Electrocution lawsuits are complex legal battles, often involving severe injuries or even fatalities. Navigating these cases requires understanding Maryland's unique legal landscape and the specific elements that must be proven to secure a favorable outcome.
This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of this type of lawsuit in Maryland.
You'll learn:
These lawsuits can arise from various scenarios, each with its own set of legal considerations. Here are three common types:
To win an electrocution lawsuit in Maryland, you must establish the following legal elements:
Identifying the responsible parties is another critical aspect of an electrocution lawsuit. It may involve individuals, companies, or even government entities depending on the circumstances of the accident. An investigation is often needed to determine all liable parties.
A thorough investigation is particularly important in cases where someone is electrocuted at work — for example — as it may involve determining the liability of employers, coworkers, or third-party contractors.
Lawyer's pro tip: Discover all potential defendants. Some remain unknown without persistence.
We’ll now do a quick breakdown of the steps involved in filing an electrocution lawsuit in Maryland. They go as follows:
It is vital to act quickly after an electrocution accident, as Maryland has a statute of limitations for filing such lawsuits. Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury or death to file a claim.
Lawyer's pro tip: Capture the evidence before it disappears. This means photography of the scene and preserving the electrical equipment that was involved in the accident.
While the average compensation for electric shock varies depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors, it's crucial to understand the full spectrum of damages you may be entitled to claim. Here are three of the most common ones:
Lawyer's pro tip: Interview the family right away. They likely have spoken to first responders and others regarding causation.
Proving negligence requires demonstrating that the defendant's actions or inactions fell below the accepted standard of care. This often involves presenting evidence such as:
Lawyer's pro tip: Hire good experts. Each has particular strengths depending on the type of case. Beware that they all say they are qualified.
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence standard. This means that if you are even slightly at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages.
This law can significantly impact your case, making it crucial to have a skilled attorney who can navigate this challenging legal landscape.
Your lawyer will work to gather strong evidence demonstrating the defendant's negligence and minimizing any potential claims of your own fault. Strategies may include:
Lawyer's pro tip: Caution the clients about giving recorded or other statements.
The legal process in an electrocution lawsuit can be lengthy and complex. Here's a general overview of what to expect:
The initial phase involves pre-trial procedures, primarily focusing on discovery, where both sides exchange information and evidence relevant to the case.
This process includes depositions too. Depositions are instances where witnesses provide sworn testimony, interrogatories, which are written questions requiring written answers, and requests for documents related to the accident.
Additionally, motions may be filed to address specific legal issues or challenges that arise during the pre-trial phase.
Once discovery is complete, your attorney will likely engage in settlement negotiations with the opposing party. This process involves attempting to reach a mutually agreeable resolution without going to trial.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial.
If your case goes to trial, it will be heard in a formal courtroom setting with a judge and jury. Your attorney will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case, aiming to prove the defendant's negligence and the extent of your damages.
The opposing party will have the opportunity to present their own evidence and arguments. Following the presentation of both sides, the jury will deliberate and ultimately reach a verdict.
Lawyer's pro tip: Depose the witnesses — they will disappear.
When facing the aftermath of an electrocution or any personal injury, you need a legal advocate with a proven track record and a deep understanding of Maryland's legal landscape.
Christopher L. Beard is that advocate. His unwavering commitment to client advocacy and ethical standards, coupled with his innovative approaches to injury cases, has consistently led to exceptional results for his clients.
He has handled cases involving an electrical box explosion, old knob and tube electrical wiring shorts resulting in death, medical equipment explosion, electrical contractor’s inspection negligence, lack of ground fault interrupters and death, and other high-power electrical contact and shock matters involving jackhammer and equipment mishaps.
Mr. Beard's expertise shines in complex cases like electrocution lawsuits, where he has secured substantial settlements, including $1.1 million in a wrongful death suit. His successful track record extends to other areas like medical malpractice and wrongful death.
If you've been injured, don't navigate the legal system alone. Contact Christopher L. Beard today for a free consultation or call (443) 569-3950. He'll provide clear guidance, support, and tireless advocacy to help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
