Towson Personal Injury Lawyer
At Hardball Law, we are dedicated to representing clients in Towson and throughout the state of Maryland who have suffered serious injuries due to the negligence of others. Firm founder and lead attorney Susan R. Green handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites, product liability, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. We’ll stand by you and advocate on your behalf with the insurance company, and we’ll fight to secure the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been harmed by the negligence or intentional misconduct of others, contact Hardball Law today to speak with an experienced and dedicated Towson personal injury lawyer.
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident
- Birth Injury
- Burn Injury
- Car Accident
- Defective Product
- Dog Bite Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Medication Error
- Misdiagnosis
- Motorcycle Accident
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Premises Liability
- Sexual Abuse
- Spine Injury
- Surgical Error
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Truck Accident
- Workers’ Comp & Workplace Injury
- Wrongful Death
Understanding Maryland Personal Injury Law
By and large, personal injury is the law of negligence. To successfully pursue a personal injury claim in Maryland, it is essential to prove that the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries. There are four key elements to establish negligence:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty of care to the plaintiff.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction.
- Causation: The breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of the breach.
These legal elements require a deep and detailed understanding of the law in Maryland, including statutes and case law that determine how these elements are proven. At Hardball Law we meticulously investigate each case to gather evidence and establish these elements, ensuring that your claim is strong and persuasive.
Recoverable Damages
Personal injury victims can recover compensation for various types of harm, known in the law as damages. Damages in a personal injury case often fall into the following categories:
- Economic Damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-economic Damages, which compensate accident victims for their pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages. In some cases, where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Insurance companies never value accident claims accurately and always offer unrepresented persons less than what is due. Our team works diligently to quantify your losses and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. We take the time to understand the full impact of the injury on your life. We know the facts that will support your claim, we know the law that says what you are entitled to, and we know how to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence refers to the legal concept that the accident victim might have been partially at fault for causing the accident. Most states allocate fault between the parties in a personal injury case and reduce the victim’s compensation proportionate to their level of responsibility. Maryland is one of only four states that follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence, making this issue of paramount importance in personal injury cases. Under the Maryland rule, if the plaintiff (the injury victim) is found to be even slightly at fault for their injuries, they are barred from recovering any compensation at all. This makes it crucial to have a skilled Towson injury attorney who can effectively argue that the defendant’s negligence was the sole cause of the accident.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal time limit on when someone can file a legal action. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions, such as cases involving minors or medical malpractice, which may have different time limits. Other factors, such as whether the defendant concealed their wrongdoing or where the at-fault party is a government employee or agency, can also significantly lengthen or shorten the statute of limitations or notice requirement. It is vital to act promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe. At Hardball Law, we handle all the legal complexities and ensure that your case proceeds without unnecessary delays.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Whether you were injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian accident, our attorneys have the expertise to navigate the complexities of motor vehicle accident claims. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals as necessary to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. If you were injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, such as due to a slip and fall or inadequate security, we can help you hold the negligent parties accountable.
Dog Bites
Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets. Maryland dog bite law holds dog owners liable for their negligence, but they can also be held strictly liable for animal attacks without the victim having to prove negligence in some cases. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, our firm will seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Product Liability
Manufacturers and sellers must ensure that their products are safe for consumers. If you were injured by a defective product that was defectively designed, defectively manufactured, or marketed without adequate warnings and instructions for safe use, we can pursue a product liability claim to recover damages for your injuries.
Nursing Home Negligence
Elderly residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, if they have been isolated, denied food, neglected or improperly restrained, we will fight to protect their rights and obtain justice.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals are held to high standards of care, but many aspects of the law make it difficult to prove when an injury was caused by a medical error and recover the proper amount of compensation. If you have been harmed due to a medical mistake, our firm will work to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for your suffering.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. With skill and compassion, we provide dedicated support to families seeking justice for their loved ones and compensation for their loss.
Injuries to Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to injuries, whether from accidents, defective products, or negligent supervision. At Hardball Law, we understand the unique considerations involved in cases involving injured children. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to ensure that your child’s future medical needs and overall well-being are fully accounted for in any settlement or verdict. We strive to provide a secure future for your child and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Towson Personal Injury Lawsuit Process
The personal injury lawsuit process in Towson, MD involves several steps, from the initial incident to the resolution of the case. Throughout this process, Hardball Law can provide invaluable assistance to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process and how Hardball Law can help:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
- Collect Evidence: Gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any other documentation of the incident and injuries. Hardball Law’s experienced attorneys will assist in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to build a strong case.
