1. Miller & Zois
Focus Area: Serious injury and medical malpractice litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, birth injuries, nursing home abuse, product liability, premises liability
Background: The firm has 150 years of combined experience. Founded by attorneys who previously worked in insurance defense, providing insight into how insurance companies evaluate and contest claims. Office located on the 24th floor at One South Street in Baltimore. The firm has earned tens of millions in verdicts and settlements in Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Frederick County.
Location: One South Street, 24th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202
Contact: (800) 553-8082 | https://www.millerandzois.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee (no fee unless case is won)
2. Murphy, Falcon & Murphy
Focus Area: Complex personal injury and civil rights litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, police misconduct, civil rights violations, product liability, premises liability
Background: Over 70 years of history in Baltimore. The team includes William H. “Billy” Murphy, Jr., Richard V. Falcon, and Hassan Murphy. Attorneys have backgrounds as former judges, law professors, public defenders, and assistant state attorneys. Known nationally for case outcomes and commitment to justice. The firm emphasizes diversity in its legal team.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Contact: (410) 951-8744 | https://www.murphyfalcon.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available in office, online, or by phone, contingency fee basis
3. Silverman Thompson
Focus Area: Personal injury trial litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, product liability, nursing home abuse, construction accidents
Background: The personal injury attorneys are recognized as leaders in the Baltimore area and Mid-Atlantic region. The firm represents hundreds of personal injury victims and their families each year and has resolved thousands of cases through settlement and trial verdicts. Takes a team approach to each case. Known for willingness to take cases to trial rather than accepting low settlement offers.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Contact: (410) 385-2225 or (800) 385-2243 | https://www.silvermanthompson.com/
Consultation: Complimentary consultation available
4. Hyatt & Goldbloom
Focus Area: Accident injury representation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, wrongful death, drunk driving accidents
Background: Protecting accident victims in Maryland for more than 30 years. The firm has developed a clear understanding of the insurance claims process through decades of experience. Emphasizes walking clients through expectations and advising on actions to maximize settlement potential.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Contact: (410) 385-3180 | https://hyattandgoldbloom.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
5. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers
Focus Area: Personal injury and medical malpractice
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, construction accidents, workers’ compensation third-party claims, wrongful death, premises liability
Background: Many decades of combined experience. Attorneys are recognized as Maryland Super Lawyers and have achieved an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Offices in Owings Mills serve the greater Baltimore metropolitan area and Washington D.C. region. Experience handling complex issues including product liability claims against manufacturers.
Location: Owings Mills, Maryland (serving Baltimore area)
Contact: (410) 654-3600 | https://www.marylandinjurylawyer.net/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Personal Injury Laws in Maryland
Statute of Limitations: Maryland allows three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims against the state government require written notice to the Maryland Treasurer within one year of the incident. Claims against local governments have separate notice requirements that must be followed precisely. Medical malpractice cases must be filed within the earlier of five years from the malpractice or three years from discovery of the injury.
Negligence Rule: Maryland is one of only four states (along with Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia) plus Washington D.C. that follows contributory negligence. This means that if the injured party is found to have contributed to the accident in any way, even 1%, they are completely barred from recovering any compensation. This strict standard makes it critical for injured parties to work with attorneys who can build strong cases establishing the other party’s exclusive fault.
Damage Caps: Maryland places caps on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. The cap adjusts annually and as of 2024 stands at $935,000 for general personal injury claims. Medical malpractice cases have separate caps: $875,000 for non-fatal claims and $1,093,750 for wrongful death claims arising after January 1, 2023. The medical malpractice cap increases by $15,000 each year. There is no cap on economic damages or punitive damages in Maryland.
Auto Insurance Requirements: Maryland is an at-fault state for auto accidents. Required minimum liability coverage is 30/60/15: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for total bodily injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. Maryland also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits (30/60/15). Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of $2,500 is included in policies unless specifically waived in writing by the policyholder.
Additional Considerations: Maryland is a diminished value state, allowing drivers to recover compensation for the reduced resale value of their vehicle after an accident even if fully repaired. The state requires all insurers to offer underinsured motorist coverage, though policyholders may waive it in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Maryland’s contributory negligence rule impact my personal injury case in Baltimore?
A: Maryland’s contributory negligence doctrine is the strictest in the country. If the defendant can prove you were even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys routinely look for any evidence of plaintiff fault. This is why documentation immediately after an accident is critical, and why working with an experienced attorney who understands how to counter these arguments is essential for Baltimore injury claims.
Q: What notice requirements apply if I was injured by a government entity in Baltimore or Maryland?
A: Claims against state government require written notice to the Maryland Treasurer within one year of the incident. Local government claims may have a 180-day notice requirement before you can file suit. Failure to provide proper notice in the required timeframe can result in permanent loss of your right to sue. Given these strict requirements, injured parties should consult an attorney promptly to ensure all deadlines are met.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if the at-fault driver in my Baltimore accident was uninsured?
A: Maryland requires all policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with minimum limits of 30/60/15. If you are hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM coverage. Enhanced underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is also available as an option and provides additional protection when the at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient to cover your damages.
Q: What types of compensation are available to injury victims in Maryland?
A: Maryland injury victims may recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future care costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). Non-economic damages are subject to the state cap, which is currently $935,000 for non-medical malpractice claims. In cases of extremely egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available and are not subject to a cap.
Q: Why is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage important in Maryland even though it is a fault state?
A: Although Maryland uses a fault-based system, PIP coverage provides immediate payment for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage (minimum $2,500) allows injured parties to begin medical treatment without waiting for fault determination or insurance negotiations. Given that approximately 15% of Maryland drivers are uninsured, having PIP coverage provides an important safety net. Insurers must offer PIP, but policyholders can waive it in writing.