MacDonald Law Group

“Special Inactive Bankruptcy Docket” Established In Baltimore for Asbestos Cases in Which Only Bankrupt Defendants Remain

Litigation over personal injuries and wrongful death claims alleged to have been attributable to asbestos exposure has endured over the past forty years. Millions of dollars have been paid out to plaintiffs, leading many companies with significant liabilities to file for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy trusts have thus been established for claimants to seek recovery from these … Read more“Special Inactive Bankruptcy Docket” Established In Baltimore for Asbestos Cases in Which Only Bankrupt Defendants Remain

Virginia Supreme Court Further Restricts Liability for Third-Party Criminal Acts, Holding that a Tort Claim Based on the “Voluntary Assumption of Duty” Theory Requires the Assumption of Duty to Be Expressly Assumed, Not Merely Impliedly Assumed

On September 27, 2018, the Virginia Supreme Court released its decision in the Terry v. Irish Fleet, Inc. case, further clarifying limitations on the ability for victims of criminal acts to bring suit for their injuries and damages against persons who did not commit the criminal acts.  In affirming the trial court’s dismissal of the … Read moreVirginia Supreme Court Further Restricts Liability for Third-Party Criminal Acts, Holding that a Tort Claim Based on the “Voluntary Assumption of Duty” Theory Requires the Assumption of Duty to Be Expressly Assumed, Not Merely Impliedly Assumed

What does a construction defect claim mean to a contractor?

In the construction industry, construction defects are common. Correcting defective construction is already expensive, and a construction defect claim can pose a greater financial threat to a business or operation. Projects nationwide are impacted by defective construction and defective conditions. Lawsuits can be fought when the right defense(s) are identified. The reason construction defects are … Read moreWhat does a construction defect claim mean to a contractor?

Maryland Court of Special Appeals Affirms Jury Verdict Against Asbestos Installer Even Absent Direct Evidence That Installer Used Asbestos-Containing Materials at a Particular Site

In Wallace & Gale Asbestos Settlement Trust v. Busch, a decision released on September 26, 2018 by the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, the state’s intermediate appellate court affirmed the jury verdict entered in favor of the Estate of William Busch, Jr. against Wallace & Gale Asbestos Settlement Trust (“Wallace & Gale”), finding that … Read moreMaryland Court of Special Appeals Affirms Jury Verdict Against Asbestos Installer Even Absent Direct Evidence That Installer Used Asbestos-Containing Materials at a Particular Site

Emerging technologies to transform construction industry

Though concrete is the foundation of today’s construction industry, it’s a flawed material that cracks, stains and crumbles over time and exposure to the elements and pollution. A software designer and researcher says emerging technologies “will soon radically change how the construction industry builds and what it builds with.” The four forces that will transform … Read moreEmerging technologies to transform construction industry

Challenging personal jurisdiction in Maryland asbestos litigation following recent U.S. Supreme Court opinions

Recent U.S. Supreme Court opinions limiting personal jurisdiction have been met with enthusiasm by defendants in asbestos litigation where forum shopping by plaintiffs’ counsel is common and defendants are sued in massive amounts of cases in multiple jurisdictions. Baltimore City, for example, ranked second in 2017 in total annual asbestos claim filings in the United … Read moreChallenging personal jurisdiction in Maryland asbestos litigation following recent U.S. Supreme Court opinions

Sidestep Construction Defects With These Simple Tips

Facing a lawsuit over construction defects can cost you and your company valuable time and money. Whether you are a general contractor or inspector, you want to take extra precautions to ensure that buildings and fixtures are safe for use to avoid litigation. Here are four types of construction defects and simple steps you can … Read moreSidestep Construction Defects With These Simple Tips

Protecting Your Business Against Toxic Mold Claims

Toxic mold has become a hot topic and businesses should take notice. Injury claims have shrunk to a nuclear level; compensation for these injuries has exploded. Indoor air quality has become a big business for personal injury firms and businesses are wise to take notice. The cost of these claims can be crippling. It is … Read moreProtecting Your Business Against Toxic Mold Claims

Maryland Court of Special Appeals expands duty of service contractors to inspect and to warn of potential hazards

In Landaverde v. Navarro, Nos. 1719, 2089, 2018 Md. App. LEXIS 721, at *31 (App. July 26, 2018), the Maryland Court of Special Appeals unanimously found in favor of plaintiffs in their appeal of orders of summary judgment granted to service technicians, finding that the contractors owed a duty to inspect and to warn of … Read moreMaryland Court of Special Appeals expands duty of service contractors to inspect and to warn of potential hazards