- Accident Reconstruction: In some cases, experts may be used to reconstruct the accident scene to support your claim. Hardball Law has access to top experts who can provide detailed reconstructions and expert testimony.
Filing the Complaint
- Drafting the Complaint: Your attorney from Hardball Law will draft a legal document called a “complaint” that outlines your claims and the damages you are seeking.
- Filing the Complaint: The complaint is filed with the appropriate Maryland court, typically the Circuit Court for Baltimore County for larger claims, or the District Court for smaller claims. Hardball Law ensures all paperwork is accurately and timely filed.
Serving the Defendant
- Service of Process: The defendant (the person or entity you are suing) must be formally notified of the lawsuit. This is usually done by a process server or law enforcement officer delivering a copy of the complaint and a summons. Hardball Law handles all aspects of service of process to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Defendant’s Response
- Answering the Complaint: The defendant will file an answer to your complaint, either admitting or denying the allegations and possibly raising defenses or counterclaims. Hardball Law will prepare for these responses and develop strategies to counter any defenses.
Discovery Phase
- Interrogatories: Written questions that must be answered under oath.
- Depositions: In-person interviews conducted under oath with both parties and witnesses.
- Requests for Production: Requests for documents and other evidence relevant to the case.
- Requests for Admissions: Statements that the other party must admit or deny.
Hardball Law will meticulously handle the discovery process, ensuring that all relevant information is obtained and used effectively to support your claim.
Pre-Trial Motions and Settlement Negotiations
- Motions: Either party can file pre-trial motions, such as motions to dismiss the case or motions for summary judgment. Hardball Law will file appropriate motions to strengthen your position.
- Settlement Negotiations: Both parties may engage in settlement negotiations to try to resolve the case without going to trial. Mediation or arbitration may be used as alternative dispute resolution methods. Hardball Law’s skilled negotiators will work to achieve a fair settlement on your behalf.
Trial Preparation
- Trial Strategy: Your attorney from Hardball Law will develop a strategy for presenting your case in court.
- Witness Preparation: Witnesses, including expert witnesses, will be prepared to testify.
- Exhibit Preparation: All documents and evidence to be presented at trial will be organized and prepared.
Hardball Law’s thorough preparation ensures that your case is presented in the best possible light at trial.
Trial
- Jury Selection: If it’s a jury trial, a jury will be selected.
- Opening Statements: Both sides present their opening statements to outline their cases.
- Presentation of Evidence: Witnesses testify, and evidence is presented by both parties.
- Closing Arguments: Both sides summarize their cases and evidence.
- Jury Deliberation and Verdict: The jury deliberates and returns a verdict. If it’s a bench trial, the judge will decide the case.
Hardball Law’s experienced Towson injury lawyer will advocate vigorously on your behalf throughout the trial process.
Post-Trial Motions and Appeals
- Post-Trial Motions: Either party can file motions to alter or amend the judgment, or for a new trial. Hardball Law will handle any necessary post-trial motions to protect your interests.
- Appeals: If either party is dissatisfied with the outcome, they can file an appeal to a higher court. Hardball Law’s appellate attorneys are prepared to take your case to the next level if needed.
Collecting the Judgment
- Enforcement of Judgment: If you win the case, your attorney will assist in collecting the judgment, which may involve garnishing wages or seizing assets if the defendant does not voluntarily pay. Hardball Law will ensure that the judgment is enforced and that you receive the compensation awarded to you.
Key Considerations
- Statute of Limitations: In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. Hardball Law will ensure your lawsuit is filed within this timeframe to preserve your rights.
- Comparative Negligence: Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. Hardball Law will work to demonstrate the other party’s fault and maximize your chances of recovery.
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit in Towson, MD, can be complex, but with the assistance of Hardball Law, you can effectively pursue compensation for your injuries. Hardball Law’s experienced attorneys are committed to providing personalized, strategic representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Serving Baltimore City and throughout Baltimore County
- Towson
- Baltimore
- Catonsville
- Dundalk
- Essex
- Randallstown
- Pikesville
- Owings Mills
- Parkville
- Middle River
- Reisterstown
Contact Hardball Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, Hardball Law is here to help. Our Towson personal injury lawyer offers compassionate and dedicated representation to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. For help in Baltimore and statewide, contact our Towson, Maryland office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your personal injury claim.