Recent Litigation News
DeCaro, Doran, Siciliano, Gallagher & DeBlasis would like to bring to your attention last week's decision by the Maryland Court of Appeals in the case of Maurer v. Pennsylvania National Mut. Ins. Co., which will have a significant effect on the defense of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims in Maryland.

A copy of our article discussing the Maurer opinion and its effect on the defense of UM/UIM claims can be viewed by clicking here.

New Maryland Law 
Maryland District Court maximum jurisdiction has increased from $25,000 to $30,0000, effective October 1, 2007.  Within the Maryland District Court, small claims jurisdiction remains at $5,000 and below.  The District Court has continued its exclusive jurisdictional limit at $10,000.   Any claims over $10,000 may be moved to the circuit court for trial by jury at the discretion of the defendant.
 
Additionally, the legislature had enacted statutes affecting procedures upon payment of settlements to claimant's counsel and permitting first party claims against insurance carriers for failure to act in good faith.  For more information on these new statutes, please see our Fall 2007 Newsletter or contact any of the attorneys at DeCaro, Doran.