Criminal Law

• Wrongful Death
  [...] pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of consortium, or other nonpecuniary injury; and [...] [i]n an action for wrongful death, mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society, companionship, comfort, protection, care, marital care, parental care, filial care, attention, advice, counsel, training, guidance, or education, or other noneconomic damages.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
• Mergers and Acquisitions

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Established in Maryland in 1887, the firm is well respected in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our historic roots run deep and have helped us establish a respected reputation among the business community, giving attorneys access to a extensive book of clients. The firm is built on strong business and litigation practices, although attorneys regularly handle national and international litigation and transactions. We serve a diverse range of clientele in the areas of Corporate & Business, Estate Planning, Labor & Employment, and Litigation. With historic ties to Baltimore’s maritime industry, Semmes is a leader in Maritime law. We also have the largest private Workers' Compensation & Employers' Liability defense practice in the region and routinely represent employers, insurers, and self-insurers.

Property Law

• Property Damage
  In personal injury cases, understanding the distinction between economic and noneconomic damages is crucial. In Maryland, economic damages encompass quantifiable financial losses directly attributable to the defendant’s actions or negligence. These losses typically include expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  What implications does this hold for future personal injury claims in Maryland? Should the bill be enacted into law, there is a likelihood of higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, alongside a heightened emphasis on proving their noneconomic damages. Senate Bill 538 is presently under deliberation within the Maryland General Assembly, prompting stakeholders across diverse sectors to articulate their viewpoints and objections. In light of these potential developments, insurance companies and adjusters may find it necessary to reallocate higher reserves for claims, directly influenced by the provisions outlined in the new senate bill.
• Medical Malpractice
  See, e.g., Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Pro. § 3-2A-09 (stating the caps on medical malpractice claims). Jurors in Maryland are not provided information about the noneconomic cap during trial proceedings. Instead, it is the responsibility of the court to apply the cap, if deemed necessary, after the jury’s verdict.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  The lower threshold will increase the importance of strategic estate planning. Proper planning can help minimize tax burdens on heirs. As 2026 approaches, those with estates that may be affected should consider proactive measures to assess their assets and plan to reduce the potential impact of estate taxes on their beneficiaries.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy