Injured in DC? The 3-Year Clock, and the Exceptions That Shorten It
DC's statute of limitations gives injury victims 3 years to sue, but notice rules and shorter deadlines can cut that time dramatically. Know the traps.
Blog, page 10
Plain-English articles on the court decisions and rules that shape injury cases in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Wrongful Death Cases in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
Wrongful death law differs sharply across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, who can sue, what damages are available, and the deadlines that apply.
Blackburn v. Paul: Maryland's High Court Says Pool-Fence Safety Codes Protect Even Trespassing Children
In Blackburn Ltd. Partnership v. Paul, Maryland's highest court held that pool-enclosure safety codes can support a negligence claim for a trespassing child.
Insurance Coverage Litigation
When an insurer denies, delays, or underpays a claim, coverage litigation can force it to honor the policy.
DC's Last Clear Chance Doctrine: The Escape Hatch From Contributory Negligence
DC's contributory negligence rule can bar injury claims entirely, unless the defendant had the last clear chance to avoid the harm. How the doctrine works.
Why defenses are important, even to plaintiffs: assumption of the risk
Assumption of the risk can end an injury claim before a jury ever weighs the negligence. Why plaintiffs' lawyers must take defenses seriously.
Coalson v. Canchola: Virginia Supreme Court Reinstates Full $100,000 Punitive Award Against Repeat Drunk Driver
The Supreme Court of Virginia reinstated a jury's full $100,000 punitive damages award against a repeat drunk driver in Coalson v. Canchola.
Virginia's Contributory Negligence Rule: The 1% Problem, and the Exceptions That Can Save Your Case
In Virginia, being even 1% at fault can bar your injury claim entirely. Learn the exceptions: last clear chance, willful conduct, and more.
Maryland's Contributory Negligence Rule Survives: What Coleman v. Soccer Association Means for Every Injury Case
Maryland's highest court kept the harsh contributory negligence rule in Coleman v. Soccer Association. What the 1% bar means for your injury claim.