Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Maryland is three years.

This means that you have three years from the time you sustained your injury to take legal action.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your claim depends on the extent of the damage you’ve experienced.

Factors that an attorney uses to determine the amount of damages that should be pursued include costs of medical care, lost income, property damage and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

What makes a good attorney?

A good attorney thoroughly prepares their client’s case, conducts a great deal of research and possesses the knowledge and skill to make sure their client gets the payment they deserve. As we discussed above, a good attorney does more than the bare minimum required in a lawsuit. They go the extra mile for their client.

A good attorney is a fighter, and they won’t be stopped until they get their clients a result that meets their needs.

Costs of an attorney

Each attorney has their own preferred method of payment. Because the costs involved in handling a personal injury claim can be high, some attorneys may choose to receive something on the front end of handling a case. Others might charge a rate for their time.

However, many personal injury attorneys choose to be paid on a contingency fee.

What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee means that an attorney’s fee is contingent on the success of the case.

At the Law Offices of Steven H. Heisler, you pay us nothing unless we win your case.

Settlement vs. Trial

Settlement:

When the two sides of an injury claim agree on the amount the plaintiff (the injured party) should be paid, they have reached a settlement. If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial.

Trial:

This process varies in length depending on the specifics of the case. The more parties involved, the lengthier the process can be. While a quick resolution is often desired, a skilled attorney knows that patience can lead to a more satisfying settlement.

How does a settlement work?

Attorneys of the plaintiff and the defendants will negotiate the amount of money the injured person is owed.

If both sides reach a factor that is satisfactory, then a specified amount will be paid to the plaintiff.

How does a trial work?

If a settlement isn’t reached, a case goes to trial, where both sides’ attorneys present the case of their clients.

A jury will hear both arguments and determine whether the defendant owes the plaintiff money. A jury will also decide how much money the plaintiff will be awarded.

What leads to a successful lawsuit?

A successful case is one that clearly demonstrates how someone was injured and who was responsible.

When this is done effectively, it requires a great deal of time and preparation by the attorney. If an attorney and his staff are prepared, patient and persistent, a lawsuit will be positioned for a successful outcome.

Who can be sued?

In general, anyone whose negligence contributed to your injures can be named in a lawsuit.

While there are a few rare exceptions to this rule, it is typically the case that you can file a claim against one or more persons or organizations who you feel might bear responsibility for the accident that caused your injuries.

Should I feel bad about suing someone?

No. If you choose to file a lawsuit, you should remember that you are only doing so because another person’s actions have caused you serious harm.

You are not claiming anything about another’s character, only that they contributed to your injury and, thus, should pay for their role in causing the suffering you’ve faced.

How is fault determined?

Fault is a key element in an injury claim, particularly in Maryland, which has a contributory negligence rule. This means that fault must fall squarely on the party you name in the lawsuit. Determining fault is a process handled by an attorney. The process involves extensive investigation and information gathering.

A skilled attorney has been through the process many times and knows what it takes to demonstrate fault.

Importance of seeking medical attention

The excitement, anxiety and trauma of an accident can leave a person unaware of the fact that they’ve been seriously injured. In some cases, injuries don’t become apparent for several days or weeks after the accident occurs.

Always seek medical care after an accident. It’s the best move for your health and your injury case if you choose to pursue one.