Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Germantown

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Germantown, Maryland?

  Call 301-279-8000 for a non-emergency response from the Montgomery County Police Department's 5th District Station in Germantown.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Germantown, Maryland?

  You can obtain incident reports in Germantown in person or by writing to the Public Safety Headquarters Records Division at 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. For accident reports, call the main number of the Montgomery County Police Department's 5th District Station at 240-773-6200 to check if the reports are available. Both reports can be obtained online through the portal: https://records-montgomerycountymd.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(ppnxcnt1xnd2xyq2xjtr2tin))/Supporthome.aspx.

• Is it okay to bring kids when you go to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for a personal injury case in Germantown?

  Yes. You can bring kids to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for a personal injury case in Germantown by placing them in the child waiting area. The KIDS SPOT is located at Rm 1440 on the 1st Floor of the South Tower and accepts kids ages 3 to 12. It is open from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Call 240-773-3915 for more information.

• What can you do if a family member has been injured in a nursing home in Germantown?

  Consult a personal injury lawyer if a family member has been injured in a Germantown nursing home. It can be a case of nursing home abuse, such as malnutrition, bedsores, and hygiene changes due to negligence. Nursing home abuse has to be reported to the Maryland Adult Protective Services at 1-800-91-PREVENT (1-800-917-7383), the Maryland Department of Aging at 1-800-AGE-DIAL (1-800-243-3425), and MD Attorney General's office at 1-888-743-0023.

• How can a Germantown resident know the effects of hernia mesh failure?

  Pain or a burning sensation in the abdomen, nausea, and lethargy are some of the symptoms of hernia mesh failure. There will also be symptoms such as hernia recurrence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel obstruction. There are cases where post-surgical adhesion of a hernia mesh cannot produce symptoms. If you have been implanted with a hernia mesh before, try to have your case evaluated by a personal injury lawyer in Germantown.

• If you do not want to go to trial, can you still receive compensation for injuries in Germantown?

  Yes. Many personal injury cases do not usually go to trial, and the injured can receive compensation through settlement before the case is litigated in court. An injury case in Germantown only goes to trial as a last resort if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement. It is up to the client to decide—with the guidance of a lawyer—whether the settlement is acceptable or the case should go to trial.

• What kind of medical documents should you have for a personal injury case in Germantown?

  Medical records for procedures, tests, and diagnoses are useful for your personal injury case in Germantown. Medical bills stating the amount invoiced by the hospital, primary care clinic, or medical specialist are required to calculate damages in the case. These documents are proof of your injury and the extent of your losses after being in an accident.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.