Ferndale, MD Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury lawsuits are some of the most common civil lawsuits filed across the country. People can get hurt in a lot of different ways, so this should be no surprise. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits seek to prove that the defendant was negligent and caused their injuries so that they can get financial compensation and justice for wrongs done to them. The process of doing this, however, can be confusing, and many plaintiffs may feel overwhelmed by the legal journey ahead.

Luckily, our lawyers are here to help. We have the drive, experience, and passion for justice to represent you competently and professionally through every stage of your case, from information gathering through hearings and at trial and beyond – if need be.

For a free review of your case, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras and speak to someone from our team of personal injury attorneys when you call (410) 694-7291.

Accidents that Lead to Personal Injury Lawsuits in Ferndale, MD

A personal injury lawsuit alleges that you, the plaintiff, were injured and that the defendant is responsible for your injuries. That definition encompasses a wide range of circumstances that can lead to an injury taking place. A lot of different things can result in personal injury lawsuits. If you were injured for any of these reasons or another reason, our attorneys can help you out.

Automotive Accidents

auto accidents of all kinds frequently lead to personal injury cases. Single-vehicle accidents, head-on collisions, and multi-vehicle crashes can all result in serious injuries such as broken bones, bruising and bleeding, and nerve and brain damage.

While all types of car accidents should be taken seriously, accidents involving heavier vehicles will often result in nastier injuries. A crash involving a bus or an 18-wheeler may prove much more dangerous than one involving ordinary sedans.

Pedestrian Injuries

People do not go about their day thinking that they are going to get injured, nor do people necessarily think of themselves as “pedestrians.” However, that is what a plaintiff injured while going about their business on foot would be classified as. The most common pedestrian injury is getting hit by a car or other motor vehicle, but these injuries can happen in other ways. For example, a construction site without proper safety equipment could injure pedestrians if something falls on them from high up.

Medical Injuries

Doctors and other medical professionals are entrusted with our health and well-being. When someone in the medical field is negligent, it can have serious consequences. A botched surgery, incorrectly prescribed medication, or incorrect diagnosis can severely harm someone. For that reason, you can file what is called a medical malpractice lawsuit against medical professionals when you get injured because of their negligence.

These lawsuits can have some quirks that make them slightly different than other personal injury claims, so you should discuss your situation with our attorneys about this kind of claim if you think it applies to you.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slipping and falling down can cause much more serious injuries than you may initially expect. Depending on how hard you fall, what you land on, and from what distance, you may end up with injuries similar to those experienced by people in car accidents. This could include permanent nerve damage, cuts, bruises, and even broken bones.

Many slip and fall cases fall under the umbrella of what is called “premises liability.” The idea is that property owners are responsible for keeping their property safe. For example, if a supermarket did not put out a “wet floor” plastic sign near a spill or did not clean it up in a timely fashion and someone slips on it, the victim can file a lawsuit against them.

Wrongful Death Claims

Unfortunately, some injuries are so severe that the victim loses their life. Lawsuits on behalf of a loved one who has passed away because of someone else’s negligence are called wrongful death claims. These lawsuits have some special rules about who can file them and what you can get as damages, so it is best to speak with our lawyers if you are considering this kind of lawsuit.

Damages in Ferndale, MD Personal Injury Lawsuits

In a personal injury case, your objective is to get damages from the defendant. You do this by asking for an amount you feel you are owed and need in your initial complaint while also explaining why you feel you should get that amount. One common way of doing this is categorizing damages. Damages in personal injury lawsuits are frequently categorized as economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

This category encompasses all things that have a readily displayed monetary value. For example, the cost of medical care – both in the long and short term – falls under this category. Economic damages also cover lost wages and future income. So, if you miss time at your job, can no longer work, or have to take a less well-paying job because of your injuries, you can get damages based on your missed opportunity to earn income both in the past and the future.

Non-Economic Damages

By contrast, non-economic damages do not have receipts, invoices, or pay stubs to denote their value. This category covers things like the physical pain you deal with because of your injuries and the mental toll the accident takes on your psyche. Because these damages do not have an assigned value, you and our lawyers will have to calculate and prove their worth to the court.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are special in that they are based on what the defendant did rather than your condition after the accident. You usually have to prove that the defendant was more than merely negligent, so you need to talk to our lawyers if you are seeking this kind of damages.

Speak With Our Ferndale, MD Personal Injury Lawyers Today

To get a free case review with one of our personal injury attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras by dialing (410) 694-7291.