Maryland

Maryland Judge Slashes $266 Million Opioid Ruling, Calls for New Trial or Reduced Damages of $51.8 Million

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Baltimore, Maryland — A judge in Baltimore has deemed a jury’s award of $266 million in a public nuisance case against two pharmaceutical companies as excessively high, setting the stage for potential changes in the ongoing opioid litigation. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill announced on Thursday that he would grant a new trial unless the plaintiff agrees to a significant reduction in the damages, proposing to limit the financial liability to $51.8 million instead. The case centers on accusations that the two drug companies contributed to the opioid crisis plaguing the city, … Read more

New Laws Take Effect Sunday, Offering Maryland Child Sex Abuse Victims a Fairer Chance for Justice

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The arrival of October brings significant changes to Maryland’s legal landscape for survivors of child sexual abuse. A new state law enacted this month provides victims with an extended window to file lawsuits, marking a pivotal shift in their access to justice. Under this legislation, individuals previously prohibited from taking legal action due to criminal statutes of limitations will now have until the end of 2023 to bring their cases forward. This revised timeline applies retroactively, enabling survivors to reclaim their voices and seek accountability from their perpetrators, regardless of when the … Read more

Washington and Maryland Pioneer Extended Producer Responsibility Laws, Catalyzing a New Wave in Sustainable Packaging Legislation

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Washington and Maryland have recently taken significant strides towards fostering a circular economy by implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws aimed at promoting sustainable packaging. These new regulations shift the onus of recycling costs from local governments to the companies that manufacture packaging, thus aligning financial incentives with environmental accountability. On May 17, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5284, which represents a comprehensive approach to EPR for packaging and paper products. Meanwhile, in Maryland, Senate Bill 901 was enacted on May 13. These legislative changes represent a substantial shift in how recycling is … Read more

Maryland Braces for Legal Storm as Key Bridge Failures Spark Potential Wave of Lawsuits

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Maryland may soon face a wave of lawsuits related to failures at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, as concerns over safety and structural integrity heighten. Recent reports detail various incidents that have raised alarm among both commuters and officials, leading to questions about the bridge’s maintenance and oversight. Residents and local leaders are voicing frustration regarding the bridge’s condition, which connects the Baltimore area to points south. The bridge is vital for daily traffic, making the stakes particularly high as its reliability comes under scrutiny. Maryland’s transportation authority has confirmed that they are reviewing the … Read more