Blog

The financial impact of being involved in an accident can include much more than your initial medical bills. In fact, one of the most significant losses that many victims face is the income they miss out on while recovering. Lost wages are an essential part of personal injury settlements, and understanding how they are calculated can make a big difference in ensuring you receive fair compensation.

What Is Considered Lost Wages?

Lost wages refer to the income that someone would have if the accident (and their injuries) had never happened. Income can include things like pay from regular hours, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and other work-related compensation. In Maryland, like in many other states, lost wages are considered a recoverable damage in personal injury settlements, as long as you can show proof of the loss.

For many accident victims, the recovery process may last weeks or months. When most people are already living paycheck-to-paycheck, an extended period of time without income can be financially devastating. In severe cases, injuries can prevent a person from returning to their previous job altogether, which can lead to claims for both past lost wages and for lost future earning capacity.

How Do You Prove Lost Wages?

The first step in calculating lost wages is documentation. Insurance companies and courts require proof of the time missed from work and the amount of income lost. This evidence typically includes:

• Pay stubs and W-2s: These documents establish your regular income and earnings history.
• Employer statements: A letter or record from your employer verifying the dates that you missed and the pay you would have earned.
• Tax returns: For self-employed individuals, tax records can help demonstrate your average earnings and what you might have earned without your accident.
• Medical records: To connect the missed work directly to the injury sustained in the accident, you will need to use medical records or healthcare documentation.

Strong documentation is key to ensuring that lost wages are properly reflected in personal injury settlements. Without it, insurance adjusters may dispute or undervalue your claim.

How Can You Calculate Future Earnings?

In more serious cases, an injury may stop you from returning to your former line of work or limit your ability to earn the same income. This is where future lost earnings come into play.

Future lost earnings require a more complex calculation that takes into account factors like:

• Your age and life expectancy
• The nature and extent of the injury
• Your career path and potential for promotions
• Inflation and changes in earning potential

For example, if a young doctor suffers a permanent disability that prevents them from advancing in their career, the value of their future lost earnings could be substantial. Your attorney may work with economists and vocational experts to help quantify these losses in personal injury settlements.

Why the Right Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts for lost wages by arguing that the injured person could have returned to work sooner or disputing the calculation of future lost earnings. Without experienced legal representation, accident victims may find themselves with personal injury settlements that fail to account for the true scope of their financial losses.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Legal Needs

If you are looking for help with your personal injury case, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

When you’re hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. However, navigating the legal process by yourself can be intimidating. That’s why hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right attorney can guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are some of the things you should consider.

Do You Specialize in Personal Injury Law?

Some attorneys are general practitioners, while others focus specifically on some areas of law, like personal injury cases. When hiring a personal injury lawyer, you want someone who deals with these types of cases every day. Personal injury law is complex, and an attorney who focuses on this area will be more familiar with relevant laws, insurance company tactics, and courtroom procedures. Ask how much of their caseload is dedicated to personal injury, and whether they’ve handled cases similar to yours.

Have You Handled Similar Cases Before?

All personal injury cases are not the same. Some involve car accidents, while others involve medical malpractice, slip and falls, or workplace injuries. When hiring a personal injury lawyer, make sure they have experience with the specific type of injury or accident you’ve experienced. For example, a lawyer who primarily handles truck accident cases may not be the best choice for a medical negligence claim.

How Long Have You Been Practicing in Maryland?

Laws can vary widely from state to state, and local court systems each have their own procedures. Hiring a personal injury lawyer who has practiced in Maryland for several years means you’ll benefit from their knowledge of local judges, courts, and insurance adjusters. This experience can be invaluable when it comes to negotiating settlements or presenting your case at trial.

How Do You Communicate With Clients?

Consistent communication is essential during any legal process. Ask how often you’ll receive updates and whether the lawyer will be available to answer questions if you have them in the future. When hiring a personal injury lawyer, make sure their communication style is a good fit for you. You should feel comfortable and informed, not left in the dark about your own case.

