Maryland Accident Law Blog

When Expert Testimony Is Challenged in Maryland Medical Malpractice Cases

March 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In the recent case of Jabbi v. Adventist Healthcare, the Maryland Appellate Court addressed critical issues concerning the admissibility of expert testimony in medical malpractice lawsuits. This decision provides valuable insights into how courts evaluate the foundation of expert opinions, particularly when these opinions are based on the expert’s professional experience and relevant scientific literature.

Case Overview

The plaintiffs, Fatou Jabbi and Lamin Kanteh, acting individually and on behalf of their minor child, T.R., filed a medical malpractice suit against Adventist Healthcare, Inc., and two healthcare providers, Tamara Pottillo and Lisa Godette. The case arose from events on January 16, 2018, when Ms. Jabbi, who was 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant, sought medical attention at Washington Adventist Healthcare due to back and abdominal pain. Nurse Pottillo recorded her vital signs, which were reviewed by Dr. Godette. Concluding that the vitals were within normal limits, Dr. Godette discharged Ms. Jabbi with a prescription for Tylenol, without conducting a urine test for preeclampsia.

Approximately fourteen hours later, Ms. Jabbi visited a different hospital, where she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and received a dose of Betamethasone—a steroid aimed at accelerating fetal lung development in anticipation of preterm delivery. Her condition worsened, necessitating an emergency cesarean section before the administration of a second Betamethasone dose. T.R. was born with severe complications associated with prematurity.

Maryland Woman Dies After Being Ejected from Golf Cart in Annapolis

March 3, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A tragic accident in Annapolis has left a Maryland family mourning after a woman was thrown from a golf cart and later died from her injuries. The crash happened on a roadway near a private golf course when the vehicle hit a dip, causing the passenger to be ejected. She was airlifted to a trauma center but did not survive. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances, though early reports suggest the crash was unintentional.

Golf cart accidents may not receive the same attention as car crashes, but they can be just as dangerous. These vehicles are not built to withstand sudden jolts or impacts, and most lack seat belts or other protective features. Maryland allows golf carts in certain areas under specific conditions, but their use on roadways increases the risk of serious injuries.

Who May Be Responsible for a Golf Cart Crash?

Liability in accidents like this depends on several factors, including road conditions, the driver’s actions, and whether the cart was being operated safely.

Maryland Court Rules on Recent Premises Liability Case

February 28, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Premises liability cases often involve injuries caused by hazardous conditions on a property, but sometimes, they raise even broader concerns—like whether a property owner should have done more to prevent accidents caused by third parties. A recent Maryland court case explored this issue, focusing on a car crash inside a CVS store that resulted in serious injuries to a customer. The case raises important questions about the duty of businesses and landlords to protect patrons from foreseeable harm.

A Routine Shopping Trip Turns Catastrophic

On December 10, 2019, a woman was shopping at a CVS Pharmacy store in Salisbury, Maryland. As she exited the store, another driver attempted to park in a space directly in front of the entrance. Instead of coming to a stop, the vehicle crashed through the glass storefront and struck the shopper, causing serious injuries.

Maryland Court Rejects Accident Victims Claims That the Insurance Company Was Unfair in Settlement Negotiations

January 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When an injury claim settles, most people assume the case is closed. However, what happens if critical information is withheld during negotiations? A recent Maryland case sheds light on this issue. In the case, Edward Sniadach v. Two Farms, two individuals who suffered slip-and-fall injuries and later accused an insurance company and its claims administrator of fraudulently inducing them into accepting lower settlements. This case raises important questions about fair dealing in settlement negotiations and highlights the importance of having an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer on your side.

The Accident and the Initial Claims

Both individuals were injured in separate slip-and-fall accidents on the property of a business. Like many premises liability claims, they sought compensation for their injuries through the business’s insurance provider. The company’s insurance carrier, Zurich America Insurance Co., handled the claims, while Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. acted as the claims administrator.

A key issue in these claims involved Medical Payments (Med-Pay) coverage, a type of insurance that pays medical bills for injuries occurring on insured property, regardless of fault. One claimant actively asked about Med-Pay multiple times before settling, while the other settled before even learning of its availability.

One claimant settled for $16,385, with $6,385 explicitly marked as Med-Pay funds. The other claimant settled for $15,000 without being informed about Med-Pay coverage. He later learned—after signing the release—that Med-Pay was available.

The plaintiffs later alleged that the insurance companies had deliberately withheld information about Med-Pay to push them toward lower settlements.

Edwards v. Labbe: An Example of Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law

December 22, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When a car accident leads to a lawsuit, determining who is at fault can quickly become a complex legal matter. In Edwards v. Labbe, a recent Maryland car accident case, the court sheds light on how negligence and contributory negligence are evaluated when both sides tell different stories about what happened. This case offers important lessons for anyone hurt in an accident, especially in Maryland, where strict rules on fault can make recovering damages challenging.

