Tort large is a case type in the District Court of Maryland. It refers to a civil injury claim, such as a car accident or a fall, that seeks more than $5,000. This article explains how tort large claims differ from small claims, which court hears them, and the special rules for claims against government bodies.
A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm, such as negligence in a car crash, a fall on unsafe property, or a defective product. The injured person brings a tort claim to recover money damages. Most personal injury cases in Maryland are negligence torts.
The District Court hears small claims of $5,000 or less under simplified procedures without formal discovery. Claims above $5,000 and up to $30,000 may proceed in the District Court as large claims or in a circuit court. Claims above $30,000 belong in a circuit court, such as the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County or the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
Large claims follow the formal rules of evidence and allow limited discovery, including written interrogatories and document requests. When a claim exceeds $15,000, either party may demand a jury trial, which moves the case to the circuit court. An appeal from a District Court large claim proceeds on the record rather than as a new trial.
The Maryland Tort Claims Act allows certain negligence claims against the State and its employees. A claimant generally must submit a written claim to the State Treasurer within one year of the injury and may not sue until the Treasurer denies the claim or six months pass without a decision. The Act caps recovery and excludes some claims, so careful review matters.
The Local Government Tort Claims Act covers claims against counties, cities, and other local governments, from Anne Arundel and Howard Counties to Baltimore City and Annapolis. The injured person generally must give written notice within one year of the injury. The Act also caps damages, and courts strictly enforce the notice requirement.
Under Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article Section 5-101, a person must file most tort claims within three years. Medical bills, records, wage statements, photographs, and witness accounts form the core of any injury claim. Maryland rules allow some medical bills and records into evidence without live testimony if the party follows specific notice procedures.
Christopher L. Beard, an Annapolis attorney, represents injured people in District Court and circuit court cases throughout Maryland. To discuss an injury claim, e-mail chris@attorneybeard.com or call (410) 267-0227. You can also read our article on the personal injury claims process in Maryland.
