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Dog bite injuries can be quite painful. People may require medical care, including stitches and professional cleaning of their wounds to limit the risk of infection. Dog attacks can sometimes lead to broken bones and painful scar tissue. People may develop psychological trauma that requires counseling to address. In some cases, dog bite incidents may lead to significant property damage. Clothing and personal electronic devices could end up damaged when a dog attacks a human. The total cost of a dog bite incident could easily add up to thousands of dollars or more. The people affected by the incident may want to recoup their losses. Who usually pays for the expenses generated by a dog bite incident? Property insurance coverage may be available Frequently, the owner of a dog that turns aggressive and bites a human is responsible for any harm the animal causes. Strict liability rules allow those injured by aggressive animals to hold their owners accountable. Particularly when the victims of a dog bite incident know the animal’s owner, they may not want to cause financial complications for the dog’s owner. Thankfully, insurance can cover the cost generated by a dog bite attack. If the animal’s owner is also a homeowner, their homeowners insurance policy could cover the expenses generated by the incident. Rental insurance carried by those who do not own their homes may also include premises liability coverage. However, there may be restrictions that apply. If the dog’s owner did not disclose their pet to the insurance company or if they lied about its breed, it may be more difficult for the victim of the dog bite incident to obtain appropriate compensation. In cases where the animal’s owner may not carry appropriate insurance or where losses are extensive, it might be necessary for the parties affected by a dog bite incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Estimating total costs and exploring the details of a dog bite incident can help the affected party determine their best options for financial compensation. People who do not properly restrain or train their dogs are typically responsible for any harm that their pets cause other people.

Car crashes are one of the top reasons that people die prematurely. Drivers, passengers and even pedestrians in Maryland can end up involved in collisions that prove fatal. For those left behind after a tragic collision, it is only natural to look for someone to blame. In some cases, state law does allow grieving families to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit after a car crash. However, not every fatal collision provides the necessary circumstances for a wrongful death lawsuit. When can families file wrongful death lawsuits after fatal car wrecks? When the circumstances meet statutory standards Maryland allows for wrongful death lawsuits in three types of circumstances. Plaintiffs can bring actions in cases involving wrongful acts, including criminal conduct. Drunk driving could be an example of a wrongful act that might justify a wrongful death lawsuit. The law also recognizes defaults as justification for a wrongful death lawsuit. Defaults generally refer to a failure to perform responsibilities in accordance with the law or a contract. Most car crashes don’t fall into this particular category, although there are exceptions. The third legal reason for a wrongful death lawsuit is neglect. The failure to do what is necessary for safety or the decision to engage in outright unsafe behaviors could constitute actionable neglect. Failing to use a turn signal could be an example of a type of neglect that might ultimately result in a fatal collision. Plaintiffs generally need to prove that the situation falls into one of these three categories to move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit. When there are uncovered losses The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is typically to compensate surviving dependent family members for the economic impact that a tragedy has. The contributions the deceased individual made to the family and the amount of insurance coverage available determine whether or not the circumstances may justify a wrongful death lawsuit. If the family has losses beyond what insurance can cover, then they may have grounds for litigation to seek compensation. They can hold the person or business at fault for the situation accountable for the full economic impact of the tragedy. Discussing the details of a tragic fatal car crash can help families determine whether they can take legal action. Wrongful death lawsuits may provide families with both financial compensation and a sense of closure after a tragic car crash.

