A Neighborhood Attorney.
A Tough Legal Advocate.

Have You Suffered An Injury?

The Law Office of Ronald L. Schwartz has been representing citizens of Maryland and Washington, D.C., for more than 30 years in the following types of personal injury actions:

  • Automobile accidents
  • Legal malpractice
  • Medical malpractice
  • Workers’ compensation

As a personal injury victim, you need to know your rights.

For most cases in Maryland and Washington, D.C., you must prove that the following elements of negligence existed to collect compensation for a personal injury case:

  • There was a legal duty owed by one person to others.
  • There was a breach of such duty by the person.
  • The breach of duty was the proximate cause of the damages.
  • The injured person suffered damages.

Automobile Accidents

Automobile, motorcycle, SUV and truck accidents can cause serious, permanent injuries and result in thousands of fatalities each year. If you are involved in an automobile accident, be mindful of the following guidelines before you even consult with an attorney:

  • Call the police, and stay at the scene until they arrive.
  • Exchange names and contact information with the involved driver.
  • Do not admit liability or discuss the accident with other drivers or witnesses.
  • Call your insurance company and report the accident.
  • Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company or representative.
  • Do not sign any waivers or settlement offers until discussing them with your attorney.

Legal Malpractice

Legal malpractice occurs when a lawyer fails to provide competent, professional service to a client and the client suffers damages because of that failure. The following are several theories of legal liability that can be proven once an attorney-client relationship has been established:

  • Negligence – Your attorney’s substandard conduct was negligent and caused you financial harm.
  • Breach of fiduciary duty – Your attorney’s personal interests were put ahead of your best interests.
  • Breach of contract – Your attorney violated your legal contract or agreement.
  • Fraud – Your attorney committed a criminal or civil act of deception.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice cases operate under the same legal theories as legal malpractice cases, except that the former involve doctors, dentists, health care staff and caregivers, hospitals, pharmacists or surgeons.

In order to be successful in a medical malpractice case, you must produce expert medical testimony showing that no reasonable health care provider would have performed in the same manner. The medical community defines the standard of care in medical malpractice cases according to the following:

  • The available knowledge
  • The geographic location of the care
  • The state of medical practices at the time of care

Medical malpractice cases can be instituted when medical services result in an additional or different sickness or injury, or in death. Medical malpractice lawsuits may involve the following:

  • Birth-related problems
  • Elder care negligence
  • Misdiagnosis and mistreatment
  • Prescription errors
  • Surgery mistakes

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is governed by state statutory law and provides benefits for employees hurt in the scope of their employment. Compensation is provided for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost time at work
  • Temporary and permanent disability, either partial or total

The employer’s insurance company pays the workers’ compensation. It is important to notify your employer of your work-related injury as soon as possible after the accident. Benefit payments should begin shortly after you give notice and the insurance company determines that you are eligible.

If your benefits are not forthcoming, your attorney can arrange for an emergency hearing before the state industrial commission. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid at an average weekly wage according to your earnings the year before the accident.

Contact A Reputable Lawyer For Help With Your Personal Injury Claim In Maryland

Call The Law Office of Ronald L. Schwartz at 301-892-3410 or contact us online for a free consultation. The firm can put its talent to work for you so you can obtain the compensation and damages you deserve for your personal injuries.