Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

Maryland Court Examines Statute of Limitations in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: November 15, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

Under Maryland law, people harmed by incompetent medical care have the right to assert medical malpractice claims against the providers responsible for their losses. They must act promptly, however, because if they wait too long to seek compensation, they may waive the right to do so. It may not always be clear when harm arises, and the statute of limitation begins to run, though. As explained in a recent Maryland medical malpractice case, a cause of action accrues when negligence first causes a patient harm. If you were hurt by ineffectual medical care, it is advisable to contact a Maryland medical malpractice attorney to discuss your possible claims.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff began experiencing numbness in her hands in 2008. That same year, she consulted the defendant and underwent MRI studies. In 2010, she developed balance and pronunciation issues, leading to another MRI and consultation with the defendant. Over the years, she experienced various symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2017. In 2020, the plaintiff filed a medical negligence claim against the defendant. The defendants moved for summary judgment, asserting that the claims were time-barred under the statute of limitations. The trial court granted the defendant’s motion, and the plaintiff appealed.

Statute of Limitations in Medical Malpractice Cases

On appeal, the court viewed the facts of the case in a light most favorable to the plaintiff but ultimately affirmed the trial court ruling. In doing so, the court noted that the central issue was the determination of when the injury occurred for statute of limitations purposes. The defendants argued that the symptoms the plaintiff experienced in 2011 constituted an injury, making her claim time-barred. The plaintiff contended that the harm sufficient to trigger the statute of limitations did not occur until her MS diagnosis in 2017. Continue Reading ›

Court Discusses Admissibility of Expert Opinions in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: November 7, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

In medical malpractice cases, to establish liability and damages the plaintiff will typically have to retain one or more medical experts. As such, it is not uncommon for a defendant to try to defeat a plaintiff’s claims by arguing that their expert should not be permitted to testify. As discussed in a recent medical malpractice ruling, the courts engage in a multi-step process when faced with challenges to the admissibility of expert opinions. If you suffered losses due to the carelessness of a doctor or dentist, it is wise to meet with a Maryland medical malpractice attorney promptly.

The Facts of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiffs brought a medical malpractice suit against the defendant, alleging negligence in the dental care administered to plaintiff-wife. The claim asserted that a proper biopsy and diagnosis by the defendant in August or December 2015 could have prevented a subsequent neck dissection and radiation therapy.

Reportedly, the defendant moved for summary judgment on the grounds that the opinions of the plaintiffs’ expert witness were inadmissible. First, the defendant contended that the plaintiff’s expert could not provide admissible evidence to establish causation. Second, the defendant asserted that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated the existence of any causation evidence related to a specific appointment. Lastly, the defendant argued that the plaintiffs failed to provide evidence that the defendant breached the standards of care during certain treatments. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Discusses Confessed Judgments in Medical Malpractice Actions

Published on: October 31, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

It is not uncommon for parties in medical malpractice actions to ultimately settle instead of proceeding to trial. In such instances, the settlement agreement is enforceable. As such, if the defendant does not make payments as required under the agreement, the plaintiff can file a complaint for confessed judgment in order to recover the amount owed in the settlement, as discussed in a recent Maryland case. If you were harmed by the negligence of a healthcare provider, it is smart to contact a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your rights.

Procedural Setting of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff filed a Complaint for Confessed Judgment against the defendant doctor and medical practice in August 2023. The case was referred to the undersigned to a court which subsequently noted uncertainty about its subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute and allowed the plaintiff to submit an Amended Complaint addressing the jurisdictional issue. The plaintiff complied by submitting an Amended Complaint for Confessed Judgment.

Reportedly, the background of the case involved a medical negligence lawsuit initiated by the plaintiff against the defendants in April 2014. In July 2020, a settlement agreement was reached during a settlement conference, and the court dismissed the case, documenting the settlement terms. The settlement agreement required the defendants to make payments to the plaintiff in installments. The dispute in the present case arose when the defendants failed to make the seventh and eighth installments, leading to the Amended Complaint. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Discusses Pursuing a Federal Medical Malpractice Claim

Published on: October 22, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

The law does not require people pursuing medical malpractice claims to be represented by an attorney. In most instances, though, it is prudent for people harmed by incompetent medical care to seek legal counsel, otherwise, they may unintentionally waive their right to recover damages by making procedural errors. This was illustrated in a recent Maryland case in which the court dismissed the plaintiff’s complaint for failing to meet the federal pleading standards. If you sustained losses because of deficient medical care, it is in your best interest to meet with a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer about your options for seeking justice.

