Personal Injury Lawyer Rockville, MD

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Personal Injury Lawyer Rockville, MD

When you are trying to determine the best steps for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer Rockville, MD relies on from Azari Law, LLC. When considering a claim or lawsuit, we understand that next steps are not always easy. Pointing the finger at someone for causing you to become injured can be difficult, especially when you are taking legal action and trying to recover from your injuries.

However, when you have the help of an attorney from our team, you know you are getting what you need. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure the correct procedures are followed and that we have the necessary evidence. Leave the legal aspect of your case up to us while you recover. Contact our office now.



What is the first step?

After you have spoken with your lawyer, the first step to officially beginning a lawsuit like this is to file a complaint. This is the formal document that we file with the court that identifies all involved parties and what you are stating has caused you to become injured. We will also need to serve the defendant with a copy, so they are aware that you are taking legal action. 

What accidents qualify for a lawsuit?

There are several types of personal injury accidents that qualify a victim for compensation by filing a lawsuit. However, to pursue a case, it is required that the victim sustained a serious injury that led to financial hardship and that another entity was at least partially responsible for the incident occurring. Here we have described the most common personal injury accidents:

Car Accidents

The most common personal injury cases in the U.S. are car accidents. When a collision occurs, it is often because someone failed to abide by the rules of the road and was not operating the vehicle as carefully as they should have been. A reckless driver can be held responsible financially for the victim’s injuries that resulted from the accident. Examples of damages and losses that a victim can seek from the at-fault driver include:

  •      Medical bills
  •      Ambulance ride
  •      Vehicle damage
  •      Cost to replace the vehicle
  •      Loss of wages from missing work
  •      Loss of enjoyment for life
  •      Pain and suffering

Medical Malpractice

You might have a case against a doctor if he or she failed to provide a standard quality of care, resulting in harm to you as a patient. It is important to remember that a negative result from treatment does not automatically mean that an incident of medical malpractice occurred. If you want to learn more about whether you have grounds for a medical malpractice case, don’t hesitate to call Azari Law, LLC today to speak with a lawyer you can depend on.

Dog Bites

Many of us love dogs, and most owners are reasonably attentive and responsible in keeping others safe from a severe bite or attack. However, when dog bite events do happen, the dog owners are responsible for the injuries and damages caused. The laws vary by state, and in some cases, the dog owner may be liable for damages even if their pet had never exhibited signs of aggression in the past. Dog bites can result in significant pain, scarring, and disfigurement. If you or someone you love was recently bitten by a dog and sustained injuries that surpass what a first aid kit can offer, we encourage you to call us now for further guidance. 

Slip and Fall Accidents

When you visit an establishment, such as a hotel, retail store, mall, or other property, it is justifiable to expect that you are reasonably safe from hazards and harm. Property owners have a duty legally to ensure the premises are safe so that others do not get hurt. Not every injury that happens on a property is grounds for suing the property owner or related party. A victim does have a stronger case if their injuries required medical care, they experienced financial loss because of it, and the area was deemed especially hazardous and risky.

How important are deadlines?

When it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit, our Rockville, Maryland personal injury lawyer knows that the statute of limitations is critical. You may have a relatively straightforward case and ample evidence to show that someone else’s negligence caused you to become injured. However, if the deadline has expired for you to file a personal injury lawsuit, then you may have no chance of bringing a case forward. Typically, you will have two years to file a lawsuit from when your injury occurred or when you discovered that you were injured.

What happens next?

Usually, the next step is waiting for the defendant to respond. They may respond to your complaint by stating they admit or deny parts or all of it. Or, they may ask the court to throw out your lawsuit.

Determining if You Have a Case

When you have been injured in an accident, you may be at the point where you need to make a vital decision. You probably want to know if you should work with an attorney so that you can begin filing a personal injury claim or if you should leave things alone without filing a legal claim.

Understandably, after a personal injury accident, you are wondering if you even have grounds for a claim. When you call our office and speak with a trusted personal injury lawyer, you will immediately get the help you need to begin determining if you have what you need to file a claim. Want more information? Call our office.

What are some mistakes that could be made during the process?

As the victim of an accident, you might believe that you deserve to be compensated. While this might be true, you can make a mistake that could affect the amount of money you receive. An accident lawyer can explain what mistakes to avoid while also knowing what you can expect. In the meantime, consider these tips to guide you through the process. 

It may be possible to fix a mistake before it is too late. However, some mistakes can be so severe that they affect the entire case. An experienced accident lawyer will know of cases that were seriously hindered by a plaintiffs’ lack of actions or disregard. Yes, it is possible to make a mistake during your case, but it is equally possible to learn about what you should not do.

Avoid Trying to Be Your Own Accident Lawyer

Accident cases are typically filled with complications and obstacles to overcome. They also usually involve both state and federal regulations in addition to various rules. You might know a little about the law. Perhaps you’ve even gone to law school. This does not mean that you should take on your own case. Even good lawyers will typically hire another lawyer to fight for them. 

