The Recorded Statement: Why the Adjuster Wants It — and Why You Should Wait
After a Maryland crash, the other driver's insurance adjuster will ask for a recorded statement. Here's what that call is really for, and what to do instead.
Cain v. Lee: Virginia Supreme Court Bars "Punitives Are Disfavored" Instruction in Drunk-Driving Cases
The Supreme Court of Virginia held juries in DUI injury cases may not be told punitive damages are "disfavored" — a win for drunk-driving victims.
Uber and Lyft Crashes in DC: Who Pays? The Rideshare Insurance Gap, 2015 Edition
DC's new vehicle-for-hire law sets insurance tiers for Uber and Lyft crashes. Who pays depends on what the app showed at the moment of impact.
Sullivan v. AboveNet: DC Court of Appeals Reinstates $300,000 Sidewalk-Defect Verdict
The DC Court of Appeals reinstated a $300,000 jury verdict for a pedestrian who tripped on a sunken utility cut — a major win on notice and jury verdicts.
Maryland's Cap on Pain-and-Suffering Damages: The 2015 Numbers and the Policy Fight
Maryland caps noneconomic damages at $800,000 for 2014-15 injury claims — and juries are never told. Here are the current numbers and how the cap works.
Ryan Posey selected as 2015 Washington DC Super Lawyers "Rising Star"
Ryan Posey is named a 2015 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers Rising Star, an honor limited to 2.5 percent of lawyers under 40.
UM/UIM Coverage in Virginia: How the Offset Rule Shrinks the Coverage You Paid For
Virginia's underinsured motorist "offset" rule subtracts the at-fault driver's coverage from your own UIM limits — often leaving badly hurt people with nothing.
DC's 90-Day Medical Malpractice Notice Rule: The Trap That Kills Good Cases
Before suing a DC doctor or hospital, § 16-2802 requires 90 days' written notice. Miss it and even a strong malpractice case can be dismissed.
Maryland PIP: The No-Fault Coverage Most Crash Victims Forget to Use
Maryland PIP pays medical bills and lost wages after a crash regardless of fault — but only if you claim it in time. How personal injury protection works.
Providence Hospital v. Willis: DC Court of Appeals Confirms the Med-Mal Causation Standard
The DC Court of Appeals affirmed a $650,000 verdict in Providence Hospital v. Willis, confirming plaintiffs need not rule out every alternative cause.
RGR v. Settle: Lumber Stacks, Blocked Sightlines, and Virginia's Duty of Ordinary Care
In RGR, LLC v. Settle, Virginia's Supreme Court affirmed a wrongful death verdict: landowners owe a duty not to create hazards endangering travelers.
Jacob M. Lebowitz Named D.C. Wrongful Death Lawyer of the Year
Corporate Intl Magazine names founding partner Jacob M. Lebowitz its Washington, D.C. Wrongful Death Lawyer of the Year.
Owens v. Baltimore: Fourth Circuit Gives Wrongful-Conviction Civil Suits a Roadmap
In Owens v. Baltimore City State's Attorneys Office, the Fourth Circuit revived an exoneree's civil rights suit and clarified when such claims accrue.
Who Can Bring a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim? Beneficiaries, the Use Plaintiff, and the One-Action Rule
Maryland law strictly defines who may sue for wrongful death — primary and secondary beneficiaries, the use plaintiff rule, and the damages cap explained.
Virginia's Medical Malpractice Cap in 2014: How § 8.01-581.15 Works
Virginia caps total med mal recovery — $2.15M for acts on or after July 1, 2014. How the cap schedule works and why the malpractice date controls.
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.
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.