Maryland Personal Injury Law
Understanding Maryland’s Personal Injury Law
Personal injury law in Maryland, like most states, has many variables. The Baltimore personal injury law firm of Engel Law Group, P.C. provides personal injury legal services to clients in Baltimore, Ellicott City and Columbia, Maryland, along with the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Maryland Personal Injury Laws — Determining Factors
In Maryland, personal injury law says there is no minimum or maximum compensation. Amounts can vary greatly from case to case. The amount of settlement depends on many factors, including:
- Claimant’s age
- Severity of injuries
- Net financial loss(es)
- Incurred medical expenses
- Medical prognosis
- Defendant’s extent of liability
Age
Generally, personal injury laws provide for the highest compensation to go to plaintiffs who are young and healthy. The logic applied in this case is that someone young and healthy can be highly productive when not injured or handicapped. Additionally, a younger person loses more working years than someone older or nearer to retirement and so lost wages are higher.
Injuries
Severity of injury also plays a major part in determining compensation. For example, an individual who suffers sprains, bruises or minor burns is likely to recover quickly with little or no lasting physical impairment. However, an individual left partially paralyzed suffers lifelong physical impairment and other challenges that the injury presents.
Lost Wages
Both past and future lost wages may be considered in settling personal injury cases. In determining lost wages, the judge considers:
- Claimant’s occupation
- Claimant’s educational level
- Claimant’s future employment prospects
Medical Costs
Personal injury also considers a claimant’s past and future medical expenses when determining compensation awards. A claimant with severe injuries generally has very high medical expenses and a long recovery period to return to his or her previous state of health. And, needed medical devices, physical rehabilitation and home modifications may be considered by the court.
The Intent Of Personal Injury Law
Personal injury laws are meant to help individuals who have sustained injuries through another’s wrongdoing — whether negligently or intentionally harmful. Personal injury settlements are to help injured individuals get back on the road to recovery and get on with their lives.
Baltimore Personal Injury Law And Advice
Contact the Baltimore personal injury attorneys at Engel Law Group, P.C. online today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your personal injury matter. Call our office in Baltimore at 410-449-2928 or toll free at 877-463-0488.