Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyers Fighting for Injured Patients
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the level of care that a competent professional should provide. The consequences can be devastating. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a medical mistake in Maryland, you deserve answers, accountability, and a legal team that knows how to win.
At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, our Maryland medical malpractice lawyers have spent more than 38 years standing up for patients injured by negligence. We offer free consultations, no upfront costs, and a proven history of securing life-changing results for families throughout the state.
Talk to us today and let us help you understand your rights.
Why Pick Koonz for Maryland Medical Malpractice Claims
Choosing the right lawyer makes a critical difference in the outcome of a medical malpractice case. Clients choose Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP because:
- We have more than 38 years of experience handling medical malpractice cases across the region.
- We’ve recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for injured clients.
- Our trial reputation is strong — so strong that over 90% of our cases settle because insurers know we’re prepared to go to court.
- Our attorneys are widely recognized, including:
- Four lawyers named Top Lawyers by Washingtonian Magazine
- Five named Super Lawyers
- Five listed in Best Lawyers in America
- We treat our clients like family and genuinely care about helping people rebuild their lives.
- We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
When you work with us, you get a team that understands both the legal complexity and the human impact of medical negligence. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Is Medical Malpractice in Maryland?
Medical malpractice is a type of personal injury claim where a patient seeks compensation because a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care. Under Maryland law, patients must prove:
1. Violation of the Standard of Care
A healthcare professional must provide treatment consistent with what a reasonably competent provider in the same specialty would do. If they fail to meet this standard, negligence may have occurred.
2. The Violation Caused Injury
It is not enough that a provider made an error, the mistake must have directly caused harm.
3. The Injury Caused Significant Damages
These damages may include:
- Additional medical bills
- Disability or long-term impairment
- Lost wages or loss of earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Informed Consent
A provider must also fully explain known risks of a procedure or treatment. If a patient would have refused treatment had they been properly informed, and they were harmed, this may form the basis of a malpractice claim.
Common Types of Maryland Medical Malpractice Cases
Many types of medical negligence can give rise to a malpractice claim. The most common include:
Misdiagnosis, Delayed Diagnosis, or Failure to Diagnose
When a doctor fails to recognize symptoms, delays necessary testing, or makes an unreasonable diagnostic error, a patient may suffer harm that could have been prevented.
Improper or Negligent Treatment
Providing treatment that no reasonable physician would offer, or delivering the correct treatment improperly, can constitute malpractice.
Failure to Warn / Lack of Informed Consent
Healthcare providers must disclose known risks of treatment. If they fail to do so and injury occurs, they may be liable.
Surgical Errors
Wrong-site surgery, instrument retention, anesthesia errors, and preventable complications.
Birth Injuries
Failure to diagnose maternal conditions, improper fetal monitoring, delayed C-sections, and other errors causing harm to mothers or infants.
Medication Errors
Incorrect dosage, prescribing the wrong medication, or failing to identify dangerous drug interactions.
If you are unsure whether what happened qualifies as malpractice, our attorneys can help determine whether you have a claim.
Reasons Why You Need a Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice claims are extremely complex, expensive to pursue, and heavily defended. Having an experienced attorney is essential. A Maryland medical malpractice lawyer can:
- Explain Maryland’s malpractice laws and how they apply to your case.
- Investigate the incident and gather evidence that proves fault.
- Hire medical experts to establish the standard of care and testify on your behalf.
- Obtain all necessary medical records and documentation.
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies.
- Advocate for you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Insurance companies aggressively defend malpractice claims and often try to minimize or deny payouts. Our team at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP has the experience and reputation to counter these tactics. We will not allow you to be taken advantage of.
What Are Maryland’s Medical Malpractice Claim Requirements?
Maryland has specific rules that all medical malpractice claimants must follow. Failing to comply can jeopardize your case. Our attorneys will guide you through each step.
Statute of Limitations
Maryland’s statue of limitations to file a medical malpractice claim is:
- 3 years from the date the injury was discovered, or
- 5 years from the date the malpractice occurred
(whichever comes first)
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within 3 years of the date of death.
Certificate of Qualified Expert (CQE)
Before filing suit in court, Maryland requires plaintiffs to file a Certificate of Qualified Expert stating that:
- The defendant breached the standard of care, and
- That breach caused the patient’s injuries.
This is mandatory unless waived.
HCADRO Filing Requirement
Maryland requires all malpractice claims to be filed first with the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office (HCADRO).
Either party may later waive arbitration and proceed to court.
Medical Expert Witness Requirement
Maryland has strict rules for expert qualifications. The expert must practice in the same or similar field as the defendant and meet specific experience requirements.
Damage Caps
Maryland caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in medical malpractice cases.
This cap increases slightly each year.
Contributory Negligence
Maryland is a strict contributory negligence state.
If you are found even 1% responsible for your own injuries, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Our attorneys work to protect clients from this extremely harsh rule.
What Our Maryland Clients Say
“We owe so much to Mr. Schloss and you for taking care of us and leading the way when times were tough. Money can’t buy that kind of dedication.”
— Maryland Client
“You have taught me so much about patience and the law. My wife and I both believe you have done an excellent job watching out for our best interests.”
— Maryland Client
These testimonials reflect what we strive for with every case: unwavering dedication and meaningful results.
Maryland Medical Malpractice FAQ
Do I have a valid medical malpractice claim?
You must show a doctor-patient relationship, a violation of the standard of care, injury caused by that violation, and significant damages.
Does misdiagnosis count as medical malpractice?
Only if the misdiagnosis was unreasonable and caused harm that a correct diagnosis would have prevented.
What if a loved one died from medical malpractice?
Eligible family members may file a wrongful death claim within 3 years of the date of death.
Can I sue if a prescribed drug injured me?
Possibly. You may have a malpractice claim against the doctor, a product liability claim against the drug manufacturer, or both.
Should I speak to the doctor’s insurance company?
No. They are trained to get statements that hurt your case. Speak only through your lawyer.
Contact Our Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm from medical negligence in Maryland, act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become unavailable, and deadlines can expire.
Contact Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call (301) 345-5700 or reach out online to get started.
We only get paid if we win your case.