Maryland Personal Injury Settlement Calculator
WARNING: Maryland uses contributory negligence. Even 1% fault = $0 recovery. One of only 5 jurisdictions with this rule. The "last clear chance" doctrine may offer limited relief.
Maryland's Contributory Negligence Rule
WARNING: Maryland is one of only 5 jurisdictions in the US still using pure contributory negligence. If you are found even 1% at fault, you recover $0.
Last Clear Chance Doctrine: Maryland does recognize a limited exception. If the defendant had the last opportunity to avoid the accident and failed, the plaintiff may still recover despite their own negligence. This is narrow and requires expert legal argument.
Insurance adjusters in MD are trained to find any fault to deny claims. Without an attorney, you are at a severe disadvantage.
Statute of Limitations: 3 Years
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years |
| Claims Against Government | 1 year notice required |
Average Settlements in Maryland
Maryland settlements are moderate overall, buoyed by the Baltimore metro area but suppressed by the contributory negligence rule statewide.
- Minor injuries (soft tissue, whiplash): $8,000 - $25,000
- Moderate injuries (fractures, moderate whiplash): $40,000 - $85,000
- Serious injuries (surgery, disc injuries): $200,000 - $900,000
- Catastrophic injuries: $1,000,000+
Top Cities in Maryland
| City | Population | Settlement Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 569K | Higher verdicts, plaintiff-friendly juries |
| Frederick | 78K | Moderate |
| Rockville | 68K | Moderate (suburban DC) |
| Annapolis | 41K | Moderate |
Maryland Insurance Minimums
Maryland requires drivers to carry the following minimum auto liability insurance coverage:
Required Minimum Coverage (Maryland)
- Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $15,000 per accident
Maryland requires 30/60/15 minimum auto liability coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory, and PIP coverage of $2,500 is required.
Settlement Amounts by Injury Type in Maryland
Settlement values vary widely depending on how badly you were hurt. These ranges are based on typical outcomes in Maryland courts and insurance negotiations. Your case could be higher or lower depending on the specifics.
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range | Multiplier Used |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash / Soft Tissue | $8,000 - $25,000 | 1.5x - 2.5x |
| Fractures | $30,000 - $85,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Herniated Disc | $40,000 - $110,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Concussion / Mild TBI | $30,000 - $90,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Burns | $50,000 - $190,000 | 3x - 5x |
| Back / Spinal Injury | $80,000 - $380,000 | 3.5x - 5x |
| Knee / Shoulder Surgery | $50,000 - $140,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Wrongful Death | $500,000 - $2,500,000+ | N/A |
These numbers reflect cases where the other party was clearly at fault. If you share some blame, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Maryland's negligence rules.
Damages Caps in Maryland
Maryland caps non-economic damages in personal injury cases. The cap increases each year and is currently $920,000 for 2026. This cap applies to all personal injury cases, not just medical malpractice. Punitive damages are uncapped but require actual malice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maryland's statute of limitations for personal injury?
Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101). For wrongful death, it's 3 years. Government claims require a notice filing within 1 year.
Does Maryland have any exceptions to contributory negligence?
Yes — the "last clear chance" doctrine. If the defendant had the final opportunity to avoid the accident and failed to take it, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, this doctrine is narrow and requires an experienced attorney to argue successfully.
What is the average settlement in Maryland?
Maryland settlements average $25,000 to $90,000. Baltimore cases tend to settle higher. Minor injuries: $8K-$25K. Moderate: $40K-$85K. Severe: $200K-$900K (with experienced attorney proving 0% fault).
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