Maryland Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty To Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care is a legal concept that relates to a plaintiff's obligation to take reasonable steps to minimize their damages and mitigate their injuries. This instruction is often used in personal injury cases where the plaintiff has suffered physical harm and is seeking compensation for their medical expenses. The duty to mitigate requires the injured party to act reasonably and prudently when seeking medical care. They must take all necessary steps to seek appropriate and timely medical treatment to prevent further harm or worsening of their condition. By doing so, the injured party demonstrates that they have made a genuine effort to mitigate their damages and minimize the impact of the injury. Specifically, the injured party should follow the advice and recommendations of qualified healthcare professionals in pursuing medical care. This may involve obtaining a timely diagnosis, undergoing necessary medical procedures, attending follow-up appointments, and adhering to prescribed treatment plans. Failure to do so may result in the defendant arguing that the plaintiff failed to mitigate their damages, thereby reducing the potential compensation they may be entitled to. Maryland Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty To Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care encompasses various scenarios where the duty to mitigate applies. These may include: 1. Failure to seek medical attention promptly: If the injured party unreasonably delays seeking medical care after an accident or injury, they may be seen as failing to mitigate their damages. Promptly seeking medical attention can ensure early detection and treatment of injuries, potentially preventing further complications. 2. Non-compliance with medical advice: If the injured party disregards the advice and recommendations given by medical professionals, such as not attending appointments or not following prescribed treatments, it may be argued that they did not fulfill their duty to mitigate. Compliance with medical advice is vital in facilitating a timely recovery and preventing additional harm. 3. Inadequate efforts to find appropriate medical care: If the injured party does not make reasonable efforts to find appropriate medical care in their region, they may be seen as failing to mitigate. They must show that they have made reasonable attempts to identify and seek out qualified healthcare professionals who can provide suitable treatment for their injuries. It is important to note that the duty to mitigate is not absolute, and the burden of proof lies with the defendant to demonstrate that the injured party failed to meet this duty. However, by understanding and fulfilling the duty to mitigate, the injured party strengthens their case for obtaining fair compensation for their medical expenses and other damages resulting from the injury.