How Are You Paid?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they will only get paid if you win your case. However, the percentage they take can vary, and you may still be responsible for certain costs like filing fees or expert witness expenses. Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, ask for a clear explanation of their fees. Always make sure you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before signing any contracts.

What Is My Case Worth?

While no lawyer can guarantee an exact outcome, an experienced attorney should be able to give you a general idea of what your case might be worth based on your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Hiring a personal injury lawyer who is realistic about your case value shows they have both experience and integrity. Be wary of attorneys who promise large settlements without fully understanding your case.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Legal Needs

If you are looking for help with your personal injury case, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

If you’ve been pulled over in Maryland and arrested for DUI or DWI after taking a field sobriety test, you might assume that the only outcome for your case is a conviction. While these tests are often used as evidence by law enforcement, the truth is that they are far from foolproof. What should you know about field sobriety tests?

What Are Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are different physical and mental exercises that police officers use during a traffic stop to assess if a driver is impaired. The most common tests include:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): You have probably seen this test in a movie or TV show before, and it involves the officer looking at the driver’s eyes as they try to follow a small object, like the officer’s finger or a pen, from side to side. This test is trying to find signs of nystagmus, which is an involuntary jerking of the eyes that can happen when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Walk and Turn: This test involves taking heel-to-toe steps in a straight line before turning around and walking back. The officer will be searching for any signs of losing balance, not walking heel-to-toe, or not taking the number of steps that they asked for. However, this test can be challenging for people who are sober because of medical conditions, uneven ground, or bad weather.
• One-Leg Stand: In this FST, the driver will be asked to stand on one foot and count out loud. Officers will check to see whether or not the driver can maintain their balance. However, this test can also be challenging for sober people.

Though these three tests are standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they are not foolproof and are subject to interpretation, making it possible to challenge field sobriety test results in court.

Why Are Field Sobriety Tests Sometimes Unreliable?

While they’re used every day across the country, field sobriety tests are not perfect. Many factors other than being intoxicated can influence the outcome of these tests. For example:

• Medical conditions like inner ear problems, neurological issues, or musculoskeletal disorders
• Age, weight, or physical fitness, which can impact balance and coordination
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Uneven or poorly lit surfaces
• Inadequate instructions or deviations from standard test procedures by the officer

How Can You Challenge Field Sobriety Test Results in Court?

There are several strategies that a Maryland defense attorney can use to challenge field sobriety test results.

Questioning the Officer’s Training and Conduct

The officer administering the test has to follow specific NHTSA guidelines in order for the results to be valid. If they fail to do so by giving incorrect instructions or failing to observe what you’re doing, the results could be invalid.

Medical and Physical Conditions

Many people have medical conditions that make it hard to successfully perform balance or coordination tasks. If you are one of those people, your lawyer can present medical evidence in court.

Environmental Factors

If the tests were administered on uneven pavement or in poor weather conditions, it could impact your ability to balance or pay attention. Poor visibility can also be an issue. These factors can all be used to challenge field sobriety test results as unreliable.

Officer’s Subjective Interpretation

Field sobriety test results are based on the officer’s judgment. However, bias or misinterpretation can influence what the officer perceives as “failing” behavior. Video evidence, if available, can be a powerful tool in countering the officer’s perspective.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Legal Needs

If you are looking to defend your DUI or DWI charges, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

Evidence can make or break a personal injury case. One of the most compelling types of evidence that can support or challenge a claim is surveillance footage. In fact, surveillance footage in personal injury cases often plays a critical role in determining what actually happened and who was at fault. Whether the footage comes from a security camera or a traffic camera, it can have a tremendous impact on a case. Here’s what you should know if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim in Maryland.

What Is Surveillance Footage?

Surveillance footage can encompass any video recording of an incident or of the injured party that is captured without staging or scripting. This can include:

• Security cameras outside businesses or homes, including doorbell camera footage
• Traffic and red-light cameras
• Dashcams or body cams
• Footage captured by private investigators

In personal injury cases, this footage can either confirm or contradict the statements made by the parties involved. Because video evidence is considered objective, it can hold more weight in court than other types of evidence.

How Can Surveillance Footage Help Your Case?

