Suffering an injury because of someone else’s negligence in Maryland can disrupt every aspect of your life. Medical bills accumulate quickly, time away from work can create financial pressure, and the physical and emotional recovery process can be overwhelming. Many personal injury victims wonder if they should hire a lawyer.
The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, disputes over fault, and how insurance companies handle your claim. Understanding when legal representation becomes critical can help protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims in Maryland
A personal injury claim arises when an individual is harmed due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct. Common personal injury cases include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall incidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims.
Under Maryland law, injured victims may seek compensation for economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. However, Maryland’s strict legal standards make it especially important to evaluate when legal guidance is necessary.
When Injuries Are Serious or Long-Term
You should strongly consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if your injuries are serious or require ongoing medical treatment. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures requiring surgery, internal organ damage, or injuries resulting in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Serious injuries often involve future medical costs, rehabilitation, reduced earning capacity, and long-term pain and suffering. Insurance companies typically undervalue these claims, especially when future damages are involved. A personal injury lawyer can work with medical experts and economists to accurately calculate the full value of your damages.
When an Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim
Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts. If your claim is denied, delayed, or met with a low settlement offer, it may be time to hire a lawyer. A lawyer can handle communications with the insurance company, protect you from giving self-incriminating statements, and push back against unfair settlement tactics.
When Fault Is Disputed
Disputed liability is a common issue in Maryland personal injury cases. This often occurs in car accidents involving multiple parties or conflicting witness accounts.
Because of Maryland’s contributory negligence rule, even minor allegations of shared fault can jeopardize your claim. If an injured person is slightly at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Courts consistently apply this standard, and insurance companies frequently rely on it to deny otherwise valid claims. This harsh rule makes legal representation especially valuable when fault is disputed or when an insurer attempts to shift blame onto the injured party.
A personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
When You Are Unsure About the Value of Your Case
Many injury victims underestimate the value of their personal injury claims. Compensation may extend beyond immediate medical bills and include:
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Maryland law allows recovery for non-economic damages, though these damages are subject to caps that change annually. A personal injury lawyer can explain how these caps apply and ensure all compensable damages are properly claimed.
The Statute of Limitations
Timing is another critical reason to consult with a personal injury lawyer promptly. Under Maryland law, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of the injury.
Missing the statute of limitations generally results in permanent dismissal of your case, regardless of its merits. In certain cases, such as claims involving minors or government entities, different deadlines and notice requirements may apply. A personal injury lawyer can ensure that all filings are completed correctly and on time.
When a Lawsuit May Be Necessary
Not all personal injury claims settle. If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to pursue fair compensation. Litigation involves pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, and potentially a trial.
Insurance companies are far more likely to take a claim seriously when an experienced personal injury lawyer is prepared to litigate. Legal representation ensures that procedural rules, evidentiary standards, and court deadlines are properly adhered to.
Contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Maryland is often advisable sooner rather than later, particularly when injuries are serious, liability is disputed, or insurance companies resist paying fair compensation.
A qualified Maryland personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation. Contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers at
(301) 932-9997 for a free consultation.
