Earlier this month, a state appellate court issued an opinion in a personal injury case brought by a man whose finger was severed while working with a construction loader. The lawsuit was filed against the company that leased the loader to his employer and required the court to determine whether…
Maryland Accident Law Blog
Maryland Does Not Allow Dram Shop or Social Host Liability
When someone is injured in a Maryland DUI accident, it is conceivable that there are multiple liable parties. Of course, the motorist who was driving drunk is the most obvious party; however, it would seem logical that the individual or establishment that overserved the intoxicated driver also bears some responsibility.…
Court Rejects Government’s Claim of Immunity in Recent Police-Chase Accident
Recently, an appellate court issued a written opinion in a car accident case raising an important issue that comes up regularly in Maryland personal injury cases that are filed against a government agency or official. Specifically, the case presented the court with the opportunity to discuss whether a police officer’s…
Court Permits Maintenance Worker’s Case Against Casino to Proceed Toward Trial in Recent Premises Liability Lawsuit
Recently, a federal appellate court issued a written opinion in a personal injury case discussing whether a casino could be held liable for the injuries sustained by an independent contractor when he fell from a ladder while working on the building’s roof. Ultimately, the court concluded that the plaintiff presented…
Court Discusses Proximate Cause in Recent Food-Poisoning Product Liability Case
Recently, a state appellate court issued a written opinion in a personal injury case discussing an important issue that frequently comes up in Maryland product liability cases involving defective or unsafe food products. The case required the court to determine the appropriate standard by which a plaintiff’s food-poisoning case is…
Slip-and-Fall Accidents at Maryland Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
As a general rule, the law requires that all land owners maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition, and warn their guests about hazards that may not be evident. Under Maryland premises liability law, the duty a landowner owes her guest depends on several circumstances; however, Maryland businesses owe…
The Importance of Following the Procedural Requirements in Cases Against the Government
The Maryland Tort Claims Act (MTCA) allows for certain Maryland personal injury cases to be filed against the state and local governments. However, under the MTCA, cases that name government employees or agencies as defendants are subject to additional procedural requirements. Under Maryland Code section 12-106, an injury victim must…
Court Affirms $3.4 Million Verdict in Recent Product Liability Case
Earlier this month, the Federal Court of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit issued a written opinion in a personal injury lawsuit affirming a jury’s verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The case presents important issues for Maryland accident victims in that it illustrates the “failure to warn” theory of product…
Court Determines Plaintiff’s Photograph of a Raised Portion of the Sidewalk Was Insufficient to Establish That the City Had Notice of the Hazard
Recently, a state appellate court issued an opinion in a premises liability lawsuit that was brought by a woman who tripped on a raised portion of the sidewalk that was maintained by the defendant city. The case required the court to determine if the plaintiff’s evidence was sufficient to prove…
Court Dismisses Plaintiff’s Parking Lot Slip-and-Fall Case, Citing Plaintiff’s Failure to Establish That a Hazard Existed
Recently, a state appellate court issued a written opinion in a personal injury case raising several important issues that commonly arise in Maryland premises liability lawsuits. The case required the court to determine if the plaintiff’s case was properly dismissed following a defense motion for summary judgment. Finding that the plaintiff…