The Facts of the Accident

The accident happened at a busy intersection and involved two vehicles. The person bringing the case (the plaintiff) claimed they were driving cautiously and had the right-of-way when the defendant, allegedly speeding and failing to yield, caused the collision. On the other hand, the defendant admitted that they were negligent, but also argued that the plaintiff had entered the intersection unsafely, making them at least partially responsible for what happened.

Some of the most important details considered by the court included:

Witness Statements: Witnesses also provided conflicting testimony, with some supporting the plaintiff’s account and others siding with the defendant. These differing accounts highlighted the challenge of determining what really happened.
Traffic Signals: Evidence about whether the plaintiff or the defendant obeyed the traffic signals became a central issue.
Vehicle Damage: The extent and location of damage on both vehicles offered clues about how the collision occurred.

Any evidence that the plaintiff might have been at fault must be taken very seriously, because in Maryland, even a small amount of fault on the plaintiff’s part can prevent them from recovering any damages.

White v. James: How a Maryland Court Handled a Recent “Hit-and-Run Accident”

November 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent Maryland appellate court case, White v. James, highlights important legal issues that can arise in car accident cases, particularly concerning the admissibility of evidence. The appellate court was tasked with reviewing three central claims raised by Mr. White, the appellant, challenging the lower court’s handling of evidence and jury instructions. The case sheds light on how courts handle post-accident conduct, potential prejudices, and procedural preservation of objections, which are critical issues in personal injury litigation.

The Facts

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of August 25, 2019, on the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Mr. White’s vehicle collided with Ms. James’s car, causing her to lose control and veer into a ditch. After the collision, Mr. White briefly exited his vehicle before leaving the scene without offering assistance or identifying himself. Ms. James waited approximately 30 minutes before emergency responders arrived.

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Accident in Washington County Emphasizes the Importance of Safe Driving on Maryland Roads

October 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent five-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 in Washington County claimed the life of one person and left several others injured. The accident occurred when a tractor-trailer failed to slow down in heavy traffic, causing a deadly chain reaction. While this incident highlights the devastating impact that negligence behind the wheel can have, it also brings attention to Maryland’s laws designed to prevent such tragedies and protect victims.

When accidents like these occur, Maryland’s legal system allows victims and their families to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused. In cases where negligence or recklessness plays a role, legal claims can help hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that victims receive the support they need during a difficult time.

Maryland’s Legal Framework for Vehicular Manslaughter and Negligent Driving

Baltimore County PD Join Amtrak Police following Fatal Rosedale Train-ATV Crash

October 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Mass transit can provide a net benefit to the commuting public as well as the municipalities which support these transportation systems. The economic and health benefits to local communities are well documented, and the use of city buses and light rail lines both contribute significantly to an overall reduction in travel hours logged by commuters. An important benefit is a large reduction in roadway congestion, which ultimately translates into fewer traffic accidents, injuries and deaths.

The trend over the past couple of decades, has seen a large increase in the mass transit ridership among 16- to 34-year-olds. In fact, most students and younger workers actually prefer walkable communities over sprawling metropolitan regions; they are seeking to live within walking distance of retail shops, restaurants, grocery stores and the like versus needing to drive longer distances like their parents have in the past. On the whole, mass transit provides a safe, convenient and economical alternative to traveling by car; but as with many things in life, there are risks associated with public transport.

The freedom and mobility provided by public transit is compelling; however, if something goes wrong, many more people can be affected. Equipment trouble, power failures and weather emergencies can put a damper on the convenience of subway or light-rail travel. Sometimes, the unanticipated action of a single individual can upset the lives and livelihoods of dozens or hundreds of people. Train-related accidents can also result in serious injury or death, as well.

Incident at Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Stadium: Bouncy House Accident Leaves Children Injured

August 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Bouncy houses and other inflatable rentals are popular event attractions for children. However, these inflatables can become hazardous if not properly secured or monitored. Accidents involving bouncy houses can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions. If your child has been injured in a bouncy house or other inflatable accident, a Maryland accident attorney can help you learn about your rights and remedies.

Bouncy House Accident at Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Stadium

A serious accident took place at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs stadium, where a bouncy house was unexpectedly lifted and flipped by a strong gust of wind, resulting in several children being thrown about 15 feet to the ground. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and due to the critical nature of some injuries, two children were airlifted to Children’s National Hospital. Other children involved in the accident received immediate care from on-site EMS personnel.

Tragic Multi-Vehicle Accident in Prince George’s County Claims Three Lives

July 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A tragic accident occurred earlier this month in Prince George’s County, leading to the death of three individuals. The Maryland State Police are investigating this devastating multi-vehicle crash, which involved a high-speed lane change that resulted in a collision between three cars. Authorities suspect that alcohol may have been a contributing factor. This heartbreaking event underscores the complexities and dangers of multi-vehicle accidents under Maryland law.

Understanding Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Maryland

Multi-vehicle accidents, often termed “pile-ups,” involve more than two vehicles and can result in severe injuries and fatalities. These accidents can happen in various ways, such as chain reactions from a single collision or simultaneous impacts involving multiple cars. Maryland law considers several factors in determining fault and liability in such cases, including speed, road conditions, and driver impairment.