Experienced Maryland car and truck accident lawyers know that which court you file a case in can dramatically effect its outcome and value. Here are five factors to take into consideration.
1). Prospective verdict range. Valuing cases is a mix of experience and guesswork. If you've tried enough cases you know that seemingly strong cases can go sideways but also that jurors sometimes empathize with the injured party more than you might have expected.
It is however important to weigh the injuries sustained, the economics of lost income and medical expenses and whether the victim plausibly has a permanent injury from the accident. From these factors veridct values can be estimated.
2). Where the lawsuit can be brought geographically. It is well-known that some Maryland counties produce larger verdicts than others. While there are a variety of reasons for this there is little doubt that the potential for a larger award is much greater in the wealthier more populated counties of the Western shore of Maryland including Anne Arundel. Charles, Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties.
So if you can bring your lawsuit in one of those counties your upside is greater.
3). Can your case advantageously be brought in Federal Court? Federal court juries are composed of residents of multiple counties and often are perceived to be more generous than jurors in rural counties in Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore.
Given a choice between trying a case in Garrett County or Federal court, the latter would almost always be more likely to produce a higher result.
4). Is there a need for speed in a case with limited value? Smaller cases will be reached for trial much more rapidly in Maryland State District Court. Smaller means $30,000.00 or less.
5). Can a Maryland crash case be brought in state or jurisdiction outside of Maryland? If a Maryland driver or company causes a collision in another state, generally that state or district can be the location of a lawsuit. Obviously such a choice of venue is subject to consideration as to whether it is more advantageous then any alternative one in Maryland.
These Five Factors are best weighed by experienced trial lawyers familiar with all of the facts of your case and injuries.
