Montgomery County, MD Personal Injury Lawyer

Broadly defined, “personal injury” could include any harm to the body, mind, or well-being of an individual. A personal injury lawsuit arises when someone suffers harm or a loss due to another’s conduct. When physical or mental harm results in a financial loss, you are entitled to seek compensation from the responsible parties.

Many injuries could result in long-lasting physical disabilities or economic strain. If you have suffered harm because of the conduct of another person or entity, our experienced Montgomery County, MD personal injury lawyers will fight for your just compensation. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.

Common Personal Injury Lawsuits in Montgomery County, MD

A personal injury claim could arise from a variety of circumstances. People are hurt walking down the street, driving in their cars, or shopping in the grocery store. For over three decades, Rice, Murtha & Psoras have been representing individuals harmed through no fault of their own. the following are a few of the typical situations we handle.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Every time you are in a car, you take a risk. While cars provide a convenient way to travel, car accidents are also one of the main reasons people file personal injury claims. In addition to car accidents, people are hurt in motorcycle, truck, and bus crashes. Sometimes, it is a pedestrian who is hit and injured. Injuries from a motor vehicle accident could be devastating and you need the skilled legal representation of our Montgomery County attorney.

Medical Malpractice

When people go to the doctor or to the hospital, they anticipate receiving proper care. However, medical professionals could make mistakes that result in unforeseen and adverse medical consequences. From prescribing the wrong medication to operating on the incorrect body part, medical malpractice can leave a patient permanently injured or result in the death of a patient.

Slip and Fall

When people think of personal injury lawyers, the first thing that might pop into their minds is a “slip and fall” accident. While these injuries have been comically portrayed on television shows and in movies, many people throughout Maryland are severely hurt because of unexpected falls. When a property owner or business manager fails to keep their property free from hazards, they could be accountable for any injuries that occur. For example, if a spill in a supermarket is not cleaned in a reasonable amount of time or property cordoned off, any fall that might result could give rise to a personal injury lawsuit.

Products Liability

When someone purchases or uses a product, they do not expect it to cause any injury. When there is a defect in the manufacturing process, the design, or in the application of warning labels, a product could present an unreasonable risk. If you are injured due to the malfunction of a product, you might be able to hold the manufacturer or other party in the chain of custody responsible for any damages incurred.

Premises Liability

Often injuries are the result of poorly maintained properties. When steps are uneven, sidewalks cracked, or hand railings missing, people are liable to get hurt. Landlords, property managers, and property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises in a safe condition. If you are injured due to their neglect, contact our Montgomery County, MD personal injury lawyer.

Determining Fault for Your Injuries in Accidents in Montgomery County, MD

A critical part of a successful personal injury claim is establishing who or what was at fault for an injury. Determining fault is typically dependent upon the circumstances of each case. By analyzing physical evidence, witness accounts, and accident or police reports, our seasoned attorneys will look to show what caused the harm.

When several parties are involved, determining fault could be difficult. For example, someone suffers an injury because they fell due to a spill in a grocery store. Earlier, a customer was running down the aisle and bumped into a display, causing the spill. An employee witnessed the act but did not report it. After the manager of the store was informed of the mess, he waited until his lunch was over to have someone clean up the spill. In this situation, several people contributed to the circumstances that lead to your injury. it is vital to have our skilled attorneys piecing together the pieces of your accident.

Once fault is determined, to be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit, the conduct usually must be negligent. To prove negligence, a plaintiff must demonstrate the following four elements.

• The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
• The defendant’s conduct constituted a breach of the duty of care
• The breach of duty was the cause of the injury
• The plaintiff’s injuries resulted in actual damages

The Problem of Contributory Negligence in Personal Injury Claims in Montgomery County

A problem that every personal injury attorney in Maryland faces is the legal doctrine known as “contributory negligence.” Under this doctrine, if an injured plaintiff contributed to the cause of their injury, in any way, they are unable to collect compensation from any other party involved in the lawsuit.

Assume the grocery store injury mention above was presented to a jury. After reviewing all of the evidence, they attribute fault in the following way.

• 20% to the customer who was running through the aisle and caused the spill.
• 35% to the employee who witnessed the accident but did not report it.
• 40% to the manager who failed to act quickly enough to clean the spill.
• 5% to the plaintiff, who was talking on their phone while walking down the aisle.

Under this allocation of fault, the plaintiff will be prohibited from collecting compensation from any of the three defendants. it is essential to have our experienced Maryland personal injury attorney who can anticipate the defenses’ arguments preparing your case.

Call Our Montgomery County, MD Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you suffered harm due to the negligent conduct of another, you need the representation of our Montgomery County, MD personal injury attorney. Our skilled attorneys have over three decades of experience assisting injured people fight for their just compensation. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.