Glen Burnie Personal Injury Attorney
Every day, countless people in Glen Burnie, Maryland, suffer injuries caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Whether it’s a distracted driver, an unsafe property condition, or a medical professional’s error, these incidents can leave victims facing physical pain, financial burdens, and emotional challenges.
Holding the responsible party accountable is essential for ensuring justice and recovery. In Maryland, personal injury laws are designed to help victims seek compensation for the harm they’ve endured.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s actions, experienced Glen Burnie personal injury lawyer John Leppler can provide the guidance and advocacy needed to protect your rights. His expertise ensures your case is presented effectively and you pursue the total compensation you deserve.
While no monetary award can undo the pain and suffering caused by an injury, personal injury claims aim to restore a sense of normalcy for victims. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other related costs. In cases of severe misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.
Navigating a personal injury case can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies or legal deadlines. An experienced personal injury attorney in Glen Burnie, Maryland, helps you understand your options and strengthens your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
For residents of Glen Burnie, having a trusted legal advocate on your side can make all the difference in moving forward after an injury. Contact Leppler Injury Law today to learn more about your rights after an accident or injury.
I Was Injured in an Accident in Glen Burnie. Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Glen Burnie, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. Maryland law allows victims to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence or recklessness causes harm. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, a motorcycle accident, or an injury on someone else’s property, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable.
Proving Negligence in Your Case
Filing a personal injury lawsuit requires demonstrating the other party’s negligence. This includes proving that they owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty, and that their actions directly caused your injury. Additionally, you must show evidence of the damages you’ve suffered, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Overcoming Challenges in Your Claim
While the law is on your side, obtaining compensation can be challenging. Insurance companies often dispute claims, and gathering sufficient evidence to support your case can be time-consuming. An experienced Glen Burnie personal injury lawyer is essential to navigating these complexities and strengthening your case.
With the proper legal guidance, you can pursue the compensation you deserve and focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal process.
Types of Maryland Personal Injury Claims
Residents of Glen Burnie, Maryland, experience a variety of personal injury cases each year, many of which require legal intervention to ensure justice and compensation for the victims. Below are the primary types of personal injury claims handled by Leppler Injury Law.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims in Anne Arundel County. Between 2019 and 2023, there were over 48,000 crashes in the county, ranging from 8,560 accidents in 2020 to 9,636 in 2023. These accidents include rear-end collisions, hit-and-runs, wrong-way crashes, and those caused by distracted drivers.
No matter the type of accident, attorney John Leppler is equipped to handle the complexities of your claim and fight for your compensation.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on Maryland’s roads, with fatalities reaching 80 in 2023 and over 947 injury crashes in the same year. These statistics highlight the heightened risks bikers face due to limited physical protection. Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries, and Leppler Injury Law provides the skilled representation needed to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Truck Accidents
Maryland’s trucking industry is vital to local and national economies, with major routes like I-97, Maryland Route 100, Route 2, and Route 10 frequently used by large trucks. While essential, these vehicles pose significant risks due to their size and weight. Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, and Leppler Injury Law ensures victims receive fair compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians in Glen Burnie are particularly vulnerable to traffic accidents, often caused by speeding drivers or poorly marked crosswalks. These accidents can lead to devastating injuries if you’ve been injured as a pedestrian.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists often face hazards from inattentive drivers and poorly maintained roads. When a bicycle accident occurs, the resulting injuries can be life-altering. Leppler Injury Law is experienced in representing cyclists injured due to negligence.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims with injuries and unanswered questions about compensation. Whether the driver is identified or not, Leppler Injury Law can guide you through the legal process.
Premises Liability Claims
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their premises. When they fail to do so, victims can suffer injuries from slip-and-falls, falling objects, or unsafe environments.
Negligent Security
Inadequate security can lead to preventable crimes and injuries. Property owners who fail to provide proper lighting, locks, or security personnel may be liable.