Comic writers and comedic actors have often relied on slip and falls as a comedic punchline. Most of the time, people who experience same-level falls only sustain minor injuries, such as scrapes or bruises. However, slip and falls can result in very serious injuries that are no laughing matter. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries if they fall in a public location. People with unusual medical conditions can also be more susceptible to severe injury. Even relatively healthy people can get hurt if they fall in just the wrong way. They may then have major medical expenses or lost wages to cover. Those who are injured may need to pursue a premises liability claim because of their slip and fall. What types of injuries may follow a slip and fall incident? 1. Soft tissue injuries It is a natural human reaction to tense up when a fall seems imminent. People may experience extreme muscular tension or pain in their joints following a fall. They may develop symptoms similar to whiplash. The symptoms may include ongoing pain and tension in their neck, shoulders and back. They may require pain management, muscle relaxers or physical therapy to fully recover. Some people may have to take time off from work because they cannot perform job functions without worsening their soft tissue injuries. 2. Broken bones In addition to tensing up, most people try to catch themselves when they fall. Particularly in scenarios where an individual is older, has low bone density or is particularly heavy, trying to stop a fall in progress could potentially lead to a fracture or broken bone. Broken bones can mean two months or more of recovery time, followed by rehabilitation. Those in blue-collar or service professions may not be able to work with a fracture. 3. Brain injuries The reason people instinctively try to help themselves when they fall is that hitting their head can be the worst possible outcome. If someone falls abruptly or cannot slow their descent, they could strike their head on the floor, nearby fixtures or a shopping cart. They could sustain a traumatic brain injury. Minor brain injuries may heal with time, but moderate to severe brain injuries can cause permanent symptoms. Provided that a business caused a dangerous circumstance through negligence, a slip and fall injury may provide grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. Reporting the incident and seeking medical care are both important steps for those who fall in a public space and have injuries.

Semi-trucks play an important role in the modern economy. They help transport goods and materials quickly over large distances. They keep production and retail prices low. They are also a source of well-compensated blue-collar employment. Unfortunately, the need to share the road with semi-trucks puts those in smaller vehicles at significant risk. Drivers who make a point of learning about traffic hazards can adjust their behavior to reduce their overall risk. Many people prioritize avoiding the worst types of crashes, including collisions with semi-trucks. What are the top causes of semi-truck collisions according to federal safety statistics? Drivers making the wrong decisions According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the top cause of crashes involving semi-trucks is a mistake by the driver. They make a decision in traffic that isn’t the best choice given the circumstances. Approximately 38% of reported semi-truck crashes occur because a driver chooses to maintain a speed that is too high, gets too close to other vehicles or makes another inappropriate choice. Drivers failing to monitor the roads Many semi-truck drivers are on the job for hours on end. They can sometimes become complacent about checking their surroundings. They might also engage in distracting activities, such as texting family members or eating dinner, which can prevent them from noticing changes in traffic. Another 28% of the crashes reported occur specifically because a commercial driver does not notice a vehicle, pedestrian or other obstacle in the road. Driver non-performance Non-performance occurs when a driver becomes incapable of controlling their vehicle. One of the most common causes of non-performance is a driver falling asleep at the wheel. A loss of consciousness means that they can’t maintain control over the vehicle or respond appropriately to changing traffic conditions. Other times, it might be a medical emergency, such as a stroke, that leaves the driver controlling a semi-truck incapable of doing their job. Non-performance is responsible for another 12% of all crashes involving semi-trucks. Driver performance issues, environmental factors and issues with the vehicle are the other top causes of semi-truck collisions. Being able to identify warning signs of high-risk situations could help drivers avoid crashes involving semi-trucks that could put them in the hospital or worse.

Insurance companies advertise relatively aggressively. Most people in Baltimore, Maryland can’t watch a television show or commute to work without exposure to at least one insurance commercial. Catchy jingles, clever slogans and comedic mascots make people think of insurance companies as friendly or even generous. Many people convince themselves that they can handle a large car insurance claim on their own. They expect the insurance company to be reasonable and fair. If the adjuster reviewing their claim offers a settlement, they might think that accepting the settlement is the best option. However, insurance companies market themselves the way that they do to lull consumers into a false sense of comfort. Like any other for-profit business entity, insurance organizations want to optimize income while minimizing operational costs. Many people do decide to work with lawyers when reviewing car crash settlement offers to better ensure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of them. How can a Baltimore personal injury lawyer help? An attorney assisting with a Maryland car crash insurance claim can take the pressure off of the claimant from the beginning of the process. They can review the police report and the policy documents of the driver who caused the crash. From there, they can advise the party pursuing the claim about the maximum amount of coverage available through insurance and the best options for covering their costs. Personal injury lawyers can help people estimate the long-term financial consequences of an injury and other car crash expenses. They can also review any settlement offer made by an insurance professional. They can compare it with the estimated total cost of the crash and the policy limits that apply. Their guidance can help the person in need of compensation determine whether the settlement is reasonable or not. If it is not, the lawyer assisting with the claim can counter the offer and manage the negotiations on behalf of their client. The Baltimore car accident attorney can potentially use their negotiation skills to obtain a more reasonable amount of compensation. They can also recognize scenarios where insurance professionals may have broken the law and when litigation might be necessary to fully cover crash costs. The average person dealing with a damaged vehicle and noteworthy injuries after a crash can easily become overwhelmed by all of the different issues. The assistance of a lawyer allows an injured person to focus on their recovery and handling day-to-day life instead of learning insurance and handling the intense, potentially unpleasant insurance communication. Retaining a lawyer when pursuing car crash injury compensation can help people maximize the compensation that they receive while simultaneously protecting them from common pitfalls, like unfair settlement offers. Those who have the right assistance are in a better position to review and respond to a car insurance settlement offer. Contact An Auto Accident Lawyer, Baltimore. If you have more questions about the process or have been injured and need help with the next steps, contact a personal injury attorney in Baltimore, Maryland, today. Call my office at 410-886-7892 or send me an email.

