Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

After an accident in Baltimore leaves you injured, overwhelmed by medical bills, and unable to work, one question quickly surfaces: What damages can you sue for? Maryland law recognizes specific categories of recoverable losses in personal injury cases, from medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering. Knowing which damages apply to your situation helps you understand what compensation may be available and sets clear expectations as you move forward. At Bob Katz Law, we help injured victims navigate these categories and build cases based on the real losses they’ve experienced.

What Is a Personal Injury Case?

In Baltimore, a personal injury case arises when someone is harmed due to another person or entity’s failure to act responsibly or their engagement in careless or intentional conduct. These claims are intended to recover losses associated with the injury, including medical expenses, lost income, and other resulting damages. Situations such as vehicle collisions, falls on unsafe property, and medical errors often fall into this category, and the injured party must show that the other side caused the harm.

A personal injury case depends on how the injury occurred and the legal avenues available to address the resulting losses. The harm must stem from a civil wrong, most often negligence, which refers to conduct that falls below the reasonable standards of care. Compensation may be pursued for both economic and non-economic losses, usually through an insurance claim and, when issues cannot be resolved, through a lawsuit in civil court.

Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury law encompasses various situations where unsafe conduct results in harm. Common cases may include:

• Car accidents are caused by distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield.
• Slip and fall incidents in stores, apartment buildings, and other public spaces.
• Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles and multiple responsible parties.
• Pedestrian and motorcycle crashes often result in serious injuries.
• Injuries caused by defective or unsafe products.

While the circumstances vary, each case requires showing fault and documenting resulting damages.

What Damages Can I Sue for in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When clients ask: What damages can you sue for under Maryland law, the answer depends on how the injury affected both finances and quality of life. Maryland recognizes two main categories of compensable losses: economic damages and non-economic damages. These categories allow courts and juries to evaluate compensation consistently and transparently.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses tied directly to the injury. According to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 11-109, this category includes medical expenses and lost earnings, but it does not include punitive damages. These losses are often supported by billing records, employment documentation, and expert opinions regarding future care needs.

Economic damages must be clearly identified to reflect past medical expenses, future medical expenses, and past loss of earnings, among other qualifying costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the human impact of an injury that cannot be quantified in monetary terms. These damages may include physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact an injury has on daily routines and personal relationships.

Maryland places statutory limits on non-economic damages in personal injury cases, which are adjusted on a regular basis. While these damages are more difficult to quantify, courts may consider testimony, medical records, and the nature of the injury itself when determining a fair figure within the bounds set by law.

How Is the Value of a Personal Injury Case Calculated?

The value of a personal injury case depends on more than just adding up bills. Insurance companies and courts may consider the severity of the injury, the duration of recovery, and whether the injury results in lasting limitations. A short recovery period with minimal treatment appears different from an injury that requires surgery or long-term care.

Evidence makes a difference here. Medical documentation, wage records, photographs, and witness statements all play a role in demonstrating how damages are directly connected to the accident. Questions about fault, including whether more than one party contributed to the harm, can also affect the final valuation.

People often wonder what damages you can sue for once they see how these factors interact. Financial losses may be straightforward, but non-economic harm usually depends on how clearly the injury’s impact is presented and supported.

How We Can Help You

Understanding what damages you can sue for is only one piece of a much larger process. At Bob Katz Law, we guide clients through each stage of a Baltimore personal injury case, from documenting losses to presenting clear, well-supported claims under the law. Our team focuses on building cases that reflect the full scope of harm, grounded in evidence and aligned with statutory requirements. Contact us today at 410-576-4287 for a free consultation.

Timothy J. Capurso

Timothy J. Capurso is chair of the firm’s Personal Injury Practice Group. He concentrates his practice on personal injury cases of all types, focusing on automobile accidents. His background includes litigating personal injury cases from inception through trial and settlement negotiations. 25+ years of experience.

Contact Timothy J. Capruso