Maryland Accident Law Blog
While individuals are more likely to get into a car or truck accident while they are driving, there is the possibility of getting injured by a car in other situations. Whether they are hurt in a vehicle or in their home, after someone is hurt in an accident, they can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. In doing so, the plaintiff hopes to receive damages—to help them both financially and emotionally recover. But damages greatly widely depending on the facts of the case and where the case is filed.
A 68-year-old Maryland man was recently killed in his home when a pick-up truck crashed into his house. The man was sleeping in a chair in his living room when the truck crashed through the house and pushed him through the wall. Before crashing into the house, the pick-up truck veered off the road and struck a utility pole. The police are investigating the accident.
In cases like the one above, either an injured person or his family—if he is killed—can pursue monetary damages by bringing a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. Every state differs in the total amount of damages a victim can receive, along with the types of damages a jury can award the plaintiff.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Maryland Personal Injury Case?
There are two general types of damages that a jury will award a plaintiff if they are successful in arguing their case: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include costs like medical expenses after the accident, the plaintiff’s lost income and future lost income. These damages are more easily calculable, and the plaintiff will present evidence to prove the amount of money they should be compensated. In Maryland, there is no cap on the amount of economic damages a plaintiff can receive.
On the other hand, non-economic damages include factors like the victim’s pain and suffering along with loss of enjoyment of life due to the accident. These damages vary widely from case to case—often depending on the testimony of the plaintiff and their loved ones and the impact the accident has had on their lives. However, because these damages are more subjective, there is a cap on non-economic damages in Maryland. A damages cap limits the total amount a plaintiff can receive in pain and suffering damages. While the cap varies slightly from year to year, in 2021, a plaintiff can receive no more than $905,000 in non-economic damages for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Because it can be difficult for individuals to know the amount of damages a person may receive in a personal injury lawsuit, it is essential to contact a personal injury attorney who can assist with the case as soon as possible.
Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Maryland car accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. We have been fighting on behalf of accident victims and their families for years and provide each case with the individual attention it deserves. To schedule a free, no-risk consultation, give us a call today at 800-654-1949 or contact us via our online contact form.