When a truck accident leads to serious damage and injuries, the path to compensation may include more than just the truck driver. In many scenarios, particularly in accidents involving commercial vehicles like trucks, the responsibility may extend to third parties. This type of legal claim is known as a third-party personal injury claim. Who can qualify as a responsible third party in a trucking accident? In accidents involving commercial vehicles, the truck driver is just the beginning. Other parties may also bear responsibility for the crash. Consider these potentially liable parties: The trucking company: Often responsible for vehicle maintenance and ensuring adherence to safety regulations. The cargo loader: Might be liable if improper loading contributed to the accident. The manufacturer of vehicle parts: If a defective part caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable. It is important that victims of trucking accidents review the possibility of a third-party claim to help better ensure they receive the compensation they need to cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages after these types of accidents. How do I pursue a third-party personal injury claim? Keep detailed records of the accident, including photos, witness statements, and official reports, to help better ensure the process moves smoothly. It is also wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer with experience in third-party claims to help navigate the complexities of these cases. It is also important to note that there is often a statute of limitations. This is a legal term that refers to a time limit for filing a claim. The statute of limitations varies depending on the state and type of claim. In Maryland, victims generally have three years after the accident to move forward with their claim. Third-party personal injury claims offer an important option for victims to recover adequate compensation, especially in complex accident scenarios involving multiple potential liable parties like commercial truck accidents. These claims, however, demand a thorough understanding of legal processes. By effectively identifying responsible third parties and taking the correct legal steps, injured parties can increase their chances of a favorable outcome.

Cycling has become more popular in recent years. Many people in Maryland of all ages regularly ride bicycles either for exercise or as an alternate form of transportation. Unfortunately, the increased popularity of cycling coincides with a significant increase in major traffic incidents. When looking at preliminary data from 2023, it becomes quite clear that it is a dangerous time for cyclists to be out on the road. How many cyclists are experiencing major crashes and serious injuries? Cycling crashes tend to be more severe A collision involving a bicycle colliding with a motor vehicle has the potential to be relatively serious. Those who get into crashes while inside four-wheeled vehicles have the protection of multiple different safety systems including restraints and vehicles designed to absorb the force of impact. Cyclists do not have any such protection. When a motor vehicle strikes a bicycle, the cyclist may suffer immediate traumatic injuries. They may also end up in the street, putting them at risk of getting hit again by another vehicle. Maryland has long tracked the number of bicycle collisions that occur. For example, as many as 92% of collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles result in injury or death, at least based on figures from 2019. As of October 2023, there had been 13 cyclist fatalities. 2024 has already seen numerous concerning collisions resulting in injury and death across Maryland. Charles Street, Pratt Street, Falls Road, St. Paul Street, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard are all major thoroughfares located within Baltimore, Maryland, and are known for higher incidences of bike accidents due to their heavy traffic and mixed-use nature. Cyclists should exercise extra caution when navigating these areas What rights do cyclists have? Cyclists involved in serious collisions do have certain legal rights. They can potentially hold the driver who caused the crash accountable. That process often begins with a car insurance claim. However, the coverage required to drive in Maryland may not be high enough given the expenses a cycling crash could cause. Cyclists with serious injuries may need to file personal injury lawsuits against the driver who caused the collision. In scenarios where a cyclist dies because of a crash, litigation may also be necessary. Surviving family members can potentially pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in response to a deadly cycling collision. Successfully holding drivers accountable for causing car-bicycle crashes can lead to both a sense of justice served and appropriate compensation. Cyclists who understand that their risk levels are higher now than in years past may find it easier to fight for their own rights – and the rights of fellow cyclists – after a crash.

Semitrucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, especially when a rig is fully loaded. When one of these massive vehicles slams into a smaller passenger vehicle, catastrophic results can occur. In Maryland, semi-trucks frequently travel on major routes such as I-95, I-70, I-83, I-68, and US-50, making them common sites for potential trucking accidents Someone who’s involved in a semitruck crash may decide they want to seek compensation to help cover their financial damages. Understanding some of the common causes of these wrecks may be beneficial so they can determine who to hold liable when they take legal action. Causes of semitruck crashes There are many potential causes of semitruck crashes. Truckers are sometimes to blame if they’re not driving in a safe manner. These crashes often include fatigue, impairment or distractions. Other drivers can sometimes contribute to the cause(s) of a crash too. This is often because they impede on a semitruck’s right of way or drive in the “no zones” around the rig. A few other contributing factors include: Trucking companies: Setting deadlines that are too tight or setting guidelines that encourage unsafe driving Maintenance and manufacturing companies: Improper maintenance and defective parts can lead to equipment failure that causes crashes Improper load securement: Cargo can shift or come off the rig if it’s not loaded properly It’s possible that multiple causes will be factors in a single crash, so it’s critical that an investigation is done to determine the actual cause so the proper parties can be named as defendants. Catastrophic injuries are possible Semitruck crashes can lead to significant injuries, including those involving the spinal cord or brain. Anyone who’s involved in a wreck involving a semitruck should get immediate medical attention. Prompt care can help them to get the treatment they need as they heal. In some cases, these conditions have lifelong symptoms that significantly alter their future. Legal claims stemming from semitruck crashes can be rather complex. Seeking legal assistance may make this process less stressful. A legal representative who’s familiar with these matters can help with everything from determining who to hold liable and how much compensation to seek.

The law in Maryland helps to protect people from major financial losses caused by other parties. In some scenarios, those with injuries related to someone else’s behavior can file insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. When something tragic happens and families lose a loved one unexpectedly, they may want to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit instead. Maryland allows for litigation in cases involving negligence, criminal activity and medical malpractice. What do those who have lost a loved one in Maryland need to know about wrongful death lawsuits? Family members can potentially file One of the most important rules about wrongful death lawsuits in Maryland is the statute outlining who can file such lawsuits. Typically, the closest family members of the deceased individual have the rights to initiate litigation. Spouses, parents and children often file wrongful death lawsuits under Maryland law. However, other family members can file a lawsuit if no one with one of those three relationships takes action. Families can recover multiple types of losses The focus in wrongful death cases is to compensate those who survive the deceased for their losses. Families can claim financial contributions the deceased party may have made, including the value of their future wages and employment benefits. They can also claim certain non-economic losses. Those losses may include the anguish and suffering of survivors, the loss of someone’s care and protection and even the loss of attention or guidance provided by the deceased. There are rules capping the total value of non-economic losses. In some cases, punitive damages can be an option. There are strict rules about when punitive damages apply, and the courts usually limit them to three times the economic damages or $2 million. In most cases, wrongful death lawsuit requires timely action, state laws impose a three-year statute of limitations in most cases. Family members, therefore, need to look at their situation carefully and take action promptly if they want to hold an individual or business responsible for a recent tragedy. Learning more about wrongful death lawsuits can help families pursue closure. Those who take legal action can potentially reduce the impact of loss has on their family and inspire consequences for the party at fault for the incident.

