May 2011 Archives

May 30, 2011

$4.4 million verdict after power line stayed live after crash

A teen who emerged unhurt from a single-vehicle wreck only to suffer electrocution when he touched a downed power line has won a $4.4 million verdict against a Power Co. in a negligence suit. A jury awarded actual damages to the plaintiff. The lawyers said a key factor in winning the verdict was countering a corporate policy under which the power company claimed evidence from the scene wasn't subject to disclosure. Under the policy, "once they get notice that a non-employee is injured by line contact, that immediately triggers notice of anticipation of litigation, and they dispatch a claims person to the scene immediately so everything they do is under the umbrella of an attorney," said a lawyer who represented the victim. "That gives them the claim of protection from having to disclose information because it's in anticipation of litigation," she said. As a Maryland personal injury lawyer I regularly encounter cases against corporate negligence and their failure to upkeep their equipment.

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May 25, 2011

Jury award $5.5 million in medical malpractice case

A Supreme Court jury has awarded a couple $5.5 million dollars against a Hospital for serious pelvic injuries suffered eight years ago during the course of labor and delivery of a 10 pound baby. "This verdict clearly sends the message that hospitals are responsible for the safety of their patients. Those who have suffered an injury caused by hospitals, doctors or nursing homes should not be afraid to ask an attorney to evaluate their claims". As a Maryland medical malpractice attorney we review and evaluate these cases in detail and hire experts when needed to determine if a cause of action against responsible people could be filed

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May 17, 2011

Lawsuit settled in fatal car crash

The heirs of a 52-year-old man killed last year in a car crash have settled a civil lawsuit against a driver accused of running a stop sign. The driver was driving a truck when he ran a stop sign and struck a pickup driven by the victim who was headed north and preparing to turn left, according to charging documents. He later died from his injuries. As a Maryland car accident attorney I am frequently retained in pursuing these challenging cases.

Third District Judge this month approved a motion to settle the case filed by the decedent's sister, who is the court-appointed guardian of the victim's adult son. Under the settlement, the heirs will accept the policy limits offered by insurance companies. The undisclosed amount is to cover attorneys and accountants fees, hospital and medical bills, taxes owed and funeral expenses. Any remaining money is to go to the victim's heirs, 60 percent to the adult son, and 40 percent to his disability trust.

The victim is legally blind, suffers from epilepsy, microcephaly and pervasive developmental disorder, court documents state. The driver was charged with negligent homicide in the crash. Later that year, he entered a guilty plea in abeyance. Under the plea, the class A misdemeanor negligent homicide count will be reduced to a lesser class B misdemeanor after 36 months, as long as he follows court conditions that include completing 540 hours of community service. His license was also suspended for two years.

If you or a family member has been victimized by such tragic events call my offices at 1-800-320-0080 in Rockville or Baltimore, Maryland for an initial free consultation.

May 12, 2011

Jail negligent in immigrant's death

The daughter of a 49-year-old immigrant detainee who died after an infection overwhelmed his body has filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing officials at House of Correction and its privately run infirmary of gross negligence leading to his death. The claim seeks unspecified damages in the death of shuttle driver who was in jail fighting deportation to the Dominican Republic. As a Maryland lawyer I review these types of cases for potential liability of the correctional facilities and state actors in pursuing claims on behalf of familys aggrieved by such misconduct.

In the lawsuit,his daughter accuses jail and infirmary officials of reckless neglect, saying her father "died from a heart attack caused by a massive infection that the defendants failed to properly treat.'' The lawsuit, which alleges civil rights violations and medical malpractice, cites a federal report last year that said jail officials waited too long to take the victim to the hospital, allowing the infection to spread. His death triggered protests from advocates for immigrants and others concerned about detainees' care.

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May 10, 2011

Doctor error damages patient's vocal chords

The patient, a security worker, underwent surgery that addressed an aneurysm of his aorta. The procedure was performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon, at Presbyterian Hospital,During the surgery, the patient sustained damage of his left recurrent laryngeal nerve. The damage causes paralysis of some of his vocal cords. The patient sued the doctor and alleged that he failed to properly perform the surgery.He further alleged that the doctor's failure constituted malpractice. As a Maryland medical malpractice attorney I personally review all cases alleging medical malpratice and consult with professionals to determine if a cause of action exists.

Plaintiff that the aorta and the left recurrent laryngeal nerve share the same anatomical space. They claimed that the doctor's records indicated that the doctor initially identified the location of the nerve, but that he subsequently lost awareness of the nerve's location. They further claimed that the records did not indicate that the doctor demonstrated any resultant degree of extra caution.

The defense's expert cardiothoracic surgeon contended that neurological damage is a frequent result of surgeries that address the aorta, and he claimed that such damage is most likely when the surgeon is addressing the aortic arch. He contended that the aortic arch was the site of the surgery that the doctor performed. The expert further opined that neurological damage is very likely during surgeries that involve aneurysms of the aorta. He estimated that some 30 percent result in neurological injuries that do not lead to allegations of malpractice.

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May 3, 2011

Crash involving stolen car settles

The plaintiff a waitress, was stopped in her Honda Civic, southbound, intending to turn left, when she was rear-ended by a Ford Taurus . The victim was pushed across the median into the northbound lane, when she was broadsided on the passenger's side by a van that was driving in the course and scope of his employment. As a Maryland auto accidnet lawyer I handle many types of accidnets similar to the facts of this case.

Prior to the collision, the driver had stolen the Ford Taurus from a private home in where the homeowner had left his car unlocked and running with the keys in the ignition. Following the crash, the driver fled the scene and was apprehended a few days later. He was charged with such charges as theft, reckless driving, driving under the influence (all of which he pled guilty to), and he was sentenced to a prison term, which he served. The plaintiff was extracted from the vehicle and taken to aMedical Center's trauma unit, where she was treated for fractures to her L2, L4 and L5 vertebrae, right clavicle, sternum and right femur, as well as a lacerated patellar tendon. She received a rod in her femur which resulted in differentiation in leg length that caused her to limp and rely upon a cane. In addition, Mee sustained impairment to her cognitive abilities, primarily compromise of her short-term memory. After her hospitalization she was transferred to a rehabilitation center where she underwent extensive physical and cognitive treatment. The plaintiff sought to recover an approximately $61,000 department of public welfare lien.

The victim sued the driver and, the van driver and corporate entity and another man (who the driver had picked up after stealing the vehicle), alleging negligence. Plaintiff and defendant settled prior to trial for his insurance policy limits of $100,000. During trial, the plaintiff settled confidentially with the vans corporation. The plaintiff then dismissed the drivers friend (who was not represented) at trial. The remaining defendant, did not attend the trial and did not file any responses; as a result, a directed verdict was entered against him on negligence, and the case was tried on the issue of causation and damages.

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