Case History

It is reported that the plaintiff filed a medical malpractice complaint pro se, and submitted an application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. The plaintiff appeared to allege personal injury at the defendant’s nursing facility, medical malpractice at a hospital in Chicago, and the termination of her worker’s compensation benefits by the state of Illinois.

Allegedly, the complaint also mentioned legal malpractice without clear connections to the named defendants. The allegations further deteriorated, with the plaintiff asserting that a “microchip” had been implanted inside her, unnamed individuals were plotting her murder, and she had been targeted for other reasons. The court reviewed her complaint to determine if it met the pleading requirements established by federal law. Continue Reading ›

Court Discusses Demonstrating Lack of Informed Consent in Maryland

Published on: October 17, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

Under Maryland law, people who are not adequately advised of the risks associated with a procedure may be able to seek compensation via informed consent claims. In a recent opinion issued in a lack of informed consent case, the court discussed what evidence a plaintiff must produce to show that they suffered harm other than what was disclosed as a potential risk or that they could not provide valid consent. If your doctor failed to inform you of the risks of a procedure and you suffered harm as a result, you should meet with a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to determine your options for seeking damages.

Procedural and Factual History

It is reported that the plaintiff was diagnosed with a relapse of Grave’s disease and underwent thyroidectomy surgery at the defendant’s medical center in October 2016 after alternative treatments failed. Following the surgery, the plaintiff claimed to have suffered injuries allegedly caused by the procedure. he filed a pro se lawsuit, alleging that he was not properly informed about the risks associated with the surgery, specifically, the risks to his laryngeal nerve, vocal cord, and parathyroid glands.

Allegedly, the plaintiff also alleged medical malpractice during the surgery and post-operative care. The parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment on the medical malpractice claim, and the court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant. A bench trial was conducted to address the remaining informed consent claim. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Discusses Causation in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: October 11, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

In order to recover damages in a Maryland medical malpractice case, the plaintiff must not only prove that the defendant deviated from the standard of care but also that said departure caused the plaintiff’s harm. As discussed in a recent Maryland opinion, if a plaintiff fails to establish either component of medical malpractice, their claims will be dismissed. If you were hurt by incompetent medical care, it is sensible to talk to a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer about your possible claims as soon as you can.

Case Background

It is reported that the decedent suffered from chronic cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, which eventually led to his death. He received medical care from the defendant during his time in a federal facility between September 2015 and March 2017. Thirteen individual healthcare providers, employed or contracted by the defendant, were involved in the decedent’s care. The plaintiff claims that the medical care the decedent received was so inadequate that it amounted to medical malpractice under Maryland law.

Specifically, the plaintiff alleged that the decedent suffered repeated life-threatening esophageal bleeds and should have been referred to a specialist, like a gastroenterologist, who could perform outpatient procedures to monitor and treat his condition and should have been treated for his chronic hepatitis B infection. The defendant moved for summary judgment. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Explains Expert Credentials in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: September 30, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

In Maryland medical malpractice cases, the strength of the plaintiff’s case often depends on the testimony of a qualified medical expert. If a plaintiff’s expert is unable to testify, it becomes challenging for the plaintiff to recover damages. Maryland law allows only specific individuals to provide expert testimony, and experts who lack the necessary qualifications may be prohibited from testifying. This was illustrated in a recent Maryland case in which the court precluded the plaintiff’s expert from testifying pursuant to Maryland’s 25 percent rule. If you have suffered harm due to a medical procedure gone wrong, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Maryland medical malpractice attorney who can guide you on what compensation you may be able to recover for your injuries.

Factual and Procedural Background

It is reported that in December 2002, the plaintiff underwent a procedure to treat a brain aneurysm, which resulted in bleeding, a stroke, and significant physical and mental impairment. She subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant doctor and hospital, alleging that they provided substandard care and failed to obtain the plaintiff’s informed consent for the procedure. A doctor was called as an expert witness by the plaintiff to testify about the standard of care and informed consent. However, the trial court excluded his testimony on both issues, and the court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants. The plaintiff appealed. On appeal, the appellate court reversed, and the defendants appealed the matter further.

