Howard County is located in central Maryland and is home to roughly 280,000 residents. It is geographically the second-smallest county in Maryland, with the Patapsco River running along the north and northeast borders. The region is known for its excellent school systems, affluent residents, and high quality of life. Historically, the County is known for having served as a major station along the Underground Railroad, an organization that helped deliver slaves to freedom during the 1800s. If you or someone you know has been harmed as the result of another person’s wrongdoing in Howard County, you can consult the personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers to help you assert your rights.
Protecting Your Right to Compensation through Legal ActionMost accident cases fall under the category of a personal injury claim. These tend to be based on the theory of negligence, under which a victim must establish four specific elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
The first element, duty, requires the victim to establish that the defendant owed him or her a certain standard of care. In general, this standard requires each person to act with the same ordinary care and skill that a reasonably prudent person would use in the same or similar circumstances. The second element, breach, requires the injured individual to show that the defendant failed to act according to the relevant standard of care.
In the context of a car, truck, or motorcycle collision, for example, the duty of care requires each motorist to operate his or her vehicle with the same degree of precautions that a reasonably prudent driver would use in a similar situation, taking into account the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident as well as complying with traffic rules. A driver who is texting on a cell phone, running a red light, or driving extremely fast in the rain, for example, is likely in breach of this standard of care.
It is also essential for the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s breach was the direct cause of the accident and that it was foreseeable. To illustrate causation, the victim must prove that his or her injuries would not have occurred but for the defendant’s breach. Finally, the plaintiff must provide evidence supporting the physical and financial damages that he or she suffered as a result of the accident. This typically includes medical bills, physical therapy bills, paychecks, and paystubs. In situations where the plaintiff’s harm is severe and permanent, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, the plaintiff can also seek compensation for long-term medical care. Other forms of potentially available damages may include more subjective forms of harm, such as pain and suffering.
Seek Legal Guidance in Howard County for an Accident CaseThe attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, have over two decades of experience pursuing car accident and other personal injury claims on behalf of Howard County residents. We understand how difficult this time can be for you and your loved ones. The last thing you should worry about is navigating the legal system on your own. Our experienced professionals are ready to help you evaluate your claim and put your case forward. Call us now at (800) 654-1949 or contact us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.