Don’t Send the Defendant Your Bills

The defense can ask you to send your bills to them. They may be hoping that you will because it can actually help them. You should not send them anything. Instead, send all of your bills to your lawyer. He or she will make sure that everything is included in your claim. 

Don’t Wait to See What Happens Before You Hire a Lawyer

It is common for people to delay in hiring a lawyer. Some will even wait until the last minute or just before the statute runs out to call an accident lawyer. You don’t have anything to lose by asking a lawyer to review your case. The sooner you do so, the better the outcome of your case may be.

Don’t Trust the Defendant

The defense, regardless of how friendly they might be to you, is not on your side. Lawyers may use various tactics to get you to make knee-jerk decisions that significantly affect your case in the long run. Regardless of what you are being told, it may be in your best interest to allow an accident lawyer to handle all communication with the defense.

Call an Accident Lawyer

Many other mistakes can be made through the claims process. If you are unsure about what you can expect, or you have further questions regarding the legal process, please consider calling a personal injury lawyer in Rockville, MD from Azari Law, LLC, today. We are happy to discuss your case in further detail during an initial case review.

How do I know if I have the grounds to file successfully?

Some people may assume that they have no case after they have been injured, and we want to encourage you to take a moment to call our office before you move on from the accident. The accident could leave you with thousands of dollars of medical bills or property damage that you have to pay out of pocket or use your insurance for when someone else (the person responsible for the accident) could be paying instead. There are a few questions you will want to ask yourself after you have been in an accident: 

  • Did the other person involved have some kind of duty to keep from harming you? 
  • Did the other person involved cause the accident to occur? 
  • Did the accident specifically cause you to become injured or have property damage? 
  • Are you left paying for this (this could be through taking your car to the shop, paying for medical bills)? 

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you likely have grounds for filing a personal injury claim.

What will hiring an attorney do for me?

When you work with an attorney from our firm, you are getting someone who will go over the minutiae of your claim. We will want to know every step that happened before, during, and after the accident. We take our clients’ cases incredibly seriously and want to make sure that you are getting the exact representation you need when you work with us. We will walk you through the process when you meet with us for your first consultation.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, there are many accidents where the victim sustains such severe injury that they die. Losing a loved one is always a challenging experience, but when their death resulted from another party’s negligence, that loss can be even more devastating. A personal injury lawyer in Rockville, MD, understands that not only do family members suffer emotional difficulties, but the death can leave families dealing with overwhelming financial difficulties, as well. This is why Maryland law allows the families of victims killed because of the negligence of others to pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Maryland law defines wrongful death as one resulting from “an act, neglect, or default including a felonious act which would have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages if death had not ensued.” This means that had the victim survived and could have sued to recover damages for their injuries; then their survivors are entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Any party whose actions or behavior contributed to the victim’s death, whether intentional or unintentional, can be found legally liable for the victim’s death. This includes individuals, companies, and organizations.

If you have lost a loved one, then a Rockville, MD personal injury lawyer can determine if you have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Maryland law, a case can be filed by the victim’s spouse, child, or parent. If there are no family members that fall under one of those categories, a wrongful death action can also be filed by a person:

  • Related to the victim by blood or marriage (and) 
  • Who was substantially dependent on the victim for support

Damages That Can Be Recovered

Victims’ families can recover several different types of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer in Rockville, MD, can determine what those damages are in your case, but generally, these damages include the following:

  • Financial expenses: This includes medical treatment costs before the victim’s death, funeral and burial expenses
  • Emotional anguish: Financial compensation for the grief, sorrow, and mental pain experienced by the family over the death of the victim
  • Loss of support: Financial compensation for the loss of income, benefits, and services that the victim would have contributed to their family had they survived.
  • Loss of society: Financial compensation for the loss of the love, support, and companionship the victim gave to their family. This is also sometimes referred to as loss of consortium.

Damages That Can Be Recovered Infographic

infographic

Currently, Maryland’s wrongful death statute has a statute of limitations of three years. This means decedents must file the lawsuit within three years of the victim’s death. If the victim died from an occupational disease caused by exposure to toxic substances on the job, legal action must be taken by decedents within ten years.

Call Our Law Firm for Help

When dealing with a personal injury lawsuit, you want to make sure you have the right legal team on your side. Contact Azari Law, LLC to speak with our personal injury lawyer in Rockville, Maryland now.

Rockville Personal Injury Law Statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 31 million Americans require medical treatment due to general injuries each year. More than 173,000 deaths result from unintentional injury. These accidents happen practically everywhere: on the road, in the workplace, in retail stores, and in any other location where people are going about their normal routines.