If you’ve been hurt and are filing a personal injury case, you need to be able to demonstrate that someone else’s negligence or actions caused your injuries. Surveillance footage can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case through:

• Showing the exact moment of the incident. For example, a slip and fall in a store could be clearly captured on the business’s internal camera system. The footage could also be used to show when the slippery conditions began and whether or not the store attempted to do anything to mitigate them.
• Demonstrating unsafe conditions. Surveillance footage may show a wet floor without signage, poor lighting, or other hazards that contributed to the accident.
• Corroborating your version of events. If your account of the incident matches the video evidence, it can strengthen your credibility and make your claim more compelling. If the footage goes against what another party is saying, it can also be used to discredit them.

Maryland is one of just four states that follow strict contributory negligence laws, which means that if you’re just 1% responsible for the accident, you are ineligible for collecting damages. As a result, establishing that the other party was 100% at fault is important. Surveillance footage in personal injury cases can be especially helpful in clearing up questions about fault and preventing the other party from blaming you for the incident.

How Could Surveillance Footage Hurt Your Case?

Just as video can help prove your claim, it can also be used by the opposing side to discredit it. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often seek out surveillance footage in personal injury cases to look for inconsistencies in your story or to show that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. For example, if you say you’re unable to walk without mobility aids, but a private investigator records you jogging, this footage can seriously damage your credibility, even if the activity was taken out of context.

How Can You Get Surveillance Footage?

Time is of the essence when it comes to obtaining surveillance footage in personal injury cases. Many businesses and municipalities automatically delete or overwrite their video footage after a short period (sometimes in just 24 to 72 hours!). If you’ve been injured and believe there may be video evidence, your attorney can send a formal request or a preservation letter to the property owner or business. This helps ensure that the footage is not destroyed and may later be used in your case.

In some cases, it may be necessary to file a subpoena to obtain footage. This is just one of many reasons why having an experienced personal injury lawyer in Maryland is so important.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Legal Needs

If you are looking to navigate the aftermath of an accident, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

When you’re involved in a car accident, your most immediate priorities are always going to be your health and safety. As you deal with having your car towed and coordinating your next steps, you will have to deal with insurance companies. Many people assume that insurance companies are there to help them, but it’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses first. Understanding how to avoid costly mistakes when dealing with insurance companies after your car accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Talking to the Insurance Adjuster Right Away

One of the first mistakes people make is talking to the insurance adjuster too soon. You might get a call from the other driver’s insurance company within a day or two of your car accident. While it may seem harmless to answer the questions they have for you, anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. The adjuster might ask deceptive questions that are designed to get you to downplay your injuries or admit partial fault on the call. Before speaking with any insurance representative, consult with a trusted attorney.

Not Getting Prompt Medical Attention

Another common mistake is delaying medical attention. Even if you feel okay immediately after the crash, injuries like whiplash often don’t show symptoms right away. If you wait to get medical attention, the insurance company may try to say that your injuries are not related to the accident or that they are not serious. Always get evaluated promptly and follow through with any recommended care. This can help a great deal when dealing with insurance companies after your car accident.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

After an accident, medical bills, car repairs, and missed work can create a tremendous amount of financial pressure in a short period of time. Insurance companies know this and may offer you a quick settlement to get things over with as fast as possible. Unfortunately, this also means that you might accept the settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. The first offers are typically much lower than what you are entitled to, and once you accept, you usually give up the right to pursue additional compensation later. When dealing with insurance companies after your car accident, patience is key.

Admitting Fault After the Accident

Emotions run high after an accident, and you might be tempted to apologize or make statements about what happened before fully understanding the situation. Unfortunately, any admission of fault can be used against you, even if you’re confused when making it. Let your attorney handle communication to avoid saying something that may harm your case.

