Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from Maryland clients — about how our firm works, what cases we handle, and what Maryland law says about your situation. If you don’t see your question here, call us at 443-712-2529. Consultations are free, and there is no obligation.
Working With Our Firm
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. Waldman, Grossfeld, Appel & Baer, P.A. offers free initial consultations at all four of our Maryland offices. During that first conversation, an attorney will listen to what happened, explain your options, and tell you honestly whether we’re the right firm for your matter. You can schedule by phone at 443-712-2529 or through the contact form on our website.
What areas of law does your firm handle?
We are a full-service Maryland firm handling personal injury, auto accidents, serious injury and wrongful death, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, family law (divorce, separation, custody, and support), juvenile matters, wills and estate documents, real estate law, criminal defense, DWI/DUI and driver’s license matters, civil litigation, and alternative dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration.
How long has your firm been practicing in Maryland?
We have represented Maryland families and businesses since 1969. Over that time, our attorneys have handled thousands of matters across Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Dorchester County, and the surrounding region, in both District Court and Circuit Court.
Where are your offices located?
We have four Maryland offices: Reisterstown (458 Main Street, 2nd Floor), Pasadena (2525 Mountain Road), Rosedale (8621 Philadelphia Road), and Cambridge (200 Cedar Street). You can meet with an attorney at whichever location is most convenient for you, regardless of where your case is filed.
What cities and counties do you serve?
We serve clients throughout central Maryland and the Eastern Shore, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Dorchester County. Communities we regularly serve include Reisterstown, Pasadena, Rosedale, Cambridge, Essex, Glen Burnie, Middle River, Perry Hall, Severna Park, Towson, Owings Mills, Westminster, Annapolis, Columbia, White Marsh, Ellicott City, Easton, and Bel Air.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
We recommend scheduling an appointment so an attorney can give your matter proper attention and set aside enough time to review your documents. That said, call ahead and we will do our best to accommodate walk-ins when an attorney is available.
How quickly will someone review my case?
Most callers receive an initial case evaluation within one to two business days. Urgent matters — an approaching filing deadline, an arrest, a hearing date, or a pending insurance deadline — are prioritized and addressed the same day whenever possible.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
It depends on the type of case. Personal injury and workers’ compensation cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. Family law, estate, real estate, and criminal matters are typically handled on an hourly or flat-fee basis, and our staff can discuss payment arrangements with you during your free consultation.
Is parking available at your offices?
Yes. Free on-site client parking is available at our Pasadena office at 2525 Mountain Road, and parking is available at each of our four locations. If you have mobility concerns or need help finding the entrance, let us know when you schedule and we’ll give you directions.
Do you speak languages besides English?
Our staff is glad to assist clients who prefer to communicate in another language and can arrange interpretation support as needed. Please let us know when you call so we can make arrangements before your appointment.
Personal Injury and Auto Accidents
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Maryland?
In most Maryland personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Medical malpractice claims follow a different rule, and claims against a state or local government agency can require written notice in as little as one year. Because a missed deadline can end a valid case permanently, call an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
What happens if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Maryland is one of only a handful of jurisdictions that still follows contributory negligence. Under that rule, if you are found to be even slightly responsible for your own injury, you may be barred from recovering anything at all. Insurance companies know this and often argue partial fault to avoid paying. This is one of the strongest reasons to have an attorney involved early.
What should I do after a car accident in Maryland?
Call the police and get medical attention if you are in an auto accident, even if you feel fine — some injuries surface days later. Photograph the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries. Exchange insurance information, report the crash to your own insurer, and get the names of any witnesses. Do not admit fault, and do not sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
Should I give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company?
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and doing so before you understand the extent of your injuries can hurt your claim. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize what the company pays. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
What is PIP coverage, and should I use it?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a coverage included in Maryland auto policies unless you waived it in writing. It pays medical bills and a portion of lost wages after a crash regardless of who was at fault, and using it does not raise your rates. Many people don’t realize they have it. We can review your policy during your free consultation.
What if the driver who hit me had no insurance?
Maryland requires drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. If the at-fault driver was uninsured, underinsured, or fled the scene, you may be able to recover through your own policy. These claims have their own notice requirements, so contact an attorney promptly.
How long will my personal injury case take?
Straightforward claims that settle with an insurance company often resolve in a few months once medical treatment is complete. Cases that require filing suit typically take a year or more, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the injuries. We will give you a realistic timeline for your specific case rather than a promise we can’t keep.
What should I do if I am injured at work in Maryland?
Report the injury to your employer right away — Maryland generally requires notice within 10 days of an accidental workplace injury, and failing to give notice can jeopardize your claim. Get medical treatment and tell the provider the injury is work-related. Then file an Employee Claim Form with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. Claims are generally barred two years after the date of injury.
