When you’re hurt in a personal injury accident in Maryland, such as in a car accident or by an act of medical malpractice, you may have the right to recover compensation. This compensation can include compensation for your economic damages. An experienced attorney can discuss your situation with you during a free, no-obligation consultation, including the types of damages you may be eligible to recover.
Types of Damages in Maryland Personal Injury Cases
In Maryland, personal injury victims may be able to recover compensation for various types of damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages provide compensation for the tangible and financial losses that accident victims suffer because of the accident. Plaintiffs typically present bills, receipts, and invoices to help establish these damages and their value.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are not easily quantifiable. They provide compensation to accident victims for the subjective, intangible losses they suffer, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
A lawyer can help document and argue for fair compensation for these damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases as a form of punishment to the defendant and to deter similar conduct in the future. They are not meant to compensate the victim. Instead, they send a message that the defendant’s behavior was so egregious that they should have to pay a sum in excess of the provable compensatory damages the victim suffered.
Common Types of Economic Damages Awarded in Maryland Personal Injury Cases
Economic damages that may be awarded in Maryland personal injury cases frequently include the following:
Initial Medical Expenses
Personal injury victims may incur various medical expenses immediately after an accident, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Ambulance rides
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Medication
You have the right to recover compensation for these direct losses.
Ongoing Medical Expenses
Accident victims may continue to require medical care during the weeks and months following an accident. They can pursue compensation for their ongoing medical expenses, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term nursing costs. They can also seek compensation for reasonably anticipated future medical expenses.
Lost Income
Personal injuries may prevent accident victims from working. They can seek compensation for the wages they lost while seeking medical treatment or recovering from their injuries. Additionally, they can seek compensation for the loss of earning capacity if they are unable to return to work following the accident.
Property Damage
Accident victims are also entitled to compensation for their personal property that was damaged in the accident. They can seek compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement.
How the Value of Economic Damages Is Determined
Economic damages are typically evaluated based on objective evidence, such as:
- Medical bills showing the amount charged to the victim
- Doctors’ reports indicating the need for future medical treatment
- Paystubs, employer letters, and tax returns that indicate the value of lost wages
- Receipts or invoices from body shops
In some cases, expert witnesses may testify about projected losses, considering factors such as:
- The victim’s age and health before the accident
- The severity of the victim’s injuries
- The victim’s job skills, industry, education, and work experience
An experienced attorney can work with experts to help develop your case.
Is There a Cap on Economic Damages in Maryland?
No. Maryland does not have a cap on economic damages. However, there are caps on pain and suffering damages. For medical malpractice cases, the cap is $890,000. Personal injury non-economic damages are capped at $950,000. For wrongful death cases, when there is one beneficiary, the cap is $1,425,000. If there is more than one beneficiary, the wrongful death non-economic damages cap is $2,375,000. An experienced attorney can pursue the maximum compensation available for your claim.
Deadline to Pursue Economic Damages in Maryland
Personal injury victims are subject to statutes of limitations. Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years. In most cases, this deadline begins on the day of the accident. In the case of a wrongful death claim, the case must be filed within three years of the date of death. If the accident victim does not file suit against the responsible party within this timeframe, they can lose their right to recover compensation for their economic and other damages.
Learn More About Economic Damages When You Call Our Law Firm
If you think you might be eligible to recover economic damages after a personal injury accident, contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers at (301) 932-9997. We can discuss your legal rights and options during a free case review. Our legal team is dedicated to securing maximum compensation for all the damages you suffered. Call us today for a free initial consultation.