There’s an oncoming flood of coronavirus-related litigation on the way.  Could you have a claim?  

As the world continues to deal with the health and economic catastrophe created by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about protecting their legal rights.  A potential flood of related litigation has begun a slow but steady build. Because this pandemic is unprecedented, predicting the legal fallout left in its wake is difficult.  However, what we can predict is an eventual steady stream of litigation directly related…

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What will reopening look like in Maryland? A guide to the Governor’s coronavirus recovery plan

Governor Larry Hogan announced on Wednesday that he is lifting Maryland’s stay-at-home order today, May 15, at 5 PM.  This came during a press conference wherein Governor Hogan revealed phase one of Maryland’s coronavirus recovery plan.  During the press conference, he laid out what the first phase of re-opening the state would look like. What does “phase one” entail? The first phase of Governor Hogan’s plan allows activities deemed “low…

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Baltimore County Police Investigating Fatal Reisterstown Hit-And-Run

Baltimore County Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash on Hammershire Road that happened on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, 2020. Police received a call shortly before 4 PM on Thursday reporting a person yelling in the street at Hammershire and Reisterstown Road.  A second call was received minutes later regarding a subject lying in the roadway at the same location. Police have identified the victim as 67-year-old Williard…

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Coronavirus auto insurance refunds: Here’s what you need to know

COVID-19 (coronavirus) stay-at-home orders have led to fewer people on the road and many cars sitting in driveways. Now, most major auto insurance companies like State Farm, Geico and Liberty Mutual are offering policyholders economic relief in the form of refunds and credits to account for the time spent at home and off the roads.  The refunds are expected to save policy holders more than $6.5 billion over the next…

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Maryland Court of Special Appeals: Victims’ Voices Must be Heard Before Plea Deals are Approved 

Originally published in The Daily Record, By: Steve Lash “Court-approved plea bargains can be scrapped if the crime victims were not given an opportunity to challenge the deal, Maryland’s second-highest court ruled this week. In a reported decision, the Court of Special Appeals said vacating the plea agreements preserves the victims’ constitutional and statutory rights to give impact statements. Meanwhile, vacating the agreements does not violate the defendants’ protection against…

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BEWARE of coronavirus-based scams.

Recently, we warned about the practice of deceptive practice concerning recorded deed notices, wherein companies send an official-looking letter to new Maryland homeowners requesting $95 in exchange for a copy of the homeowner’s deed.  We advised that a copy of your deed is available online for free and that your county land records will make a copy of the deed for a few dollars.  We also cautioned about a similar…

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Important Changes Since the Passing of the CARES Act

Two weeks ago, we provided a breakdown of the newly-enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  Since this Act became law, there has been several significant expansions and government responsive actions of which you should be aware: Federal and State Tax Filing and 2019 IRA Contribution Deadline Extended – The Treasury Department and the IRS announced that the deadline for filing and paying 2019 federal income taxes (without…

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Estate Planning Documents to Consider or Review during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, stress and anxiety is wreaking havoc.  From health and safety, to the economy, to the stock market and personal finances. For many, the current crisis is serving as a wake-up call to get their estate plans in order. Now more than ever we need to focus on our well-being and that of our families.  As part of this process you should review your current estate…

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New Withdrawal Options Available on Retirement Accounts Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

After a massive bipartisan effort, congress has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  Among other things, the historic stimulus package waives the early withdrawal penalty on retirement account distributions for taxpayers facing virus-related challenges. The CARES Act allows eligible participants to request penalty-free distributions of up to $100,000 for qualifying coronavirus-related reasons. These include adverse financial consequences due to being quarantined, furloughed, laid off or having…

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Governor Hogan announces Maryland emergency economic relief programs for businesses affected by COVID-19

On Monday, Governor Hogan ordered all non-essential Maryland businesses, organizations, establishments, and corporations to close.  This new order is aimed to increase the state’s social distancing measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).  Governor Hogan reasoned that while these closures are “incredible difficult financially,” they will “save the lives of thousands of your fellow Marylanders.”  Maryland is following federal guidelines to determine which businesses qualify as essential. In an…

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