Have you or a loved one recently been in a life-changing accident that resulted in a job or wage loss or put you in debt due to high hospital bills because of another person? If so, you must think about filing a personal injury claim to seek damages caused by someone else’s wrongful actions in the accident.
However, it’s understandable that these types of situations can be stressful. So it’s best to hire a Personal Injury Lawyer. Fortunately, Jezic & Moyse has a team of experienced attorneys with years of experience handling personal injury cases while ensuring they put your best interests first.
Defining Personal Injury Claims in Wheaton, MD
Personal injuries can have life-changing impacts on your life, and when those injuries result from someone else’s actions or negligence, you may have the grounds for a personal injury case. These cases can help victims fight for the compensation they deserve, aiding significantly in tackling staggering medical bills and other stressors associated with the incident.
Our team at Jezic & Moyse is very well-versed in personal injury cases in Wheaton, Maryland, and can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
What Constitutes a Personal Injury in Wheaton, MD?
The term “personal injury” encompasses injuries to the body or mind. It can encompass various injuries that occur in diverse settings. Common examples of personal injury cases include:
- Auto accidents: Car and truck accidents can have devastating consequences, potentially resulting in serious injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and more.
- Medical malpractice: When a healthcare provider fails to perform their duties properly, which results in damages, the patient may have the grounds for a personal injury case.
- Wrongful death: Surviving family members may file a personal injury lawsuit when the death of their loved one resulted from the negligence or actions of others.
- Workplace injuries: These injuries can span a wide range, including everything from construction site accidents to slip and falls.
- Slip and falls: Slip and falls can occur without anyone else’s actions or negligence playing a role, but others may directly stem from these instances. For example, someone slips on an unmarked wet floor where a grocery store employee recently mopped.
- Product liability: Defective products can lead to severe injuries, and victims hurt by these products may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
There are many other claims you can file against the other party. However, you must be ready to provide evidence, and if a lawsuit is required, prove to the court that the defendant caused the injuries you have sustained.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
While personal injury claims are not generally required to be filed in court, if a lawsuit is filed, the personal injury claimant must prove the defendant was negligent and responsible for the injuries they suffered.
Once you have decided to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party, knowing there are legal deadlines to file claims is essential. If you don’t file your claim within the deadlines, you may permanently lose the opportunity to do so.
Most personal injury lawsuits fall under Maryland’s three-year statute of limitations. This statute outlines a timeframe wherein victims must file their lawsuits. However, while this three-year limit applies to most cases, some exceptions apply.
For example, a five-year statute of limitations applies in a medical malpractice lawsuit, starting when the injury was committed. A three-year limit applies in other situations, starting on the date the injury was discovered.
Your attorney can help you determine the limitations of your case, but given the time constraints surrounding personal injury claims, seeking legal guidance sooner rather than later is paramount.
Elements to Prove in a Personal Injury Case
In a personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer will collect vital pieces of evidence to prove various elements. The elements of proof vary based on the type of personal injury lawsuit you’re dealing with, as each case is different.
For example, in a medical malpractice case, your lawyer may need to prove that the defendant’s breach of duty or care resulted in your injuries. In others, it hinges on proving that the defendant’s accident caused the plaintiff’s injuries. These elements generally include:
- The defendant’s duty to the injured person
- The defendant’s breach of duty
- The plaintiff was hurt or injured
- The action of the defendant caused the injury
Essential Evidence in a Personal Injury Case
To establish fault or negligence in a personal injury case, your lawyer will use several critical pieces of evidence. These details will play a vital role in constructing your case and pursuing compensation, so this is a pivotal part of the process.
The evidence your lawyer collects will vary based on the type of personal injury case specific to your situation. For instance, suppose you were injured in an auto accident. In this situation, your lawyer would collect the various pieces of information, if available, including the following:
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Police reports
- Dashcam footage
- Security footage
- Expert testimonies
- Medical records documenting your injuries
The evidence your lawyer uncovers often includes some of these key points, although it will vary based on the incident. Your personal injury lawyer will collect all information pertinent to the incident to build your case, often through a consultation with you to outline the basics and a thorough investigation to uncover further details.
Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer in Wheaton, MD
Selecting knowledgeable legal representation is critical to your Wheaton, Maryland, personal injury case. The process can be overwhelming, especially when facing the aftermath of a traumatic accident and life-changing injuries. If you’re unable to research local options, consider asking a family member or close friend to help you.
