When someone gets hurt in Maryland, it’s not always their fault. In some cases, the law says certain people or companies are responsible for injuries, even if they didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt. This is called strict liability, and it’s a big deal in personal injury cases.
Negligence is not the only determining factor when fighting for personal injury compensation and holding parties responsible for their actions. Strict liability in Baltimore helps to determine fault even without intentional negligence.
If you’ve been injured in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, understanding strict liability can help you figure out how to get personal injury compensation. At Saller Law, we specialize in personal injury cases in Baltimore and break down what you need to know when arguing for your fair compensation following an injury.
Remember: articles on sallerlaw.com are not intended as legal advice, please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation.
What is Strict Liability?
Strict liability means someone can be held responsible for causing harm, even if they didn’t act carelessly or intentionally. This law applies when a person or company does something dangerous, like selling faulty products, keeping wild animals as pets, or partaking in dangerous activities on private land that affect neighbors or nearby occupants. They don’t have to “prove” they were careful to avoid paying for damages.
For example:
- If a company makes a toy that breaks easily and hurts a child, the company could be held strictly liable.
- If someone’s pet tiger bites a neighbor, the tiger’s owner is responsible under strict liability.
- If a trucking accident occurs and it is found the commercial company used faulty or known defective parts that caused the accident.
How Does Strict Liability Work in Maryland?
Dangerous Products
If you buy something, you expect it to be safe. But what happens if it isn’t?
Dangerous products, also called defective products, can cause serious injuries. Under strict liability, the company that made or sold the product is responsible for those injuries. It doesn’t matter if the company didn’t know the product was dangerous; they still have to make things right.
Example:
Imagine a chair that collapses when you sit on it, causing you to hurt your back. Even if the store that sold the chair didn’t realize it was faulty, you can hold them liable under strict liability.
Wild or Dangerous Animals
Most pets, like dogs or cats, are safe to have around. But some animals, like snakes, tigers, or wolves, are considered dangerous. In Maryland, if you own a wild animal and it hurts someone, you are strictly liable for the injuries.
Abnormally Dangerous Activities
Some activities are so risky that anyone doing them is automatically responsible for any injuries that happen. For example, using explosives or dealing with toxic chemicals falls into this category. Even if the person doing these activities follows every safety rule, they can still be held strictly liable for accidents.
Dangerous activities can also be found to be at fault under strict liability even if the person was partaking in the activities on their private property – nearby neighbors or occupants can pursue personal injury claims due to the nature of the dangerous activity that caused them harm.
Why Does Strict Liability Matter in Personal Injury Cases?
Strict liability makes it easier for injured people to get compensation. In other types of personal injury cases, you might have to prove that someone was negligent, or not careful enough. But with strict liability, you don’t have to prove negligence. You only have to show:
- The injury happened because of a dangerous product, animal, or activity.
- You were using the product or interacting with the situation as expected.
This is good news if you’re looking for help with a personal injury in Baltimore. Strict liability laws are there to protect you. Do you think your personal injury claim qualifies? Contact Saller Law for a free consult and learn more.
How Strict Liability Works in Auto Accidents
Strict liability can also play a role in certain auto accident cases in Maryland. While most car accident cases depend on proving negligence—meaning you must show that the other driver was careless or reckless—strict liability may apply in specific situations. Here’s how it works:
Defective Vehicles or Auto Parts
If an auto accident happens because a car or truck has a defective part, such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires, the manufacturer of the defective part can be held strictly liable. This means you don’t need to prove the manufacturer was negligent; you just need to show:
- The part was defective.
- The defect caused the accident and your injuries.
- You were using the vehicle as intended.
Example:
Imagine you are driving normally when your car’s brakes suddenly fail, causing a crash. If the brakes were defective, the company that made them could be held strictly liable for the accident.
Dangerous Commercial Trucks
Strict liability may also apply in cases involving commercial trucks if the trucking company knowingly uses unsafe equipment or fails to maintain its fleet properly. If these decisions lead to a crash, the company could be held liable under strict liability principles.
Accidents Involving Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars are becoming more common, and they bring unique challenges. If a malfunction in the self-driving technology causes an accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the company that created the software may be held strictly liable for injuries.
How a Lawyer Can Help in Strict Liability Auto Accident Cases
Strict liability auto accident cases can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved, such as manufacturers, dealerships, or trucking companies. A personal injury lawyer in Baltimore can:
- Investigate the accident.
- Gather evidence, such as crash reports, vehicle maintenance records, and expert opinions.
- Help you determine which parties may be responsible under strict liability laws.
At Saller Law, we have experience handling auto accident cases involving strict liability. Whether your injury was caused by a defective vehicle or another dangerous situation, we’re here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Adding strict liability to the list of possibilities in auto accidents can simplify the process of getting personal injury compensation in Maryland. Contact Saller Law for a free consultation to see if your case qualifies!
How to Get Personal Injury Compensation in Maryland
1. Get Medical Help
Your health comes first. See a doctor as soon as possible to treat your injuries and document them. Gather all documentation and bills and keep records of injuries, treatment plans, costs, and more.
2. Collect Evidence
Take pictures of what caused your injury. If it’s a product, keep it as proof. Write down what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. Gather any photos, media, or videos that are available. Talk to any witnesses for their contact info and any media they may have.
3. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Baltimore
A lawyer can help you figure out if strict liability applies to your case. They can also help you file a claim and negotiate with the other party. At Saller Law, we’ll guide you through every step of the process to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
What Can You Get Compensation For Under a Personal Injury Claim
Medical bills: Doctors, hospitals, and medications.
Lost wages: Money you couldn’t earn because of your injury.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury.
See all of the compensation you could be owed in a personal injury case: CLICK HERE.
Contact Saller Law for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in Baltimore and think strict liability might apply to your case, we’re here to help. At Saller Law, we offer a free consultation to review your case and answer your questions. Don’t wait—contact us today to get started on the road to recovery.
At Saller Law, we know how tough it is to deal with an injury. That’s why we fight hard to get you the compensation you need. We have experience with personal injury cases in Baltimore and understand how strict liability laws work in Maryland.
Let us fight for you so you can focus on healing!
FAQs About Strict Liability and Personal Injury
What is strict liability?
Strict liability means someone is responsible for injuries caused by dangerous products, animals, or activities, even if they didn’t act carelessly.
Do I need a lawyer for a strict liability case?
Yes. A personal injury lawyer in Baltimore can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and file a claim.
What kinds of products are covered under strict liability?
Any defective product that causes injury could fall under strict liability, including toys, appliances, tools, or food items.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Maryland, the time limit, called the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the injury. It’s important to act quickly and consult with a lawyer to begin building your claim and gathering evidence.
What if I was partly at fault for my injury?
Maryland follows a rule called contributory negligence, which means you can’t get compensation if you are even 1% at fault. This makes it even more important to work with a lawyer who can present a strong case if you’ve been injured by another party. First time consults are free – learn what your options are.
