In Maryland, the statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit or other legal action after an accident. The time limit is different for different types of cases. If you don’t file your claim within the statutory time limit, you will generally be barred from doing so.

If you have been injured in an accident, contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Maryland Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

The statute of limitations for most Maryland personal injury lawsuits is three years, meaning an injured party has three years to settle an insurance claim or file a lawsuit for any personal injury, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and falls
• Dog bites
• Product liability
• Wrongful death
• Medical malpractice

When Does the Statute of Limitations Begin?

The time limitations period set by the state of Maryland for most personal injury cases begins the day the injury occurred. However, an injury or illness may not be immediately apparent in some cases.

For example, if you were exposed to toxic chemicals at work, you may not develop symptoms until years later. In these cases, the time limitations period may begin on the date you knew or should have known that another person’s negligence caused your injury.

What Happens If I Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, your claim or lawsuit will likely be dismissed. This prevents you from ever recovering compensation for your damages.  There are a few exceptions to this rule, but they are rare. If you have any questions about whether your case is still valid, you should speak with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Exceptions and Extensions for the Statute of Limitations in Maryland

Certain circumstances may allow the statute of limitations to be extended. This may happen in cases where, the plaintiff is a minor, or the plaintiff has a mental disability that prevents them from pursuing their claim.

Another exception may exist in medical malpractice cases if you were not aware of the injury until after the actual medical error. For example, it may take longer than three years for a plaintiff’s injuries to surface in these instances.  You should contact a Maryland personal injury lawyer in this situation, as the calculation of the statute of limitations can be complicated. 

Personal Injury Cases Involving Government Agencies or Employees

If you file a claim against a Maryland government employee or agency, your time limit may be shorter. For example, the Maryland Tort Claims Act requires you to file a notice of your claim with the state treasurer within one year after a personal injury caused by a state agency or employee.  There is also a one-year deadline to notify other governmental entities, such as Counties, of your claim.  

How We Can Help You With Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

For more than 50 years, the Maryland personal injury lawyers of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements: 

• $15 million for a woman who was permanently paralyzed from the neck down as a result of being struck by a stray bullet.
• $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end car accident.
• $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product.
• $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan.
• $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.

See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.

Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600  or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.