Thomas J. Maronick Jr. recently spoke with WMDT in Maryland about House Bill 113. The bill, which has recently been introduced, seeks to end the cap on non-economic damages in personal injury and wrongful death claims in the state of Maryland.
Caps on Non-Economic Damages and How House Bill 113 Would Reform the State’s Current Status
As it stands, Maryland currently has a limit on how much compensation victims and their families can collect in personal injury and wrongful death cases—$950,000. This bill, titled Civil Actions—Noneconomic Damages—Personal Injury and Wrongful Death would repeal this cap and instead, place the determination of monetary awards back in the hands of the judiciary system.
Not only would this change put more control back in the hands of judges and juries, but it addresses the complexity of these types of cases. Natalie Ziegler, the delegate who introduced this bill, was inspired to seek more transparency and accountability after one of her constituents, who had lost her husband in the Capital Gazette shooting in 2018, raised concerns about security fixes. For those who were severely injured as a result of negligence or, in the case of this constituent, left to reel from the devastation of a wrongful death, it raises the question: How much is pain and suffering truly worth?
Unlike physical injuries that are calculated through medical records and lost wages, non-economic damages such as mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of consortium don’t have straightforward price tags. While there is no true monetary value that the loss of a loved one or reduced quality of life has, the limitations Maryland currently imposes tend to favor the perpetrator in these cases, rather than the victim and their families.
Not only does this bill aim to fix that, but it also will likely symbolize a significant shift in how insurance companies respond to future claims of pain and suffering. “I think that what will happen is that the insurance companies will want to resolve more cases than not risk trials,” Maronick tells WMDT, “and I think it’s actually going to make for a much more even playing field, and a much more reasonable solution across the board.”
Attorney Maronick testified on February 19th in favor of the bill, believing that it will help clients pursuing personal injury and wrongful death claims in Maryland moving forward.
Contact Maronick Law to File a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland
If you or someone you love was injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to pursue justice alone. Maronick Law in Maryland is dedicated to giving a voice to victims throughout the state, including Glen Burnie, Baltimore, Rockville, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, and Denton.
Contact our firm today at 443-351-6657 to schedule a free case evaluation. Whether it was a car accident, slip and fall, work-related injury, or medical negligence, Maronick Law is here to guide you through the claims process and pursue the compensation you need.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.