Bus Accidents
Public transit and school buses in Glen Burnie are essential but can also be involved in severe accidents. Whether Anne Arundel County Transit routes like the 201 or 202 or school buses operated by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Leppler Injury Law represents victims of bus-related incidents.
Lyft Accidents and Uber Accidents
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have increased convenience but also accidents. Victims of rideshare-related crashes can rely on Leppler Injury Law for comprehensive legal support.
Wrongful Death Claims
Fatal accidents leave families grieving and seeking justice. Maryland saw 577 fatal crashes in 2023, a tragic reminder of how devastating these incidents can be. An experienced Glen Burnie personal injury attorney fights to hold negligent parties accountable for wrongful deaths.
These diverse types of personal injury claims require skilled representation to ensure justice. Leppler Injury Law is committed to helping Glen Burnie residents recover and move forward after life-changing accidents.
Filing Deadlines for Maryland Accident and Injury Lawsuits
When pursuing a personal injury claim in Maryland, understanding the statute of limitations is critical. This legal time frame determines how long an injured party has to file a lawsuit. In Maryland, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident or injury. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
The Discovery of Harm Rule
While the clock typically starts ticking on the incident date, Maryland law provides an exception called the discovery of harm rule. This rule applies when the injury or harm caused by negligence is not immediately apparent. For example, a patient might only discover the error months or years after the procedure in medical malpractice cases. Under this rule, the statute of limitations begins when the harm is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
The Role of Insurance Claims Adjusters
Insurance claims adjusters may appear helpful, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts. They might delay negotiations until the statute of limitations expires, leaving victims without recourse. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that your claim is filed within the legal deadline and maximizes your chance of receiving fair compensation.
Contributory Negligence Laws in Maryland
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule is a unique and often unforgiving aspect of the state’s personal injury laws. Under this rule, if an injured party is found to be even 1% responsible for the accident that caused their injuries, they are barred from recovering any compensation. This contrasts with the common comparative negligence standard used in many other states, where victims can recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, imagine a driver who is rear-ended while slowing down at a stop sign but has a malfunctioning brake light. Even if the rear driver was speeding and distracted, the injured party’s claim might be denied because the faulty brake light contributed to the accident. Similarly, a shopper who slips and falls in a grocery store due to a spill might not recover damages if they were looking at their phone and failed to notice a marked warning sign.
Contributory negligence requires injury victims to demonstrate that their actions did not cause the accident. This high bar emphasizes the importance of gathering strong evidence, such as eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, or expert testimony, to counter any arguments suggesting partial fault.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Accident or Injury in Glen Burnie, Maryland?
In Glen Burnie, Maryland, determining who is responsible for an accident or injury involves understanding the concept of liability. At its core, liability is tied to negligence—when someone fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances and causes harm to another person.
Liability often falls on the person or entity that owed a duty of care but failed to fulfill it. For example, a driver who speeds through a red light and collides with another vehicle has breached their duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely. Similarly, a property owner who neglects to fix a hazardous condition, such as a broken staircase, may be held liable if someone is injured.
Liability can extend beyond individuals. Employers may be responsible for their employees’ actions under certain conditions, such as a delivery driver causing an accident while on the job. Government entities may also share responsibility—for instance, if poor road maintenance contributes to a crash.
In cases where multiple parties share fault, Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law complicates recovery. You may be barred from compensation if you are slightly at fault. These complexities underscore the importance of seeking legal guidance to protect your rights.
How Much Does Hire an Attorney Specializing in Personal Injury Claims Cost?
Hiring a Glen Burnie personal injury lawyer often comes with concerns about affordability, but most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you don’t need to pay anything upfront. Instead, the attorney’s payment comes as a percentage of the compensation they secure for you, typically 33%.
If your case doesn’t result in a settlement or award, you owe nothing for the attorney’s fees. This “no recovery, no fee” structure makes legal representation accessible, even if you don’t have financial resources to spare.
