How Long Do I Have to Sue For a Construction Accident in Maryland?
The statute of limitations to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland is three years from the date the injury occurred. If you are considering filing a lawsuit because you were injured or because your loved one was killed, if you don’t do so within this time frame, your case will not be heard by the court.
If you’re in the construction business, this article contains valuable information you’ll want to know before an accident happens. Keep reading to learn more about construction accidents in this state, how often these accidents occur, and what you should do if you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed.
Even if you haven’t been injured, if you’re working in this dangerous industry, it could happen at any time. Take a look at the following ten-year overview of some of the construction accidents that have happened in this state and you’ll realize how frighteningly common these incidents are.
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10 Years of Construction Accidents in Maryland
- In February of 2020, a 73-year-old truck driver was crushed to death on a Baltimore construction site.
- In 2019, a 60-year-old La Plata man was crushed to death after being pinned underneath heavy construction equipment.
- In 2018, four Maryland construction workers died in separate incidents while working for the same construction company.
- In 2017, a construction accident left one worker dead and another injured in Urbana.
- In 2016, a man was fatally electrocuted on a construction site in Baltimore.
- In 2015, one man was killed and another was injured on a construction site when barrier rocks fell on them in Rocks State Park.
- In 2014, a Maryland jury awarded $21.7 million to a construction worker who was paralyzed from the neck down after being struck by a falling transformer.
- In 2013, two workers were killed after being mowed down by a vehicle during highway construction near Perryville.
- In 2012, a Baltimore Port Alliance journeyman lineman died after falling from a tower on the Dworshak-Taft #1 500 kV line.
- In 2011, a 27-year-old construction worker was killed and a 25-year-old was seriously injured on the same construction site.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 23 construction worker injuries and 42 construction worker deaths in 2018 alone. Construction is one of the two most dangerous industries in the country.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt on a Construction Site
Construction accident law firms can give you specific information and recommendations as they apply to your case. The following is a general overview of what you can expect after you’ve been injured. After getting any necessary emergency medical treatment, the next thing you may want to do is call an attorney to begin the process of recovering your damages.
The Damages You Can Claim
There are several different types of damages you can claim after a construction site accident. These include:
- Your hospital bills
- The cost of any ongoing care
- Vehicle or home disabled access modifications
- Your lost wages
- Your loss of future wages due to the severity of your injuries
- Special equipment like wheelchairs or prosthetic limbs
- Compensation for your pain and suffering
Which damages you can claim will depend on the specifics of your case. Ask your lawyer what kind of evidence you’ll need to prove your claims.
How Long Your Case Will Take
Many cases settle within six to 12 months. However, there are cases that will take much longer. This is most likely in cases where the true extent of the injuries takes years to uncover. Wrongful death cases typically take one to four years.
The Average Settlement
There is no one “average” settlement amount because every case is unique. Once your lawyer has reviewed your evidence, they will be able to give you an estimate of the value of your case. They may also be able to estimate your pain and suffering award.
It is recommended that you do not accept any settlement corporate insurance adjusters try to offer you without first reviewing the settlement with an attorney. You may end up settling for far less than you will end up needing to cover the costs associated with the accident.