Not Consulting an Attorney

Many people assume they can handle the insurance claim process on their own. However, insurance companies have teams of professionals working around the clock to protect their interests. Without someone advocating for you, it is easy to make mistakes that cost you time and money. When dealing with insurance companies after your car accident, having an experienced attorney on your side helps ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Legal Needs

If you are looking to navigate the aftermath of a car accident, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, building a strong personal injury case is essential to getting the fair compensation you deserve. While photographs, medical records, and witness testimony are important pieces of evidence, they’re not always enough to fully show the extent of the damage or determine liability. That’s where expert witnesses come in. These professionals can play a vital role in strengthening your personal injury case by providing clear, authoritative testimony that supports your claims.

What Is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is a professional with expert knowledge or experience in a specific field who is qualified to provide testimony in court. Unlike eyewitnesses, who show up to describe what they saw, expert witnesses offer opinions based on facts and their own professional analysis. Their job is to help judges and juries understand complex topics that may be outside the average person’s knowledge.

For example, many people show up for jury duty not knowing the long-term impact of injuries a pedestrian could sustain when they were hit by a car. An expert witness can bridge that gap and educate the jury. In a personal injury case, expert witnesses might come from fields such as medicine or accident reconstruction, and they can clarify how an injury occurred, the long-term impact it may have, or the financial consequences for the injured party.

What Types of Expert Witnesses Can Be Used?

Medical Experts

These expert witnesses are often physicians, surgeons, or physical therapists, and they can explain the nature of your injuries and the treatment required. They can also talk about how the injury has affected your ability to work or enjoy your life.

Accident Reconstruction Specialists

Accident reconstruction experts can analyze evidence from the scene to determine how an accident happened and demonstrate liability.

Financial Experts

If your personal injury case involves a claim for lost wages or diminished earning capacity, an economic expert can calculate the financial impact of your injury.

Engineering or Safety Experts

In cases involving dangerous property conditions or structural failures, an engineer or safety consultant can assess whether proper standards and procedures were followed.

Mental Health Experts

A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist can evaluate your mental health and explain how the injury has affected your psychological well-being.

How Can Expert Witnesses Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case?

Expert witnesses don’t just present facts; they interpret them. Their ability to clearly explain technical and scientific information makes them valuable to both sides in a personal injury case. How could an expert witness support your claim?

• Establishing Fault or Cause: One of the key elements in any personal injury case is proving that the defendant’s actions (or inactions) directly led to your injury. Expert witnesses help make that connection clear and credible.
• Supporting Damages Claims: Whether you’re claiming medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering, expert testimony can validate your need for compensation and justify the amount you’re asking for.
• Refuting the Defense: If the opposing side argues that your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated, an expert can provide objective evidence to counter those claims.
• Adding Credibility: Judges and juries may be more likely to believe a neutral third-party expert than a plaintiff or defendant. The presence of a well-qualified expert can lend authority to your case.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Legal Needs

If you are looking to pursue a personal injury case, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

Maryland takes driving under the influence seriously, regardless of how old you are. However, for drivers under the age of 21, the consequences can be even more severe. Maryland enforces a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking and driving, meaning that even a small amount of alcohol in an underage driver’s system can lead to arrest and prosecution. Understanding DUI penalties for underage drivers is critical for teens and parents.

What Are Zero-Tolerance Laws?

In Maryland, drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from consuming any alcohol, and the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is significantly lower than it is for drivers 21 and older. While adult drivers are considered legally impaired at a BAC of 0.08%, underage drivers can face DUI charges with a BAC as low as 0.02%. Maryland implemented zero-tolerance policies to discourage any underage consumption of alcohol.

What Counts as a DUI for Underage Drivers?

Because of the strict laws in Maryland around underage drinking, an underage driver can be charged with DUI depending on their BAC and behavior during the traffic stop. A BAC of 0.08% or higher is the amount for a standard DUI charge. However, even if a young driver’s BAC is below that amount but above 0.02%, the driver can still be charged under the state’s zero-tolerance policy.

What Are the DUI Penalties for Underage Drivers in Maryland?

The DUI penalties for underage drivers in Maryland are designed to be strict to deter future offenses. First, the driver’s license will be suspended. For a first offense, an underage driver may face a 6-month license suspension. A second offense within the five-year period since the first conviction can result in a suspension of up to a year.

