Frequently Asked Questions
The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles answers frequently asked questions about Maryland personal injury:
- What is considered a personal injury case?
- What is a free initial consultation?
- What does it mean to take a case to trial?
- What are the legal fees for a personal injury case?
- Why do I need a lawyer?
- Does filing a personal injury claim hurt the person who injured you?
Waldorf personal injury law firm serving La Plata and Charles County
Call us today at 301-705-5006 to schedule your free initial consultation or contact the Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles online. In addition to handling personal injury cases, we are also a wrongful death law firm. We are located in Waldorf, and serve La Plata and Charles County, MD. We offer 24-hour service and evening and weekend appointments for your convenience.
What is considered a personal injury case?
Personal injury cases are civil actions where one party sues another party for damages. Damages can be for physical, mental, or emotional harm or for property damage. The party bringing the claim must show that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care that resulted in the damage. In a personal injury case the injured person can recover compensation through a settlement or court verdict. Back to top
What is a free initial consultation?
Waldorf injury law firms serving La Plata and Charles counties generally offer a consultation at no charge to discuss the circumstances of your injury and evaluate whether you have a case. The initial consultation provides an opportunity for lawyers and clients to get to know each other and determine the prospects of pursuing a claim. Back to top
What does it mean to take a case to trial?
The majority of personal injury cases are settled outside of court through negotiations between the injured person’s lawyer and the responsible party’s insurance company. When a settlement cannot be reached, then the injured party’s lawyer can file a lawsuit and take the case to trial.
Cases valued at less than $25,000 can be filed in a Maryland district court. Such cases are generally heard by a judge (not a jury) within three to six months. Cases pursuing higher amounts of compensation are heard in Maryland circuit courts and generally take longer to go to trial. These cases are more involved with each side (plaintiff and defendant) using more sophisticated approaches for gathering evidence, providing testimonies, and following court procedures. Also, many cases at this level are heard by juries rather than judges. Back to top
What are the legal fees for a personal injury case?
Legal fees are usually based on contingency, which means you owe no fees unless your lawyer recovers through settlement or verdict. Back to top
Insurance companies are interested in paying as little compensation as possible or nothing at all. They often use tactics to delay or deny claims and are experienced in offering lowball settlements. Insurance agents and insurance defense lawyers are skilled at convincing injured parties to accept their offers. A lawyer can protect your interests and knows when a settlement offer is fair or inadequate. Insurance companies also know that personal injury law firms can take the case to trial, which provides leverage in negotiations. Back to top
Does filing a personal injury claim hurt the person who injured you?
The injured person rarely has to pay anything out-of-pocket. Most defendants are represented by insurance companies that pay the compensation in a claim. Back to top
