Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What is a Survival Action Under Maryland Law?
Survival actions are somewhat related to wrongful death lawsuits but with an important distinction. When a person dies due to negligence, it is possible to file a legal action and request damages. In a wrongful death action, any surviving family members can sue for their own damages, pain, and suffering. A survival action is… Read More »
Multiple Shootings in Baltimore Create 9 Crime Victims in One Night
A rash of shootings in Baltimore created nine crime victims in one night, according to an article by The Baltimore Sun. Two of those crime victims died as a result of the gunshot wounds. These shootings took place in multiple locations across Baltimore. The most violent of these incidents was a quadruple shooting that… Read More »
When Does Maryland Require Qualified Expert Certificates for Medical Malpractice Claims?
Under Maryland law, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional deviates from usually accepted standards of care and injures a patient. This type of malpractice claim is only applicable if the medical professional’s actions were the proximate cause of the patient’s injury. Otherwise, the injured patient is unlikely to recover compensation in a medical… Read More »
What is the ‘Time on the Floor’ Rule in Maryland Premises Liability?
Under Maryland law, the doctrine of premises liability establishes certain duties and responsibilities for property owners. From a general standpoint, owners must maintain their property in a safe condition. If a dangerous condition develops on the premises, the owner must rectify the issue as quickly as possible or, at a minimum, post a warning… Read More »
Maryland Cop Faces Assault & Misconduct Charges After Forceful Arrest
A Maryland law enforcement officer faces charges for police misconduct and second-degree assault after making an excessively forceful arrest, according to an article by ABC News. A video recording of this incident surfaced on social media. During a drug-related arrest, the police officer appeared to use his knee to slam a suspect’s face into… Read More »
What are the Maximum Rates for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Maryland?
In Maryland, the Workers’ Compensation Commission (the Commission) is responsible for setting the maximum benefit rates every calendar year. As established in Maryland Code of Labor Employment Section 9-603, the Commission uses data from the Department of Labor to determine the state average for weekly wages annually. This average wage is applied to calculate… Read More »
Analyzing the Legal Backdrop of Wrongful Death Actions in Maryland
Wrongful death actions in Maryland provide an avenue for surviving family members to recover for the unjustified death of a loved one. As with many other U.S. states, Maryland law restricts this type of legal action to specific circumstances. In precise terms, the death in question must stem from a wrongful act. Additionally, the… Read More »
DUI & Vehicular Homicide Charges Filed After Deadly Crash in Maryland
A Maryland driver faces criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and vehicular homicide after causing a deadly crash in Ocean City, according to an article by CBS Baltimore. This car accident occurred on Friday, June 21st at approximately 2 a.m. Around that time, the driver was operating his passenger vehicle… Read More »
What are the Maryland Laws Against Distributing Illegal Drugs?
In the interest of public health and safety, it is a crime in the State of Maryland to distribute illegal drugs. Referred to legally as controlled substances, illegal drugs generally have addictive qualities and can result in death in overdose situations. Accordingly, it is unlawful to engage in drug dealing or a similar effort… Read More »
Maryland High Court Confirms One Satisfaction Rule in Medical Malpractice Case
The Court of Appeals of Maryland confirmed that the One Satisfaction Rule prevented a victim from pursuing medical malpractice claims against both an insurance company and hospital at the same time. In this decision, Gallagher v. Mercy Medical Center Inc., the Court of Appeals reviewed and agreed with similar decisions from the lower courts…. Read More »