The Court’s Review and Ruling:

On appeal, the primary issue before the court was the interpretation of Maryland’s 25 Percent Rule. This rule restricts expert witnesses from dedicating more than 25 percent of their professional activities to activities directly involving testimony in personal injury claims. The court ultimately determined that the plaintiff’s expert did not meet the requirements of the 25 Percent Rule and should not have been allowed to testify regarding the standard of care, reversing the intermediate court ruling. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Explains Deliberate Indifference Versus Medical Malpractice

Published on: September 21, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

In cases where doctors harm their patients, most often, the harm is unintentional. However, in some situations, a physician’s actions may be so egregious that they are considered deliberate. Typically, claims of deliberate indifference to a patient’s medical needs arise in the context of medical treatment provided to incarcerated individuals. It’s essential to recognize the distinctions between deliberate indifference and medical malpractice claims, as highlighted in a recent Maryland case. If you have been injured as a result of a doctor’s negligent or intentional actions, it is advisable to consult with a Maryland medical malpractice attorney to assess the potential claims you may be able to pursue.

Case Background

It is alleged that the plaintiff, who is housed in a federal facility in Maryland, filed a lawsuit against the defendant. He claimed, in part, that in July 2020, he injured his right knee while attempting to access the top bunk in his cell using a plastic chair provided to him. He alleged that despite seeking medical attention for over a year, he received minimal treatment, including Tylenol, and was promised referrals to providers that never materialized. He also claimed that in July 2022, he was attacked by other inmates, aggravating his knee injury. His lawsuit asserted, among other things, that the defendant violated his Eighth Amendment rights by failing to provide timely and appropriate care for his knee condition. The defendant moved to dismiss his claims.

Deliberate Indifference Versus Medical Malpractice

The court granted the defendant’s motion. In doing so, the court explained that in order to establish a claim for denial of medical care under the Eighth Amendment, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions or omissions were done with deliberate indifference to a serious medical need. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Explains Evidence of Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: September 16, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

In Maryland medical malpractice cases, a plaintiff who establishes a defendant’s liability may be granted damages for their economic harm, including the cost of any past medical care and future care they will need and lost wages. To recover such damages, however, they must adequately demonstrate their actual financial losses. In a recent Maryland medical malpractice case, the court analyzed what constitutes sufficient evidence of the economic harm caused by a defendant’s negligence. If you sustained losses because of a careless doctor, it is prudent to meet with a Maryland medical malpractice attorney to discuss your rights.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff sued the defendant doctor and the defendant hospital for alleged medical malpractice following a car accident that injured his right leg. The plaintiff asserted a medical negligence against the defendant doctor and an apparent agency claim against the defendant. During the trial, the defendant moved for summary judgment regarding apparent agency, and the court delayed its ruling.

Reportedly, after the trial, both the defendants moved for summary judgment arguing that there was insufficient evidence of economic damages, and the court again delayed its ruling. The jury ultimately found in favor of the plaintiff and determined that the defendant doctor was an agent of the defendant hospital. Both defendants filed motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict on economic damages, and the court denied these motions. The defendants then appealed. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Discusses The Duty to Provide Emergency Medical Care

Published on: September 7, 2023 | by Arfaa Law Group

Pursuant to federal law, health care providers generally must provide people suffering from critical health concerns with emergency care, regardless of their ability to pay. As such, if a medical facility refuses to treat an indigent patient, they can be liable for civil damages. As discussed in a recent Maryland case, however, this duty to provide emergent care ends when a person is admitted as an inpatient. If you were hurt by inadequate medical care, it is wise to speak to a Maryland medical malpractice attorney about your rights.

Case Background

It is reported that the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant in federal court, alleging that he received inadequate care in July 2019, at the defendant’s health care center. He further claimed that this care violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) and that the United States, the defendant, and the defendant’s employees were liable for medical malpractice, lack of informed consent, and patient abandonment under state tort law. The plaintiff later dismissed his claims against the United States. The defendant filed a motion to dismiss the EMTALA claim or, alternatively, for summary judgment. The plaintiff initially consented to dismissal without prejudice but later opposed it. The court treated the motion as one for summary judgment.

The Duty to Provide Emergency Care

The court began by discussing EMTALA, highlighting that its purpose is to ensure hospitals provide emergency care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. It imposes a duty on hospitals to screen and stabilize emergency conditions. If a hospital admits a patient for inpatient treatment in good faith, its obligations under EMTALA end. Liability under EMTALA is limited and does not cover misdiagnosis or general malpractice.