Experienced Waldorf Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury law provides legal remedies for people injured or harmed by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of another person, company, or entity. The harm can be physical, emotional, or financial.

There are many types of personal injury cases, but in each case, the injured person, or plaintiff, must prove that the defendant was negligent and that their actions caused the plaintiff’s injuries. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant had a duty of care to the plaintiff, that the defendant breached that duty, and that the breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries. For example, in a car accident case, the plaintiff might show that the defendant had a duty to drive safely, that the defendant was texting while driving, and that the texting caused the accident and the plaintiff’s injuries. Once the plaintiff proves the defendant’s negligence, the plaintiff can seek damages for their injuries.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

If you have been injured in an accident in Southern Maryland, are you entitled to financial compensation? Yes, if the accident is someone else’s fault. If your injuries are serious, your losses could be substantial. You may need to file a lawsuit to avoid long-term financial strain. You need a professional on your team if you are in this situation.

Was Someone Else at Fault?

In most cases, personal injury claims are governed by the law of negligence. This means that you must prove that someone else was at fault in the accident for a successful claim. Some examples of accidents that are frequently the result of someone else’s negligence include:

• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
• Car, truck, and SUV accidents
• Commercial vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents
• Falls from heights
• Vicious dog attacks
• Construction site and other work-related accidents

When it comes to proving negligence, fault can take many forms. For example, running a red light, merging without looking, and driving while distracted are just a few of numerous potential grounds for filing a claim for damages after a car accident. Likewise, if you were injured in a fall on someone else’s property, grounds for seeking to recover your losses could range from failure to clean up a spill to failure to address a lingering maintenance issue that created a dangerous property hazard.    

Have You Sought Medical Attention?

Unfortunately, it’s not enough to prove that someone else was at fault. You also need to be able to prove that this fault caused your injury. This makes it critically important to seek medical attention as soon after your accident as possible.

When filing your personal injury claim, your medical records will serve as key evidence linking your injury to the accident. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more cause insurance companies may have to argue that your injury could have resulted from other factors.

At Andrews, Bongar, Gormley & Clagett, our personal injury lawyers know who the best doctors are in Waldorf, Lexington Park, and other areas in Southern Maryland. If you are not sure where to go for treatment, we can provide you with a referral.

What Are Your Losses?

Finally, when pursuing a personal injury claim in Southern Maryland, you need to know how much you can recover. As “compensation,” any money you receive will be based upon your actual losses resulting from the accident. This includes not only the losses you incur through the date you file your claim, but any losses you will incur in the future as well.

If someone else negligently caused your accident, the types of compensation you may be able to recover include:

• Medical expenses
• Prescription costs
• Other out-of-pocket costs
• Lost income
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

To assist our attorneys in filing your claim, it will be helpful for you to keep a record of your losses, and of your pain. Our personal injury lawyers in Waldorf can work with your medical providers directly to obtain your medical records and bills. You should keep a log of your pain and the effects of your injury on your life, so we can prove it in court later. It will also be helpful if you keep your receipts for prescriptions and other accident-related costs. If you miss time from work, our legal team will need copies of your employment records as well. 

If any of this sounds stressful, don’t worry. Our attorneys will guide you every step of the way, and we will fight diligently on your behalf.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Waldorf, MD?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Waldorf, MD, benefits injury victims in several ways. First and foremost, a personal injury lawyer is familiar with Maryland laws and regulations and can help you navigate the complex legal process of filing a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer also understands how the courts and insurance companies in the area operate and can provide valuable legal advice and representation. Generally, a personal injury lawyer will also:

• Evaluate your case,
• Identify the parties responsible for your injury,
• Gather evidence,
• Interview witnesses,
• Review medical records,
• Identify all at-fault parties,
• Assess your potential damages,
• Consult with experts to support your claim,
• Build a strong case on your behalf before negotiating with the insurance company, and
• Represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

Personal injury cases require a deep understanding of negligence law and the ability to negotiate with insurance companies and other parties. If someone else’s negligence injured you, it’s essential to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options and protect your rights.