Lost Wages in a Maryland Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Maryland, you can recover lost wages and future earning capacity as part of your claim. Here is exactly how to document, calculate, and recover your income losses.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Contributory negligence
Fault System
3 years
Filing Deadline
At-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Maryland
Past Lost Wages
All income you lost from the date of the accident through settlement or verdict — including salary, hourly wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment income.
Future Lost Earnings
If your injury causes permanent or long-term disability affecting your ability to work, you can recover the present value of future income losses. Expert economic testimony is typically required.
Lost Business Income
Self-employed individuals and business owners can claim documented lost profits caused by their inability to work.
Benefits & PTO Used
Sick days, vacation days, and other benefits consumed due to your injury may be recoverable as lost wages.
No-Fault vs At-Fault in Maryland
Maryland Injury Law
Maryland is one of the last four states to maintain the strict contributory negligence rule, which completely bars any recovery if the plaintiff bears any degree of fault. This harsh doctrine is tempered only by the last clear chance doctrine in certain circumstances. Despite this challenging environment for plaintiffs, Maryland courts in Baltimore and surrounding jurisdictions produce significant verdicts in appropriate cases. The statute of limitations is 3 years for most personal injury claims. Maryland does not require no-fault PIP coverage. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. and a large government workforce create significant claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act alongside state law cases. Maryland caps noneconomic damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases at a sliding scale beginning around $920,000 (indexed annually for inflation). Medical malpractice claims have the same noneconomic cap and require a certificate of qualified expert at filing. Government claims require strict notice compliance.