Do I have to prove my employer did something wrong?
No. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You do not have to show that your employer was negligent, only that the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment. That said, insurers routinely dispute whether an injury is work-related, how serious it is, and when you can return to work — which is where representation matters.
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
No. Maryland law prohibits an employer from firing or retaliating against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you believe you were terminated because you filed, you may have a separate wrongful termination claim. Document what happened and contact us.
Can I also sue someone else for a workplace injury?
Possibly. Workers’ compensation is generally your exclusive remedy against your employer, but if a third party caused your injury — a negligent driver, a contractor on the job site, or a defective piece of equipment — you may be able to bring a separate personal injury claim in addition to your comp claim. We handle both together.
Divorce and Family Law
What are the grounds for divorce in Maryland?
As of October 1, 2023, Maryland is a no-fault state with three grounds for absolute divorce: mutual consent, six-month separation, and irreconcilable differences. The former fault-based grounds — including adultery, desertion, and cruelty — were eliminated. Conduct during the marriage can still affect alimony, property division, and custody.
How long do we have to be separated before we can divorce?
For the six-month separation ground, you must have lived separate and apart for six uninterrupted months before filing. Maryland law now recognizes spouses who have pursued separate lives as separated even if they remain under the same roof. If you file on irreconcilable differences or mutual consent, no waiting period applies.
Is there still such a thing as legal separation in Maryland?
No. Maryland eliminated limited divorce — the state’s version of legal separation — effective October 1, 2023. Absolute divorce is now the only type of divorce a Maryland court can grant. Couples who want to formalize arrangements before divorcing can do so through a written separation agreement, which we can prepare and negotiate.
Do I have to live in Maryland to file for divorce here?
At least one spouse must be a Maryland resident. If the grounds for divorce arose in Maryland, you only need to be living in the state when you file. If the grounds arose outside Maryland, one spouse must have lived in Maryland for at least six months before filing.
How does a Maryland court decide custody?
Maryland courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges weigh factors including each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, stability, the parents’ willingness to cooperate, and, for older children, the child’s own preference. There is no automatic preference for either parent.
Do we have to go to court to get divorced?
Not always. Many couples resolve custody, support, and property issues through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative practice, then present a signed agreement to the court. That path is usually faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than litigation. Our attorneys are trained in mediation and can also represent you at trial if agreement isn’t possible.
Wills, Estates, and Powers of Attorney
Do I need a will if I don’t have a large estate?
Yes. If you die without a will in Maryland, state law decides who inherits your property — and that outcome often surprises families. A will also lets you name a personal representative and, critically, a guardian for minor children. For most people, a basic estate plan is a modest, one-time expense that prevents significant cost and conflict later.
What estate documents should most adults have?
Most Maryland adults should have four: a last will and testament, a financial power of attorney, an advance directive or living will, and a healthcare power of attorney naming someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. Together these cover both what happens after death and who speaks for you if you become incapacitated.
Do I need an attorney to buy or sell a home in Maryland?
An attorney is not required, but having one review your contract before you sign can prevent expensive problems — particularly with inspection and financing contingencies, HOA disclosures, title issues, and ground rent. We represent buyers and sellers in residential transactions throughout the Baltimore region.
What is ground rent, and why does it matter?
Ground rent is an arrangement common in Baltimore-area properties in which you own the house but lease the land beneath it, paying an annual or semiannual rent to a ground rent holder. It can complicate a sale or refinance if it isn’t handled properly. In many cases the ground rent can be redeemed, or bought out, and we can advise you on whether that makes sense before you list your home.
Criminal Defense, DWI, and DUI
What should I do if I’m charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland?
Call an attorney immediately. A Maryland DUI or DWI creates two separate cases: a criminal case in court and an administrative case with the Motor Vehicle Administration over your driving privilege. The MVA deadline to request a hearing runs within days of your arrest, and missing it can cost you your license even if the criminal case later goes well.
Can I get my Maryland record expunged?
In many cases, yes. Charges that ended in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi are generally eligible for expungement, and certain convictions become eligible after a waiting period. Eligibility depends on the specific charge and your record as a whole. We can review your case history and tell you what can be cleared.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
In mediation, a neutral third party helps the parties reach their own voluntary agreement; nothing is decided for you. In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator hears both sides and issues a decision, which is often binding. Both are typically faster and less expensive than a trial, and our attorneys are trained in both.
Still have questions?
Call 443-712-2529 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Reisterstown, Pasadena, Rosedale, or Cambridge office.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, please contact our office.