In what I would like to be a regular feature, I have provided a summary of opinions in the last week or so that may interest Maryland tort attorneys. Maryland opinions are important, but I think reading opinions from other jurisdictions also give a better understanding of the arguments and issues in areas of unsettled law in Maryland or wherever you are practicing. Half of the issues that come up in a case, during discovery or at trial, are issues of first impression.
With that pious, self-referential speech now complete, here are the opinions:
- Bad faith claim in Alaska fails
- Writing for the Maryland Court of Appeals, Judge Harrell affirmed Charles County Judge Amy J. Bragunier in Consolidated Waste Industries v. Standard Equipment Company. The opinion discusses subsequent remedial measures, the proper format of a verdict sheet and harmless error. (Plaintiff’s law firm was Hecht & Associates; Miles & Stockbridge defended the case.)
- Once again, the Maryland Tort Claims Act is cited in letting a defendant off the hook regardless of the merits. The claim would have failed anyway. Still.
- Criminal case of relevance to all Maryland personal injury lawyers: what is the scope of attorney-client privilege?