Those who live in Baltimore and across Maryland can get hurt with very little warning. Injuries may result from car crashes, criminal activity and even improper property maintenance. Premises liability lawsuits often follow a serious injury that occurs on private property in Maryland. Those hurt because of a slip and fall might potentially have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit against a business or property owner. The responsibility to appropriately maintain private property falls to owners and tenants, not the people visiting a space. However, awareness of where risks are highest may benefit those who would prefer to avoid preventable injuries. Many slip and falls take place in Maryland in the following public places. In parking lots and on sidewalks There are many reasons why parking lots and sidewalks see serious slip-and-fall incidents. One of the reasons is improper maintenance. If businesses or homeowners fail to repave crumbling parking lots or address the damage to the sidewalk caused by tree root incursions, someone could trip over uneven sidewalk or catch their foot in a parking lot pothole. Those dependent on mobility assistance devices like wheelchairs, canes, walkers and crutches may be at particular risk of injury when encountering poorly-maintained sidewalks and parking lots. Winter weather only worsens the risk by adding snow and ice into the mix. In Baltimore, as in many other municipalities, responsibility for clearing snow and ice falls to property owners and businesses occupying the adjacent property. Inside stores and other businesses Slip-and-falls frequently take place inside buildings. The entranceway is one of the most dangerous areas of a business when looking at slip-and-fall risk. Visitors may track snow or rain inside. They may also knock dirt and other debris off of their shoes, creating a slipping hazard inside the building. Areas near windows are also high-risk locations for slip-and-falls, as are spaces near refrigeration equipment, as they may leak. Any place there are exposed power cords or damaged flooring, there is also the risk of a trip-and-fall. Finally, there can be significant risk when going up or down stairs. Individuals hurt in a slip-and-fall incident may need to file a premises liability lawsuit. A homeowners insurance policy or business insurance policy could help cover the costs that arise when someone slips and falls in a public space. Realizing that the risk factors for a slip-and-fall are readily identifiable may help people feel more confident about taking legal action against negligent property owners or businesses.

The requirement to purchase car insurance imposes a significant financial obligation on motorists. Many people try to keep those costs as low as possible by shopping around and only purchasing what Maryland state law requires. Liability coverage is what the law mandates. Drivers generally need to have at least $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. There are also two minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury liability protection. If someone injures or kills one person in a crash, they should have at least $30,000 in coverage. For collisions that involve two or more injured parties, the minimum coverage requirement is $60,000. Some motorists choose to invest in extra coverage on their policies. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are common additions to standard policies. What do these forms of insurance provide? Uninsured motorist coverage is relatively easy for people to understand. It protects someone involved in a crash caused by someone without state-mandated insurance. It will also cover costs generated in hit-and-run collisions where people cannot identify the driver at fault for the wreck. Uninsured motorist protection is a popular inclusion on modern policies because it lets people set their own coverage amounts instead of leaving them at the mercy of others. Underinsured motorist coverage can benefit those who have severe injuries after a crash. $30,000 worth of injury coverage may not be enough if someone needs surgery or a lengthy stay at a rehabilitation facility. The person hurt may have so much in medical costs that insurance cannot help at all with their lost wages. Underinsured motorist coverage can apply to the same expenses that liability coverage would pay for if the driver at fault for the crash had adequate insurance. Spinal cord injuries, amputations, brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries could cost far more than what insurance typically covers. Those who purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist protection may feel more confident about driving because they know their own policy can help if they ever end up severely hurt in a wreck. Many drivers carry such coverage but also try to avoid using it, as a large claim could increase their premiums in the future. Filing a personal injury lawsuit is another way to obtain appropriate compensation when the driver at fault for a crash has inadequate insurance.

If you are hurt in a car accident while traveling in Maryland, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Depending on the facts of the case, a financial award may be provided by the defendant or an insurance company, and you may collect from both sources. Whether you need outside assistance handling your case depends on several factors. You may shoulder some liability Outside counsel may be needed if the other party claims that you were the one who caused the crash. The same may be true if you told your insurance company that you did something to contribute to the motor vehicle accident taking place. This is because you may struggle to obtain evidence or not think to obtain information that could counter these claims and help you obtain a favorable outcome in your case. You aren’t sure how to evaluate a settlement offer There is a chance that you’ll receive a settlement offer from the other driver or a party affiliated with that person. Unless you have a background in personal injury law, it may be difficult to determine if you have received a fair offer. Remember, you may have long-term medical or other needs that may or may not be covered as part of an initial settlement. The other side is uncooperative If the other driver is being difficult about negotiating a settlement, it may be necessary to seek help in obtaining a good-faith settlement. The same is generally true if the other driver’s insurance company won’t negotiate in good faith or is insisting that you take a lowball offer to resolve the matter. In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to a financial award to cover all current and future medical bills related to a defendant’s actions. You may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages, lost future earnings or other costs that are related to injuries or property damage caused by another party’s reckless behavior.