Following a slip and fall accident in Maryland, you may wonder what legal options you have. Slip and fall accidents can be much more severe than most people realize. Not only can they be embarrassing, but they can result in catastrophic injuries that negatively impact your life. If you sustained an injury on someone else’s property due to unsafe premises conditions, you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim to seek monetary compensation for the damages you’ve endured. However, to recover compensation for your losses, you must file your claim within the prescribed time per the statute of limitations. It’s crucial to understand that you don’t have unlimited time to file your legal claim. Maryland’s statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for when an injured party can pursue a legal claim. Please continue reading to learn how long you have to file a premises liability claim and how a seasoned Prince George’s County Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer can help you safeguard your legal rights.
What is Maryland’s Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims?
A statute of limitations is a law mandated by each state that sets a time limit on the right to have a lawsuit heard in the state’s civil court system. The statute of limitations in Maryland for a premises liability claim is three years. This means an injured party has three years to file the initial complaint in court. It’s crucial to note that the “clock” starts running on the date of the injury. This doesn’t mean you have to resolve your claim within three years. However, you will have to start the process within this timeline.
If your claim is against a municipality, you will have much less time to act. This is because you will have to file a Notice of Claim. A Notice of claim provides the government agency in which you intend to commence a lawsuit against notice they may be subject to a claim for damages and the ability to investigate the merits of the claim. A Notice of Claim must be filed within 180 days of the accident.
What Happens If I Fail to File My Claim Within the Legally Prescribed Time Limit?
If you fail to file your claim within three years of your injury, you will no longer possess the right to sue the at-fault party. By missing the legal deadline, you face the absolute bar of recovery. If you attempt to file your premises liability claim after the legal deadline has passed, the negligent party can file a court motion to dismiss the case. While three years may seem like a significant amount of time to pursue a claim, it’s best to act sooner rather than later to protect your legal rights to compensation.
At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we are prepared to help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that can result from a slip and fall accident. Don’t navigate these challenging times alone. Contact our legal team today to discuss your case.
