You were injured. Perhaps it was a fall, crash, or bite. But what’s stuck with you isn’t simply the grief; it’s the persistent question, “Was this supposed to happen?” You can’t shake the idea that your current situation was caused by someone else’s error. This article is for that moment. We’re going to walk through the most common types of personal injury in Maryland, how the law looks at them, and what steps to take if you think what happened to you might not have been “just an accident.”
Table of Contents
What Is Personal Injury
“Personal injury sounds like a broad term, and it is, but what ties most of these cases together is simple: someone didn’t do what they were supposed to, and someone else got hurt,” says personal injury attorney John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP.
Here are the most common types of personal injury:
Car accidents: After a crash in Maryland, your first instinct might be to explain everything to the insurance adjuster who calls you, but hold off. Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means if you’re found even 1% at fault, you could lose your right to recover anything. Insurance companies know this and may look for small statements to use against you. Before saying a word, get clarity on your rights; it could make all the difference.
Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall cases in Maryland come down to this: was the property owner responsible for keeping the area safe, and were you there for a legitimate reason? The law sorts people into three categories: invitees (like customers), licensees (like social guests), and trespassers. If you were trespassing, your chances of a successful claim are slim to none. And even if you were invited, the court will also look at whether your own actions contributed to the fall.
Dog bites: Maryland doesn’t follow a strict liability rule for dog bites, but it’s not a “one free bite” state either. If you’re bitten on the dog owner’s property, the law presumes they knew the dog could be dangerous. But they can fight that assumption. They might argue the dog had no history of aggression, was restrained, or that you provoked the situation. And if you were trespassing or even partly at fault, Maryland’s harsh contributory negligence rule could leave you with no claim at all.
Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice claims in Maryland aren’t easy to file. Before your case even moves forward, you must file a certificate from a qualified medical expert in the same specialty as the provider, confirming that a breach in the standard of care occurred. That might sound straightforward, but many doctors refuse to testify against their peers, and if this certification isn’t filed within 90 days of submitting your claim to Maryland’s Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office (HCADRO), your case can be dismissed. Add in the state’s mandatory arbitration process (which most attorneys waive), strict filing deadlines, especially for minors, and hard caps on pain and suffering, and it’s clear that the road to justice is paved with legal complexity.
Wrongful death: In Maryland, a wrongful death claim isn’t just one lawsuit; it’s often two. One is for surviving family members and the emotional and financial toll they’ve suffered. The other, called survival action, is filed on behalf of the person who passed away, covering things like pain before death or lost income. And here’s what trips people up: the law sets strict rules about who can file, who qualifies as a beneficiary, and how much families can recover. And if the person who died was even slightly at fault, their family may walk away with nothing at all.
Conclusion
What occurred to you is irreversible, but what happens next is still up to you. Maryland’s rules are tough, and insurance firms are eager to take advantage of them. If you think someone else’s actions led to your injury or loss, talk to someone who knows how the system works. A lawyer can help you understand the deadlines, document what matters, and fight for the recovery you might not even realize you deserve.
Hi, I’m Lucas Leo, an author and writer at AccordingLaw.com. I’m passionate about delivering the latest legal news and updates according law to keep you informed. Join me as I explore and share insights into the ever-evolving world of law!
Disclaimer:The content on According Law is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for professional legal guidance.
