Suffering an unexpected injury can have a major impact on your life. Between the medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty of what the future will hold, an accident not only changes how you live your day-to-day life over the short term but possibly for the rest of your life. If you or a loved one were injured in any type of accident that you believe was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another person, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a Maryland personal injury lawsuit.
At the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, our Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers have more than 25 years of experience helping to connect accident victims and their families with meaningful compensation for what they’ve been through. We understand how an accident can affect your life, and we’re here to ensure that you—and your case—receive the attention and consideration you deserve.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?A personal injury lawsuit is a legal claim brought by a person who has suffered an injury due to the negligence or intentional conduct of another party. This type of lawsuit falls under tort law, which seeks to provide relief to the injured party for their losses and deter others from committing similar offenses.
Personal injury lawsuits often seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages to punish particularly egregious conduct. These cases can be settled out of court or go to trial, depending on the circumstances, but most end up settling out of court.
Anyone who is injured can pursue a personal injury claim. However, because insurance companies are typically involved in resolving these cases, it is imperative to work with an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer.
How to Win a Prince George’s County Personal Injury LawsuitIn most cases, proving a personal injury lawsuit in Prince George’s County requires you to establish that the other party was negligent. In this context, negligence is a legal term that consists of several key elements.
Duty of CareEstablishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to you is the first step in proving a Prince George’s County personal injury lawsuit. This means showing that the defendant was in a position where they were expected to act reasonably to avoid causing harm.
Breach of DutyYou must also prove that the defendant breached the duty they owed to you. This involves establishing that the defendant’s actions were not in line with what a reasonably careful person would have done under similar circumstances.
CausationIt's crucial to demonstrate that the defendant's breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This requires showing a direct link between the defendant's actions and the specific injury you sustained.
DamagesYou also must have suffered actual damages, such as physical injury, emotional distress, lost wages, or medical expenses, because of the at-fault party’s actions.
Note that Maryland is one of only a handful of states that follows the rule of contributory negligence, which means that if you are found even slightly at fault for your injury, you may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it particularly challenging to win personal injury cases in Maryland compared to states that use comparative negligence rules.
A successful personal injury lawsuit in Maryland requires compelling evidence to establish these elements, especially given the strict contributory negligence standard. Thus, the assistance of an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer is highly recommended.
Types of Prince George’s County Personal Injury Cases We HandleAccidents can happen anytime, anywhere. However, over the decades we’ve been practicing, we’ve come to understand that certain accidents are much more likely to result in serious injuries. Below are some of the most common types of personal injury cases in Prince George’s County.
Motor Vehicle AccidentsMotor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injuries in Prince George’s County. In fact, more car accidents occur in PGC than in any other Maryland County. For example, there were 19,722 car accidents in 2022, resulting in 121 deaths and 5,576 injuries. These include car accidents, truck wrecks, motorcycle accidents, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
Maryland drivers owe a duty of care to everyone on the road. However, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are still common. Drivers who are negligent in causing an accident can be held financially responsible for victims’ injuries.
Nursing Home Abuse and NeglectAccording to the Health Department of Prince George’s County, approximately 18 percent of residents are over the age of 65. This places an incredible demand on nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Not surprisingly, nursing home abuse and neglect are common sources of injury among Prince George’s County seniors.
Nursing home abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Neglect is often characterized by the failure to provide basic care, leading to issues like bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, and unsanitary living conditions. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that neglect is the most common form of elder abuse in nursing homes.
Research suggests that about 10 percent of all nursing home residents experience some form of abuse or neglect. However, many cases go unreported, partly due to the vulnerability of the residents and the fear of retaliation. Additionally, staffing issues, lack of training, and inadequate oversight contribute to these problems.
Below are a few of the many nursing homes in and around Prince George’s County:
Medical malpractice is a specific and very nuanced area of personal injury law that covers injuries stemming from inadequate or negligent medical treatment. While most medical malpractice lawsuits in Prince George’s County are against doctors, patients can also pursue claims against nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, surgeons, and even hospitals or other facilities. Medical malpractice can occur anywhere. Some of the largest medical facilities in Prince George’s County include:
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in Prince George’s County. For example, in 2020, over 212,000 Maryland residents suffered fall-related injuries, and more than 25 percent of all residents over the age of 65 suffered at least one fall. In PGC specifically, an average of more than 8 seniors die each year from fall-related injuries. While falls disproportionately affect older residents, these accidents can happen anywhere. For example, approximately 24 people per 10,000 residents are hospitalized in Prince George’s County for fall injuries each year.
Wrongful DeathWrongful death cases are a type of personal injury claim brought by the family of a deceased accident victim. While families can pursue a Prince George’s County wrongful death claim in many scenarios, the most common types of wrongful death lawsuits include those arising from fatal car accidents, fatal falls, and fatal workplace accidents.
Have You Been Injured in Prince George’s County?If you or a loved one was recently seriously injured due to another’s negligence, reach out to the Prince George’s County personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen for immediate assistance. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have developed a strong reputation for aggressively advocating on behalf of our clients, ensuring they recover the compensation they deserve to make them whole. We have extensive experience investigating all types of personal injury cases, negotiating with insurance companies, and litigating cases in front of judges and juries. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers, give Lebowitz & Mzhen a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.
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