Author Archives: Jay Butchko

What is the Difference Between Criminal Case & Civil Lawsuit for Maryland Crime Victims?
The State of Maryland provides several legal options to crime victims who suffer harm or injury as a result of a criminal act. Two of the most common options in these situations are criminal cases and civil lawsuits. In both approaches, the criminal defendant can face liability in court for their wrongful actions. Though… Read More »

Maryland Patient Receives $2 Million Award in Medical Malpractice Case
A jury in Montgomery County decided there was a lack of informed consent in a medical malpractice case and awarded $2 million to an injured Maryland patient, according to an article by the Maryland Daily Record. Though the final award will likely decrease slightly due to the state cap on damages in medical malpractice… Read More »

Baltimore Shootings Create 7 Crime Victims in Under 24 Hours
At least seven crime victims were injured in a spree of unrelated Baltimore shootings, according to an article by The Baltimore Sun. These shootings started at approximately 10 p.m. on Memorial Day and continued into the next afternoon. North Fulton Avenue (approx. 10:18 p.m.) Police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the… Read More »

Exploring 4 Versions of DUI & DWI in Maryland
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are reckless behaviors that cause deaths, injuries, and property damage across Maryland each year. It does not matter if a driver consumes alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. When a person loses the ability to control their vehicle and obey the rules of… Read More »

Exploring Maryland Car & Truck Accident Laws
When there is a car or truck accident in Maryland, the driver responsible may face legal consequences in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. Though in order to sue a driver for a truck or car accident in Maryland, the victim must be able to satisfy certain legal standards. Harm or Damage In… Read More »

What are Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits for Injured Maryland Workers?
Vocational rehabilitation is a specific benefit available to qualifying employees under Maryland workers’ compensation laws. To qualify for vocational rehabilitation, the employee must sustain an injury arising out of their employment. Furthermore, the injury in question must prevent the employee from returning to their previous job duties and responsibilities. The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission… Read More »

Notice of Wrongful Death Claim Filed Against University of Maryland
The family members of a deceased University of Maryland student appear to be proceeding with a wrongful death claim against the school, according to an article by The Washington Post. The female student in question contracted adenovirus and later died as a result of illness. The potential of a wrongful death action comes on… Read More »

Inspecting 2 Landmark Negligent Security Cases in Maryland
In certain situations, Maryland law enables an injured visitor to sue property owners under the doctrine of premises liability. Within that doctrine, negligent security addresses when a property owner has a duty to prevent the criminal actions of third-party actors. Under Maryland law, negligent security is only appropriate if there is a special relationship… Read More »

When Can Maryland Police Officers Make Warrantless Arrests?
Under U.S. federal and Maryland state laws, police officers must normally obtain a warrant before making an arrest. Depriving a person of their constitutional right to liberty without a warrant generally qualifies as police misconduct. That being said, Maryland law does provide a number of exceptions to this rule. In narrowly tailored situations, Maryland… Read More »

How Does Maryland Premises Liability Address Slip and Falls?
Whenever someone slips and falls on another person’s property, a premises liability lawsuit is likely to follow. Rooted in negligence, this type of legal action allows a visitor to recover compensation from the property owner. Though the visitor must sustain an actual injury to mount a successful slip-and-fall lawsuit. Legal Background for Slip and… Read More »