Statute of Limitations in Maryland

Understanding Maryland’s Statutes of Limitations

A statute of limitations in Maryland refers to the time limit within which legal action can be brought against a party. Think of statutes of limitations as a clock counting down, setting time limits on a number of legal matters in Maryland.

For civil cases, there are predetermined time limits in which one party can sue another party for damages that they have experienced. In Maryland, some civil cases have different statutes of limitations, and the party that is suing another will need to file a lawsuit within these time frames in order for their case to be successful. Failing to pursue legal action within the statute of limitations could see a case dismissed

There are also statutes of limitations for criminal cases and other legal matters, in which a prosecutor will need to pursue criminal charges within a predetermined amount of time. Depending on the crime, this time frame could vary, and in some cases, not exist at all. There are also statutes of limitations for other legal matters, including but not limited to contract disputes, family law or child custody matters, rent disputes, fraud, and more.

It is also important that each state maintains differences in their statutes of limitations, where Maryland’s own set of limitations is exclusive to the state itself. Treat any legal matter in Maryland with the utmost urgency and never delay the process. Speak to an attorney as soon as reasonably possible for the best possible odds of success.

Statute of Limitations For Criminal Matters in Maryland

Criminal cases have their own statutes of limitations in Maryland. Prosecutors will need to formally pursue charges against you within predetermined time limits. Depending on the details of the criminal charges you face, the statute of limitations may vary. For instance, Felony charges against you have no statute of limitations, meaning that prosecutors have no time frame to adhere to for such crimes.

Fundamentally, you could be charged with a felony years after the alleged crime took place. Misdemeanor crimes typically have a one-year statute of limitations, while misdemeanors that include prison time do not have a statute of limitations.

Tax-related crimes have a statute of limitations of 3 years, while stalking charges can be pursued up to 10 years after the alleged crime has taken place. The full list of Maryland’s statute of limitations can be found within The People’s Law Library of Maryland.

Statute of Limitations For Personal Injury Cases in Maryland

For anyone considering filing a personal injury case against another party, Maryland’s statute of limitations is an important piece of information that can dictate the results of their case. Those who have experienced harm through no fault of their own will need to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.

For most personal injury cases in Maryland, the statute of limitations is three years.

For medical malpractice cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the time of discovery of the injury, or five years from the date of the injury itself, whichever is shorter. For cases in which the government or related or similar entity is at fault, notice must often be given to a proper government representative within a specified deadline, often within one year. Workplace injuries can have even much shorter claim filing deadlines.

Whatever the case may be, contacting a qualified attorney as soon as possible is the best option for your own best interests. Allowing enough time to formulate a legal strategy and file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations is a critical step in the process that must be followed diligently. These statutes of limitations are intended to be strict in their nature, and must be taken seriously in order for your personal injury case to be a success.

Learn More About Jezic & Moyse

Explore our online blog and learn more about the work we do, along with helpful pieces of information.

When Does The Statute of Limitations Begin?

There are some cases, especially in medical malpractice, in which the injured party discovered their injury well after the harm was first caused. This could change the nature of your case significantly, where the “ticking clock” of such statute of limitations could begin when the injury was discovered, or should have been reasonably discovered. The nature of such cases is unique to you, and you will need to collaborate directly with an attorney to understand how this statute of limitations could impact your case.

For most cases, the statute of limitations is the moment at which the harm was experienced or the alleged crime occurred.

Unsure of Statute of Limitations in Maryland? Speak to An Attorney

Should you or someone you love be confused or unsure about Maryland’s statutes of limitations, it is best to contact a qualified attorney to learn more. Speaking with an attorney about your personal injury claim or the potential criminal charges against remains your best avenue of understanding the legal challenges you may face.

An attorney can determine with certainty how the state’s statute of limitations will impact your case and the next best possible steps. There are very few exceptions to Maryland’s statute of limitations, and an attorney can explore, if any, possible exceptions with you directly.

Contact Jezic & Moyse For More Information

It should be no secret that Maryland’s statute of limitations can cause confusion or negatively impact your legal case. Jezic & Moyse continues to offer exceptional legal representation for complex criminal defence matters and personal injury cases that can be impacted by the state’s statute of limitations.

Whatever your concern may be, waiting to speak to an attorney as soon as possible is in your best interests. Success in these matters calls for as much time as reasonably possible, where an attorney can carefully build your case and collect all relevant evidence.

We are proud to offer free, no-obligation consultation calls to clients who wish to learn more about our work and how Maryland’s statute of limitations could potentially impact your case. We continue to represent our clients in many different legal matters, including divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, and much more.

Reach out today and take part in a consultation to better understand your legal options. The clock is ticking, and now is your time to begin the process. Contact Jezic & Moyse and speak to a representative today.