Maryland · Serving statewide
Personal Injury Help in Maryland
Maryland is one of the few places that still follow contributory negligence, a rule that can bar a claim if you were even slightly at fault. Understanding it early matters.
(01) — Overview
After an injury in Maryland, the way fault is described in the first days — in reports, statements and calls with insurers — can shape whether you can recover at all.
Onx Law’s founder, Monica Washington Rothbaum, is admitted to practice in Maryland. We’ll learn what happened, explain how Maryland law may apply, and determine the right strategy, legal team, and resources for your case — whether that means handling it at Onx or involving trusted counsel.
Communities we serve
- Baltimore
- Columbia
- Silver Spring
- Rockville
- Gaithersburg
- Bethesda
- Frederick
- Annapolis
- Bowie
- Hagerstown
(02) — The rules
How injury claims work in Maryland
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and exceptions apply to many of these rules.
- Filing deadline
3 years
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 3 years of the injury. Claims against state or local government also require written notice much sooner.
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101- Wrongful death
3 years
A wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within 3 years of the death. It’s usually brought for the benefit of the spouse, parents and children of the person who died.
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904- Fault rule
Contributory negligence
If you’re found even slightly at fault for your own injury, you may be barred from recovering anything. Limited exceptions, such as the “last clear chance” doctrine, can apply.
Source: Coleman v. Soccer Ass’n of Columbia (Md. 2013)- Car insurance
At-fault + waivable PIP
The at-fault driver’s insurer generally pays for your injuries. Maryland auto policies also include at least $2,500 in PIP benefits, paid regardless of fault, unless the policyholder waived that coverage in writing.
Source: Md. Code, Ins. § 19-505- Claims against the government
1-year notice
Claims against a county, city or other local government generally require written notice within 1 year of the injury (Local Government Tort Claims Act). Claims against the State must be submitted to the State Treasurer within 1 year, and suit filed within 3 years (Maryland Tort Claims Act).
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304- Dog bites
Presumed knowledge
When a dog injures someone, Maryland law presumes the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, though the owner can try to rebut it. Owners are strictly liable if the dog was running at large.
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1901- Damages cap
Noneconomic cap
Maryland limits noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The cap depends on when the injury happened and rises by $15,000 each October 1.
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 11-108
(03) — Local rules
How local rules can shape your case.
- Car & Rideshare AccidentsBecause contributory negligence can bar a claim against the other driver, your own PIP benefits (if not waived) and uninsured motorist coverage can matter a great deal.
- Pedestrian AccidentsInsurers often argue that a pedestrian was partly at fault, for example by crossing outside a crosswalk. A careful look at what the driver saw and could have done differently matters.
- Bicycle AccidentsMaryland lawmakers have considered easing contributory negligence for cyclists and pedestrians, but as of 2026 the rule still applies to bicycle crashes.
- Slip & FallProperty owners often argue that a visitor should have seen the hazard. In Maryland, that argument can defeat a claim entirely, so photos and witness details matter.
- Dog Bites & Animal AttacksMaryland presumes that a dog’s owner knew the dog was dangerous once it injures someone, which can make it easier to hold the owner responsible.
(04) — Practice areas
Help with every kind of injury claim.
- 01Car AccidentsRear-End Collisions · Intersection Accidents · Uninsured Drivers · Distracted Driving · Impaired Driving
- 02Truck Accidents18-Wheeler Crashes · Delivery Trucks · Driver Fatigue · Unsafe Loads · Poor Maintenance
- 03Motorcycle AccidentsLeft-Turn Crashes · Unsafe Lane Changes · Road Hazards · Rear-End Collisions · Uninsured Drivers
- 04Pedestrian AccidentsCrosswalk Accidents · Parking Lot Accidents · Hit-and-Run · Backing Accidents · Uninsured Drivers
- 05Bicycle AccidentsDooring · Right Hooks · Unsafe Passing · Road Defects · Hit-and-Run
- 06Slip & FallSlippery Floors · Uneven Sidewalks · Broken Pavement · Potholes in Surfaces · Loose Rugs or Carpeting
- 07Premises LiabilitySwimming Pools · Falling Objects · Elevators & Escalators · Fires · Toxic Exposure
- 08Negligent SecurityAssaults & Robberies · Broken Locks & Gates · Poor Lighting · No Guards or Cameras · Ignored Prior Incidents
- 09Dog BitesDog Bites · Animal Attacks · Negligent Handling · Owner Liability
- 10Wrongful DeathCar Accidents · Pedestrian Accidents · Poor Property Conditions · Animal-Related Incidents · Defective Products
(05) — Questions
Frequently asked questions.
General information only, not legal advice. Every situation is different, so the best answer starts with a conversation.
Ask us directlyIt’s a rule that can bar you from recovering compensation if you were even slightly at fault for your own injury. Maryland is one of only a few places that still follow it. Limited exceptions exist, so the specific facts matter.
Most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within 3 years. If a county, city or the State may be responsible, written notice is generally required within 1 year of the injury.
Yes. Maryland caps noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, based on when the injury happened. The cap is $980,000 for injuries between October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2027 ($965,000 for the year before), and it rises by $15,000 each October 1. Wrongful death cases with two or more beneficiaries have a higher cap.
If your policy includes PIP, it can pay some medical bills and lost wages no matter who was at fault. Check your policy’s declarations page to see whether PIP was waived.
Onx Law’s founder, Monica Washington Rothbaum, is admitted to practice in Maryland. Onx Law may represent you directly; depending on what your case needs, we may also work with co-counsel or involve trusted counsel.
Other areas we serve
(06) — Next step
You focus on recovery. We’ll help with the rest.
In Maryland, small details about fault can decide a case. Talking with an attorney early helps preserve evidence and protect your options.