Fines for first-time underage DUI offenses can be up to $500. Although jail time is more commonly imposed for adult DUI offenses, underage drivers may still face incarceration, especially for repeat offenses or if the incident involved an accident or injury. A first offense can carry a charge of up to two months in jail, though this is less common for juveniles with no prior record.

Are There Any Long-Term Consequences?

Beyond the immediate legal ramifications of a DUI conviction, DUI penalties for underage drivers can have lasting effects. A DUI conviction can stay on a person’s record for years and potentially affect college admissions, scholarships, job opportunities, and even car insurance rates. Insurance premiums often spike after a DUI conviction, and in some cases, insurers may refuse to provide coverage altogether.

How Can You Fight Your Charges?

Underage drivers and their families should know that DUI cases are not always open-and-shut. A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the accuracy of the BAC test, and whether the police followed proper procedures. In some cases, charges can be reduced or even dismissed. An experienced Maryland DUI lawyer can help protect the driver’s rights and guide families through the legal process.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Legal Needs

If you were charged with a DUI, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

When you are facing any legal issue, whether it’s a personal injury claim or defending a DUI charge, selecting the right legal representation is crucial. However, with so many options available, how do you choose the right law firm for your needs? Here are some of our best tips to choose the right law firm for your situation.

Understand Your Legal Issue

The first step in finding the best representation for you is identifying the type of legal help you need. Did you have a slip-and-fall accident? Do you need assistance with a business contract? Different law firms focus on different areas of law, and it’s important to choose the right law firm for your needs based on its practice areas and experience in handling cases like yours. For example, if you are dealing with a claim after a car accident, you will want a firm with strong experience in personal injury law. However, if you’re dealing with a DUI charge, a firm that works in DUI and DWI defense would be a better fit.

Consider Their Experience

Experience matters. A law firm that has successfully handled cases similar to yours is more likely to understand the details of your situation and provide you with effective legal strategies. As you are exploring your options, don’t be afraid to ask about their track record on similar cases. How many cases like yours have they handled? What were the outcomes? Do they have trial experience if your case goes to court? Have they negotiated with insurance companies before?

Think About Their Communication Style

Good communication is essential during any legal process. You want a law firm that is responsive, transparent, and willing to answer your questions. During your initial consultation and interactions, think about how the firm communicates. Are they taking the time to understand your case? Are they explaining your options in simple terms? These factors are key indicators when you choose the right law firm for your needs.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

One of the most effective ways to evaluate a law firm is by reading reviews and client testimonials. These provide insight into how the firm treats its clients, how responsive the attorneys are, and the overall client experience. Because people are more likely to leave a review if they had a bad experience, you shouldn’t be deterred by a handful of negative reviews. Instead, look at the overall trend.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut. The attorney-client relationship is personal and can last for a long time, depending on how complex your case is. Even if a law firm looks great on paper, you need to feel comfortable working with them. Personal rapport, mutual respect, and trust are key factors that can make or break your experience. When you meet with potential firms, ask yourself whether you feel confident that this team can represent your best interests.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are involved in any court case, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

If you are involved in an accident, contacting the police is critical. While it may seem like a piece of paper, the exchange of information form, generated at the scene, as well as the official police report that is usually written later, can serve as powerful pieces of information for your personal injury claim. In Maryland, where fault and negligence laws directly impact your ability to receive compensation, understanding the role of police reports in personal injury cases is critical to protecting your rights.

What Are Police Reports?

A police report is an official document that is written by the law enforcement officers who responded to your accident. Your police report will typically include details like:

• Names and contact information of involved parties and witnesses
• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Officer observations and their initial assessment of fault
• Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Direction of travel of the parties involved
• Diagrams or photos of the scene
• Information about traffic citations or arrests made at the scene

These details can make it easier for you and your attorney to establish the facts of the case. They are also commonly used by insurance adjusters and judges when determining liability and damages.

Why Are Police Reports Important in Personal Injury Cases?

