Contributory Negligence
Maryland follows pure contributory negligence, one of the harshest rules in the US. If plaintiff is found even 1% at fault, they are completely barred from recovering any compensation. Maryland is one of only 5 jurisdictions with this rule.
$920,000
Cap on non-economic damages
3 years for personal injury
Deadline to file your lawsuit
Maryland follows pure contributory negligence, one of the harshest rules in the US. If plaintiff is found even 1% at fault, they are completely barred from recovering any compensation. Maryland is one of only 5 jurisdictions with this rule.
Example:
If plaintiff is 30% at fault for $100k damages in Maryland, they recover $0 (complete bar to recovery).
Critical Warning
Maryland is one of only 5 jurisdictions with contributory negligence. If you were even 1% at fault, you may recover NOTHING. Consult an attorney immediately.
Cap applies to non-economic damages; subject to annual inflation adjustments
$0
Based on reported cases in Maryland
5,583
Personal injury lawsuits per year
Maryland is one of only five jurisdictions maintaining pure contributory negligence, where any plaintiff fault bars all recovery. The Coleman v. Soccer Association of Columbia (2013) case reaffirmed this strict standard.
Maryland's proximity to Washington D.C. creates significant federal contractor liability issues, with cases involving government facilities and contractors having complex procedural requirements.
The state has seen substantial lead paint litigation in Baltimore, with landlords facing liability for lead poisoning in older rental properties.
Maryland personal injury cases are filed in Circuit Court, with 24 circuits. Baltimore City and Montgomery County handle substantial civil litigation.
Maryland follows the Maryland Rules. The state's contributory negligence rule significantly affects case selection and strategy.
Maryland courts use alternative dispute resolution including mediation and settlement conferences. The Court of Special Appeals handles most appellate matters.
Maryland attorneys are licensed by the Maryland Court of Appeals. Given Maryland's contributory negligence rule, proving zero plaintiff fault is essential to any recovery.
The Maryland Association for Justice is the state's primary plaintiff attorney organization. Experience overcoming contributory negligence is crucial.
Contingency fees typically range from 33-40%. Many attorneys are selective about cases given the all-or-nothing contributory negligence rule.
Maryland's statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101. This applies to most negligence claims.
Medical malpractice has a 5-year statute of limitations with a 3-year discovery rule. Claims against Maryland government entities require 1-year notice under the Maryland Tort Claims Act.
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Laws in Maryland are complex and individual case results vary. Consult a licensed Maryland attorney for advice specific to your case.