Allegany County, MD Personal Injury Lawyers
It is not unusual for people injured by another person to want justice and compensation. Unfortunately, the average person might not know how to do this. A personal injury lawsuit can help you get compensation for your damages.
You can get your case started by identifying the defendant, filing a complaint, and gathering evidence to prove the defendant is liable. You must also calculate your damages. You may only claim damages that you include in your complaint.
Anything left out or overlooked may not be claimed if you win your case. You should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit shortly after your injuries occurred.
There is a time limit on filing lawsuits, and you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can advise you on how to proceed with your case, maximize your damages, and what evidence you need.
If you experienced injuries because of someone else’s bad behavior, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation for your damages. For a free case evaluation, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 today.
How to Start a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Allegany County, MD
The first step in your lawsuit is to identify the defendant. While many plaintiffs likely know or have a good idea of who the defendant is, many other plaintiffs do not. Accidents like hit and runs where the defendant flees the scene before being identified can throw a wrench in the works of a personal injury lawsuit. If you are unsure who the defendant is in your case, our Allegany County, MD personal injury attorneys can help you identify them.
Your complaint is one of the first documents you need to draft for a personal injury lawsuit and sets the tone for the rest of your case. A complaint is a formal document that spells out how your injuries happened and why you believe the defendant is responsible. An attorney can help you gather the information needed for your complaint and arrange it according to court rules.
If you have not done so already, you need to start compiling evidence. Evidence will differ based on your circumstances, and you should discuss your case with a lawyer to get an idea of what you need. For example, photos and videos recorded at the accident scene can help show a court how your injuries occurred. Witness statements are also incredibly important.
One of the most important steps in your case is hiring an attorney. Although plaintiffs are not legally required to have legal representation, most people are unprepared to handle their cases alone. Our attorneys can help you get your case off the ground and get you the compensation you need.
Damages in an Allegany County, MD Personal Injury Case
Damages include injuries and losses a person experiences because of an accident or incident. For example, bodily harm and the cost of medical treatment may be counted among your damages after a car crash. Damages vary from person to person, and you should speak with our Allegany County, MD personal injury lawyers about how to calculate your damages.
Economic damages are sometimes easier to calculate because they come with predetermined values. For example, bills and invoices from expenses related to your injuries are considered economic damages. Medical bills, the value of the lost property, and any lost income may be added up and claimed as part of your total damages.
Non-economic damages are losses or injuries that did not come with a monetary cost but must still be financially compensated. Pain and suffering are common forms of non-economic damage. We can calculate these damages by examining how they have impacted your daily life. The greater their impact, the more your non-economic damages might be worth.
When to File Your Personal Injury Lawsuit in Allegany County, MD
According to Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, § 5-101, a plaintiff has three years from the date of their injuries to file a personal injury lawsuit. It might seem like a long time to get your lawsuit started, but it is a far narrower time window than people realize.
After an accident, you might not be immediately ready to file a lawsuit. If your injuries are serious, you might need time to recover before pursuing legal action. Depending on the extent of your injuries, this could take weeks, months, or longer.
Many people do not realize they have a personal injury case until long after their injuries occurred. After a car accident, an injured victim might chalk the experience up to a bad accident. They discover they can file a lawsuit after they speak to a legal professional, perhaps years after the accident.
After your accident, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you begin your case, the better your chances of success. Cases that begin later risk losing important evidence and witnesses.
How An Attorney Can Help Your Personal Injury Case in Allegany County, MD
A lawyer can help you evaluate your case and decide if it is worth pursuing. Once you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney can draft the complaint, submit legal documents to the court, communicate with the defendant’s legal counsel, and so much more. Our Allegany County, MD personal injury lawyers can help you through every stage of your lawsuit.
Lawyers are specially trained to handle personal injury complaints and can provide insight and perspective that would otherwise be unavailable. Our team has handled numerous personal injury cases in the past and can use our experience to your benefit.
Our team can also help you negotiate a settlement agreement instead of pursuing a trial. A settlement does not always get you all the damages you initially claim, but it can get you compensation much faster than a trial in many circumstances. You should discuss the possibility of a settlement agreement with your attorney.
Call Our Allegany County, MD Personal Injury Lawyers
If you were recently injured because of someone else’s negligence or bad behavior, our Allegany County, MD personal injury lawyers can help you get compensation. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to arrange a free case review.
