Pikesville Personal Injury Lawyer

Unfortunately, accidents resulting in serious injury happen every single day in the state of Maryland, and many of them stem from the reckless or careless conduct of one or more parties involved. If you got hurt because of someone else’s irresponsible behavior, you may have grounds to take legal action against them and hold them financially accountable for the injuries and losses you sustained.

However, personal injury claims are complicated and difficult to manage under even the most favorable circumstances, so it is almost always a good idea to seek counsel from a qualified attorney before trying to pursue one yourself. A seasoned Pikesville personal injury lawyer could explain your legal options to you, represent your best interests through settlement negotiations, and—if necessary—fight for a fair civil court verdict on your behalf.

The Basics of Personal Injury Litigation

Generally speaking, an accident victim’s ability to recover civil compensation depends on whether they can prove that someone else’s negligence directly caused their damages. More specifically, they must be able to show through a “preponderance of the evidence” that the defendant in their claim owned them reasonable care, failed to provide that care due to a specific irresponsible action or failure to act, and directly caused an injurious accident as a result.

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for demonstrating legal negligence during a civil claim, so the right tactical approach to civil recovery can vary significantly from case to case. This is just one reason why it can be so important to retain an experienced Pikesville personal injury attorney who knows how to adapt to different situations and construct a compelling case based on a plaintiff’s unique circumstances.

Another reason why legal representation can be critical to success with a civil claim is the strict contributory fault doctrine that Maryland courts adhere to. Unlike most other states, Maryland prohibits civil recovery by any plaintiff found even one percent to blame for the circumstances leading up to their injuries, so having help from a legal professional when contesting allegations of contributory negligence is a virtual necessity in many cases.

Filing Deadlines for Civil Claims

Accident victims may be able to recover for a variety of damages through a successful civil claim, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, property damage, and loss of wages. No matter how strong a plaintiff’s case is, though, recovery may become impossible if they wait too long to start the filing process.

According to Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings §5-101, a statutory filing deadline of three years applies to most personal injury claims, which means that any prospective plaintiff who waits more than three years to file suit after discovering their injuries will almost certainly be barred from recovering compensation. However, there are exceptions to this standard deadline under certain circumstances, which a personal injury lawyer in Pikesville could explain in further detail if applicable.

Talk to a Pikesville Personal Injury Attorney Today

While it may not seem like monetary compensation can truly make up for the physical pain and personal consequences of a serious accident, a comprehensive damage award or settlement can be key to preserving an accident victim’s short-term and long-term prospects. However, if you try to pursue civil compensation without guidance from an experienced legal representative, your odds of case success will likely be very slim.

Instead of working to defend your rights and best interests alone, consider working with a dedicated and compassionate Pikesville personal injury lawyer. Call today to schedule a private consultation.