As you search for a personal injury lawyer, it’s essential to consider all aspects of your options. A quick search can help you find lawyers serving your area. Look for lawyers with extensive experience who specialize in personal injury law and have an in-depth understanding of local Wheaton courts.
The best lawyers have strong reputations and track records that match, bolstered by impressive client reviews. They prioritize communication to ensure you have the information you need to make informed decisions and offer complete transparency about their fee structure, payment options, and free consultation availability, if any.
When you begin talking to local lawyers, pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel comfortable? Do you think the lawyer is a compatible fit for your case? Do you trust the lawyer? Choose a lawyer you’re comfortable with and trust, as this can help the process go smoothly. These cases can take a while, so choosing a compatible lawyer is crucial.
Why Choose Jezic & Moyse for Your Personal Injury Case
At Jezic & Moyse, we understand the complexities and stressors that accompany a personal injury case. The aftermath of these accidents is often chaotic and overwhelming, so hiring legal representation might be the last thing on your mind.
Our team strives to provide compassionate, personalized guidance to aid you through this challenging time in your life. While you focus on recovery, we double down on your legal case, conducting a thorough investigation to uncover key details and build your case.
We’re with you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to representation in court, if necessary. As your case progresses, we offer sound legal guidance to help you make informed decisions that best suit your individual needs.
Our steadfast commitment to our clients is reflected in our client reviews, demonstrating our practices and core values. Read what our clients have to say:
“Attorney Crystallis Vergara handled my personal injury matter. I am very grateful for having chose her and her firm to represent me because I was able to receive the maximum payout. I was in a motorcycle accident, and from the very beginning, the insurance companies were being very difficult even though I was the victim. Crystallis advocated for me until the very end to ensure I was fully compensated. She went above and beyond and made sure I understood how the law worked. She is very knowledgeable and I will be happy to refer my family and friends when involved in a similar situation.” – Jimmy R. via Google
“I had a magnificent experience in my personal injury case. Attorneys Jonathan Carrol and Crystallis Vergara, along with their paralegal Constance Menzene did an amazing job on my settlement compensation. Thank you so much again!” – Nick Prieto via Google
“Amazing service, the front desk was so polite! Great firm and will definitely recommend to my family and friends!” – Jose G. via Google
Contact Jezic & Moyse for Personal Injury Representation
Personal injury cases can span a wide array of injuries that occur in various settings, from workplace accidents on construction sites to car accidents on a local roadway. They can range from mild to severe, often leaving victims with serious injuries that make waves in their lives, from staggering medical bills to life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured and want to learn more about your legal options, our talented attorneys at Jezic & Moyse can help. Our team has years of experience handling personal injury cases and can help you fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to start with a consultation with one of our Wheaton, MD, personal injury lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Wheaton, MD?
Most personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations, so you have three years from the date of the incident to file your claim. However, this limitation varies based on the type of personal injury case you’re filing, as some types, like medical malpractice cases, have longer statutes of limitations.
What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
In most personal injury cases, you can recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic. The former includes quantifiable damages, including lost wages and medical expenses, while the latter covers other damages, such as pain and suffering.
While rare, some personal injury cases might be eligible for punitive damages. Courts only award these damages when the at-fault party acts maliciously. Proving this can be tricky, and since punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence, these awards are rare in personal injury cases.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
The cost of a personal injury attorney varies based on several factors. Our experienced attorneys at Jezic & Moyse can shed more light on associated costs in a free consultation to evaluate your case.
How long does a personal injury case typically take to resolve?
Each personal injury case is different, so timelines to completion can vary drastically. For example, if you receive a fair settlement offer from the insurance company, your case might be over in less than a month. However, since insurance companies often attempt to pay out unfairly low amounts, you may decide to take your case to trial. In this situation, the case will likely take substantially longer.
How much is a personal injury claim worth?
The amount of compensation you can recover in a personal injury claim varies significantly based on the circumstances surrounding your case. Your lawyer will help you determine your legal options and the types of compensation you can pursue. While pinpointing an exact number is tricky, they will help you fight for maximum compensation.
What should I do immediately after an accident to protect my rights?
After an accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. Of course, seeking medical attention should be your first step, but contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Document the scene, collect witness statements and contact information, and call the police to file an accident report. Your lawyer will advise you on the next steps.
How do I choose the right personal injury lawyer in Wheaton, MD?
Choosing a personal injury lawyer is a critical part of fighting for the compensation you deserve after an accident. Look through local options, selecting top picks that are highly rated, experienced in personal injury law, have excellent client reviews, and maintain an excellent reputation.