Unfortunately, accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. When injuries occur at the expense of negligence, victims are entitled to seek justice for their endured damages. However, they must do so within the legally prescribed time limit or they will relinquish their right to pursue legal action against the responsible party. If you wish to take legal action against a government employee or agency, it’s important to understand the legal requirements as they are much more complicated. As such, it’s crucial to connect with our trusted Prince George’s County Personal Injury Lawyers who can help preserve your legal rights as you seek justice for your suffering. Please continue reading to learn how long you have to file a Notice of Claim in Maryland.

What is a Notice of Claim?

Generally speaking, a Notice of Claim is a written form that initiates the claim process when a party believes they have suffered a loss due to the state or its employees. The state is protected from lawsuits under sovereign immunity which stipulates the government cannot be sued without its consent. However, the Tort Claims Act is a law that allows injured parties to sue the government for their damages under limited circumstances. Before the commencement of a lawsuit against a governmental entity, the injured party must file a Notice of Claim to provide the municipality with an adequate opportunity to investigate the merits of the claim. The primary purpose of this requirement is to provide the government with advanced knowledge it may be subject to a claim for damages.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Notice of Claim in Maryland?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is typically three years. This means an injured party has three years from the date of the alleged incident to file their claim. However, if your claim is against a municipality, you will have much less time to act as you will be required to file a Notice of Claim. An injured party has 180 days from the accident to file a Notice of Claim. Failure to do so will result in relinquishing your right to sue the at-fault party. Essentially, by missing the legal deadline, you will face the absolute bar of recovery.

As you can see, the deadline for filing a Notice of Claim is much tighter. That said, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team is prepared to help you navigate the claims process and file your claim within the legally prescribed time limit to safeguard your legal rights. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you in attaining the justice you deserve.