As a victim of a spinal cord injury in Maryland, you may be facing significant challenges that affect your ability to work and enjoy daily life. If your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This article explains the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland if you were paralyzed and the steps you can take to protect your legal rights.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Maryland
The statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101. In general, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
There are important exceptions to this rule. For example, when a child is injured, a parent may bring a claim on the child’s behalf at any time before the child turns 18. After the child reaches adulthood, they typically have three additional years to file a personal injury lawsuit related to injuries suffered while they were a minor.
The Bauhof Legal team offers free case assessments and can help explain how the statute of limitations applies to your specific situation.
Why You Should Contact a Lawyer Right Away
Although Maryland law allows up to three years to file a lawsuit, contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible is critical. Over time, important evidence may be lost, witnesses’ memories may fade, and physical proof of negligence may disappear.
By reaching out early, an attorney can help preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and gather the documentation needed to build a strong case.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit also involves strict procedural requirements, including filing in the correct court, submitting proper documentation, paying filing fees, serving all defendants, and avoiding procedural errors. Starting early gives you the time needed to comply with these requirements and avoid unnecessary delays or dismissals.
Types of Cases Covered by Maryland’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
The three-year statute of limitations applies to many types of personal injury cases, including those that result in paralysis.
- Car Accident Cases: If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, provided your claim is filed within the three-year time limit.
- Slip and Fall Accident Cases: Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. If a property owner’s negligence caused a slip and fall that resulted in paralysis, you may pursue compensation within the statutory time frame.
- Defective Product Cases: Injuries caused by defective or unsafe products, including faulty safety equipment, are also subject to the three-year statute of limitations.
- Motorcycle Accident Cases: If a motorcycle accident caused paralysis due to another party’s negligence, you may seek compensation by filing a claim within the required time period.
Conclusion
If you were paralyzed in Maryland due to another party’s negligence, acting quickly is essential to protecting your legal rights. Understanding the statute of limitations and securing experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you require legal assistance in Maryland, you may schedule a complimentary initial consultation with the Bauhof Legal team.
Every case is unique, and this website is not intended to provide legal advice. Please contact us at brad@bauhoflegal.com or call +1 (410) 876 4500.
