit.
Another common mistake is letting the statute of limitations expire. In most situations, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Maryland is three years. Although that might seem like a lot of time, it is always better to act quickly. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witnesses may move out of the state. In addition, deadlines may be sooner than you realize – especially if you are suing a government agency.
Will I Need to Go to Court?
In most situations, you will not need to go to court in order to resolve your injury claim. The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits are settled out of court. This means you will be offered compensation in exchange for dropping your lawsuit. Usually, this is the best option for both parties – as it saves you from the time-consuming, stressful nature of a trial. However, a trial may be necessary if the defendant stubbornly refuses to pay a fair settlement.
How Can I Get Started With My Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Getting started with a personal injury lawsuit is easy. Call (301) 870-1200 to book a consultation with the Law Office of Robert Castro. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue fair compensation. You deserve compensation, whether you have been injured in a car accident, a slip and fall, or a botched surgery. Book your consultation today to get started with a solid action plan. Remember, the statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long – so get in touch today.
For more information or questions, contact the Law Office of Robert Castro to speak to an experienced lawyer at (301) 870-1200. The Law Office of Robert Castro is located at 2670 Crain Highway #411, Waldorf, MD 20601.