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Auto Accidents
Medical Malpractice
Personal Injury Lawyers
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Bankruptcy
November 13, 2008

Is Contributory Negligence Unfair?

When deciding payouts to accident victims the court system must know that the at fault driver was negligent. What is negligence? In referring to auto accident cases negligence is also known as carelessness. Carelessness is in this case can mean serious injury or death for the accident victim. What are some real world examples? Was the at fault driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Were they driving over the speed limit?

Some cases may be decided without going to trial. All and all most cases are settled without the need for trial (as known as to 'follow suit'). In this case negotiations are made between the injured party and in the insurance company to arrange a 'fair' compensation amount. This is where it is extremely important to have a qualified auto accident / serious injury attorney on your side. We understand the tactics used by insurance companies to not only minimize payouts but in some cases try and not pay out anything at all. This leads us to the topic at hand.

Contributory Negligence

Contributory Negligence is when the injured party may have had some small part in the fault of the accident. What this means is if you were hit by a drunk driver however you were going five miles over the speed limit you may be found be partially negligence and thereby you have contributed to the negligence. In Maryland this may very well put your entire case at risk. In some areas the injured party may have to prove the negligence of the 'at fault' driver. Other times the roles can be reversed and the 'at fault' driver may have to disprove that they did not act neligently.

The point here is that contributory negligence can be a scary thing. Your entire case can be put a risk. Unfair? Perhaps, but until the law is changed that is the way it'll be in Maryland.

Read more about auto accidents
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October 5, 2008

Serious Injury - Construction Accidents

Our firm covers many types of personal injury claims, the most frequent type of personal injury would have to be motor vehicle accidents. This covers auto, truck motorcycle, and boat accidents. Auto accidents are the most frequent and can also be the most dangerous. We also handle claims of injuries that may be from construction site accidents. Construction sites can be extremely dangerous.

Maryland Injury Lawyers

We have recently updated our site to include more information on types of injuries caused by construction sites. You will also find additional information that may help you understand ways to prevent construction site accidents. If you have recently been in an accident or a victim of Medical Malpractice you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Compensation also covers lost wages, pain and suffering and other types of damages. We can help you get the maximum amount possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.

September 30, 2008

Insurance Company Tactics

You may or may not be aware of certain tactics used by insurance companies. If you have been involved in an auto accident you are aware of just how stressful the situation can be. You may be unsure on what is the best decision to make. Insurance companies are aware this confusion. Insurance companies will try very hard to keep as much of their money as possible.

So where does that leave you?

That's where our Maryland personal injury lawyers come in. We are experienced trial lawyers that know how to fight for your rights and get results. Are you unable to work due to an injury? Are you unable to pay your bills? Do you have medical bills piling up? On top of all that did you just receive a low offer from your insurance company? Its not uncommon at all.

Insurance companies will almost always offer a low payout

It has been shown that hiring a lawyer can typically increase your payout amount dramatically. Why is this? Insurance companies may try and take advantage of your situation. We have handled cases where we have recovered payouts up to double, triple even ten times the amount and more over what the insurance companies originally offered our client.

We'll begin to take a look at some of the ways the insurance companies do this technique in the upcoming weeks. One of techniques is enabled due to Maryland's law. That law has to do with contributory negligence. Our experienced injury lawyers will explain what contributory negligence is all about how it could affect your case.

 

July 25, 2008

1.95 Million Jury Verdict in Hit and Run Accident Case in Anne Arundel County

    An Anne Arundel County jury returned a $1.95 million verdict yesterday in favor of  Robert Howard, 56, who was struck by a cement mixer truck while working on his disabled truck on the northbound shoulder of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in April 2005.  The accident resulted in the death of one pedestrian and severe injuries to Mr. Howard, both of whom worked at the time for Goodwill Industries in Linthicum.  The trial lasted five days.  The jury deliberated for two hours before reaching a verdict against the vehicle's owner, Lafarge Mid-Atlantic, LLC, and the driver, Robert Schulman.

 
    The accident received a great deal of notoriety and press attention as a result of a manhunt that ensued after Mr. Schulman fled the scene in the Lafarge vehicle.  Phone tips to the Maryland State Police resulted in the identification of the vehicle as one owned by Lafarge Mid-Atlantic. The truck was found by the Maryland State Police at Lafarge's Jessup facility.  Debris from the scene was matched to the truck, and blood evidence was linked to the deceased, Erol Johnson of Baltimore.  Mr. Schulman was later identified as the driver but during the initial State Police investigation he denied any knowledge of striking the pedestrians.  He was subsequently charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death which was later amended to negligent driving pursuant to which Mr. Schulman pleaded guilty.
 
    Robert Howard was represented by Alan J. Belsky and Valerie A. Grove of Belsky, Weinberg & Horowitz, LLC.  Lafarge Mid-Atlantic and Robert Schulman were represented by Joseph Zauner, III.

Posted By: Alan J. Belsky Posted In: Personal Injury

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