The importance of police reports in personal injury cases cannot be overstated. These reports provide you with an unbiased third-party account of the incident, which can carry significant weight when liability is disputed. Police reports can also play a key role in settlement negotiations with insurance companies. What are some of the other reasons why they are so critical?

Establishing the Facts of the Case

In the aftermath of a crash or injury, your memory can fade, and witnesses’ stories can change. A police report captures key facts while they’re still fresh and provides you with a time-stamped narrative that can be referred to later.

Support Your Liability Claims

One of the most significant roles of police reports in personal injury cases is helping to show who was at fault. While officers are not able to decide civil liability, their observations from the scene, like signs of intoxication or admissions of guilt, can support your claim. If the report indicates that the other party was cited or acted negligently, this can strengthen your case.

Identify Witnesses

Police reports often list witnesses and their contact information. Witness testimony can be critical in cases where the other party does not agree with your account of what happened. Your attorney can follow up with the witnesses listed in the police report for sworn statements if needed.

Are Police Reports Admissible in Court?

In Maryland, police reports in personal injury cases are not automatically admissible in court due to rules around hearsay. However, parts of the report may be introduced under certain conditions, like when the officer personally witnessed the event or when both parties agree to include the report.

What Happens If the Police Report Is Inaccurate?

Just like any other type of documentation, police reports sometimes contain errors or omissions. If you believe the report is incorrect, it’s important to bring this to your attorney’s attention right away. While it’s not always possible to amend a police report, your lawyer can challenge its validity, bring in additional evidence, or cross-examine the officer if needed.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you were injured in an accident, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

Every year, many people miss out on potential compensation because they fall victim to myths about taking legal action. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident or your loved one was hurt due to medical malpractice, understanding the realities of filing a lawsuit in Maryland is important. Misconceptions can prevent people from asserting their rights and receiving the justice they deserve. In this blog, we’re clearing up some of the most common myths about filing a lawsuit in Maryland so you can feel confident about your next steps.

Myth 1: Filing a Lawsuit in Maryland Means You’re Going to Court

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that filing a lawsuit in Maryland automatically means a lengthy trial. In reality, many lawsuits are settled out of court through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. While it’s true that some cases go to trial, your attorney will work to get you a fair resolution without needing a courtroom battle. If your case does end up in court, our legal team will prepare you every step of the way.

Myth 2: There Is No Rush to File a Lawsuit

Another common myth is that you can file a lawsuit whenever it’s convenient for you. Unfortunately, Maryland law imposes strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations. For example, in most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to compensation forever. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit in Maryland, it’s best to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Myth 3: Only Cases with Lots of Damages Are Worth Filing

Some people think they need to have a massive injury or millions of dollars in financial losses to justify legal action. However, that’s not true. Filing a lawsuit in Maryland can be appropriate even if the damages seem “small” at first. Whether it’s a minor car accident or a slip-and-fall accident that left you out of work for a couple of months, your case still matters. The harm you’ve suffered deserves recognition and possible compensation.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need the Help of an Attorney

Some people believe they can manage the legal process on their own. Technically, you can file a lawsuit without a lawyer, but it’s rarely a good idea. Filing a lawsuit in Maryland requires an understanding of state laws, legal procedures, and court deadlines. Even small mistakes in filing paperwork or presenting evidence can hurt your case. A skilled Maryland attorney will ensure your claim is properly prepared and increase your chances of success.

Myth 5: Lawsuits Are All About the Money

Another myth about filing a lawsuit in Maryland is that it is just about financial gain. While compensation is often one piece of the puzzle, lawsuits are also about holding individuals, companies, or institutions accountable. They help prevent future harm, improve safety standards, and promote fair treatment. Filing a lawsuit can also help you get emotional closure or spark changes in policies that will help prevent others from going through what you went through.

Myth 6: The Process Takes Years

While some legal cases are complex and take time, not all lawsuits drag on for years. Many are resolved in months, especially if both parties are open to settlement. Filing a lawsuit in Maryland does not mean you’re automatically locked into a years-long ordeal. Your case’s timeline will depend on the nature of the case, the evidence available, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. A good attorney can help move things along efficiently.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you were injured in an accident, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.