Although it’s easy to determine the cause of some accidents, others are not so clear. As such, it’s important to understand what negligence statute Maryland follows as it can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Please continue reading to learn what you should know about these matters and why connecting with our determined Prince George’s County Personal Injury Lawyers is in your best interest.
What is the Negligence Statute in Maryland?
In the United States, two negligence statutes are followed in personal injury cases fro determine how to apportion responsibility for an accident between multiple parties who contributed to it. Most states in the country follow the rule of comparative negligence. Under this legal doctrine, an injured party can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the injury. However, the court will reduce the amount of compensation they can recover by their degree of fault. Some states even have a 501% rule in which an injured party can only recover compensation if they are at least 50% or less responsible for their injuries. If they are 51% at fault, they will not be able to recover any compensation.
Unlike other states, Maryland is one of the few that follows the doctrine of contributory negligence in personal injury claims. Under this rule, an injured party cannot recover damages if they were partially at fault for the injury, regardless of how minor their contribution was. Essentially, you will face the absolute bar of recovery. For instance, if you were even just 1% at fault, you wouldn’t be able to recover damages from the party that is 99% at fault.
How Can This Impact My Claim?
As mentioned above, Maryland follows the contributory negligence doctrine. This means that if you are found partially negligent in the accident that caused your injuries, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your endured damages. That said, it’s important to prove that you were not negligent in causing the accident to safeguard your right to compensation. Connecting with an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer is in your best interest as we can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and collect evidence that demonstrates you did not contribute to the cause of your injuries.
As you can see, the negligence statute in Maryland can make it incredibly challenging for victims to recover the compensation they deserve and need to get their lives back on track. At Timian & Fawcett, LLC we are prepared to provide you with quality legal support during the claims process. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.