Take the Right Steps After an Injury

Among the most common forms of civil claims that may require assistance from a personal injury lawyer Rockville, MD recommends are personal injury cases. The damages victims stand to face are often substantial, and as a result, it may be necessary to take legal action to retain compensation for the losses that have occurred. When a person is recovering from an accident, they may be forced to contend with physical impacts, along with financial losses. As a result, it may be in your best interest to seek compensation by pursuing a personal injury claim with Azari Law, LLC. To ensure that your case runs smoothly, it’s recommended that you take the following steps: 

File Either a Police Report or an Accident Report

When an accident occurs, filing either a police report or accident report will be imperative. Not only will these reports create a paper trail, but they will also act as an essential piece of evidence in the wake of an accident. Such a report will help tie the accident to the injuries you have experienced. Know that the type of report filed will depend upon the situation. For example, if an accident occurred on someone’s property (such as a restaurant), you should request that the manager or property owner complete an accident report. However, in the wake of a car accident, victims should file a police report. To ensure this occurs, victims should contact law enforcement at the scene of the accident. 

Seek Emergency Medical Treatment

Chances are that if you have been injured in an accident, you required medical treatment as a result. Immediately after an accident, your adrenalin will be pumping, and you may not even realize that you have been injured. Sometimes, you may not be aware of injuries for a few days. Seeking medical care should be one of your top priorities. Medical care can be life-saving and ensure that you receive the treatments necessary to provide the best possible recovery and prevent complications from arising. Know that when pursuing a legal claim against the responsible party, the documentation produced by medical providers outlining your injuries will be critical to receiving the best possible outcome for the injuries you have experienced. 

The Right Evidence is Critical

Substantial evidence can ensure that victims receive the compensation they require for the losses they have sustained. When victims bring forth their case, they hold the burden of proof, meaning that they will need to provide evidence that proves their claim. Your Rockville, Maryland personal injury lawyer can assist with gathering the following evidence for your case: 

  • Accident Reports
  • Photographs/Videos of the Accident
  • Photographs/Videos of Your Injuries
  • Eyewitness Statements
  • Paystubs Proving Lost Wages
  • Medical Documentation Outlining Injuries
  • Medical Bills
  • Proof of Any Miscellaneous Expenses Incurred

Maryland’s Legal Landscape For Personal Injury Cases

At Azari Law, LLC., our Rockville, MD personal injury lawyer recognizes that understanding the intricacies of Maryland’s personal injury laws is essential for anyone who has suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Maryland has specific laws and regulations in place to address personal injury claims and protect the rights of those who have been harmed.

Statute Of Limitations

One crucial aspect of Maryland’s personal injury laws is the statute of limitations. This law sets a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the injury. Failing to file your claim within this timeframe may result in losing your right to seek compensation. It’s vital to consult with a lawyer promptly to ensure you meet this deadline.

Contributory Negligence

Maryland follows a legal principle known as contributory negligence, which can significantly impact personal injury cases. Under this doctrine, if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. It is essential to understand how contributory negligence works and how it may affect your case.

Types Of Damages

Maryland allows for various types of damages in personal injury cases, including economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). Understanding the types of damages you can seek and how they are calculated is crucial when pursuing a personal injury claim. Our experienced Rockville personal injury lawyer can help you assess the full extent of your damages.

Insurance Requirements

Maryland law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. However, not all drivers comply with this requirement, and some may be underinsured or uninsured. In the event of a car accident, this can complicate matters when seeking compensation for injuries. Our legal team can help you explore your options for recovering damages when dealing with insurance issues.

Strict Liability In Dog Bite Cases

Maryland has strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites. If you are bitten by someone else’s dog while you are lawfully on private property or in a public place, the dog’s owner can be held liable for your injuries, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressive tendencies.

Public Entity Liability

If your injury occurs on public property or involves a public entity, such as a government agency, special rules and timelines may apply. Claims against public entities often have shorter notice periods, so it’s crucial to consult with our team promptly if you believe your case involves a public entity.

Navigating Maryland’s personal injury laws requires a deep understanding of the state’s legal framework and regulations. We have a wealth of experience in handling personal injury cases in Maryland and a proven track record of helping our clients seek the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury in Maryland, don’t hesitate to contact our office for a consultation. Our team of dedicated lawyers is here to provide you with expert guidance and representation, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under Maryland law. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help. Call to speak with our Rockville personal injury lawyer now.

Contact Our Firm

While it may be tempting to pursue your case without assistance from a professional, it’s not recommended. It’s critical that you at least initiate the process by having a professional review your claim and the specifics that surround it. Initiate this process by researching area lawyers and taking advantage of the complimentary consultation offered by many. While the cost associated with legal counsel can leave many feeling apprehensive, the consultation is risk-free. It can provide victims the ability to have their questions answered regarding the most appropriate way to move forward. 

Azari Law, LLC has the necessary experience to guide accident victims during a time that may be incredibly challenging. We offer expertise and compassion to clients who have suffered from unexpected injuries that have left them significantly impacted. With our assistance, we can help you to be prepared with the curveballs often associated with the legal process. Get started today by scheduling a consultation with our Rockville, Maryland personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

Azari Law, LLC., Rockville Personal Injury Lawyer

304 Montgomery St, 2nd Floor Laurel, Maryland 20707