A written agreement usually outlines The contingency fee percentage before representation begins. In addition to the attorney’s fees, case-related costs may be deducted from your settlement. These costs include obtaining medical records, filing court fees, and paying for depositions. While these are your responsibility, they are generally subtracted from your compensation only after you win your case.
This fee structure incentivizes attorneys to work diligently on your behalf. By aligning their success with yours, contingency fees provide a risk-free way for clients to pursue justice and fair compensation without worrying about immediate financial burdens. Always review your fee agreement to ensure clarity and transparency.
What Are Some of the Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts in Maryland Personal Injury Claims?
Settlement amounts in Maryland personal injury claims vary depending on numerous factors. Understanding these elements can provide clarity on what affects compensation outcomes:
- Nature and Severity of Injuries: Cases involving severe injuries, such as broken bones or long-term disabilities, typically yield higher settlements than those with minor injuries. Objective medical evidence significantly bolsters a claim’s value.
- Medical Expenses: The total cost of medical care, including past and future treatments, plays a critical role. Well-documented medical records that directly link expenses to injuries strengthen the claim.
- Lost Wages and Income: Compensation often accounts for wages lost due to recovery time and diminished earning capacity caused by temporary or permanent disabilities.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life, are challenging to quantify but can significantly increase settlement amounts.
- Property Damage: Extensive vehicle damage in car accidents may strengthen the perceived severity of injuries, impacting settlement offers.
- Liability and Negligence: Partial fault by the injured party can reduce compensation under Maryland’s contributory negligence laws.
- Evidence and Documentation: Comprehensive evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions, enhances the claim’s credibility.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Aggravation of prior conditions may still result in compensation, though it might be limited to the exacerbation caused by the accident.
- Insurance Coverage: All parties’ policies and limits significantly affect the recoverable amount.
A solid legal strategy and skilled representation are essential for maximizing settlements. An experienced attorney can effectively navigate these factors to secure the best outcome for your claim.
Glen Burnie, Maryland
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Glen Burnie, several local resources can help with your recovery and provide support during your personal injury claim process. Below are some critical establishments in the area that specialize in physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medical services:
Atlantic Rehab Physical Therapy: Atlantic Rehab offers comprehensive physical therapy services to help individuals recover from various injuries. Their team focuses on personalized treatment plans to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve overall function. They can guide you through rehabilitation if you’ve been injured in an accident.
Glen Burnie Chiropractic: Glen Burnie Chiropractic specializes in chiropractic care that addresses spinal health and musculoskeletal injuries. Its treatments can effectively relieve pain caused by accidents, including whiplash and back injuries. Chiropractors in Glen Burnie can also help restore your body’s balance and mobility after an injury.
Preferred Care Center: Another great option for chiropractic care, Preferred Care Center offers holistic treatments to relieve pain and restore proper alignment. Whether you’re dealing with injuries from a car accident or slip and fall, their approach to care may speed up your recovery and improve your quality of life.
UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center: For more severe injuries or emergencies, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center is a trusted medical facility offering comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, surgical treatments, and specialized injury care. Their experienced medical team can provide the necessary treatment to address injuries sustained in accidents.
These local resources can be crucial in your recovery process, helping you manage your injuries and build a strong foundation for your personal injury claim.
Experienced Accident and Injury Law Firm in Glen Burnie, Maryland
John Leppler brings years of experience as a personal injury attorney in Glen Burnie, Maryland, offering compassionate and dedicated legal representation. Unlike the large mega-firms, John is committed to providing personalized attention to each client.
He takes the time to speak directly with you, addressing your concerns and answering any questions you may have about your accident or injury claim. If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact John Leppler for expert legal guidance. Contact Leppler Injury Law today for a consultation and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.
In addition to Glen Burnie, some of the locations John Leppler serves include Baltimore, Towson, Pikesville, Lutherville-Timonium, Owings Mills, Parkville, and more.