The Maryland List of Causes of Action, also known as the Maryland Common Law Tort Claims, encompasses a comprehensive compilation of legal provisions outlining different types of actionable claims recognized within the state. These causes of action form the basis for initiating a civil lawsuit in Maryland's courts. Understanding the different categories and types of causes of action is crucial for individuals, legal professionals, and businesses involved in legal disputes or seeking legal redress in Maryland. 1. Negligence: Negligence is a common cause of action in Maryland, involving a breach of duty owed by one party to another, resulting in harm or damage. It requires proving that the defendant's actions or lack thereof were not reasonably careful or prudent, leading to injuries or losses for the plaintiff. This cause of action covers a wide range of scenarios, such as car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, or product liability cases. 2. Intentional Torts: Intentional torts refer to wrongful acts committed purposefully, resulting in harm or damage to another person or their property. In Maryland, intentional torts include assault, battery, false imprisonment, trespass, defamation, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. These claims require demonstrating that the defendant intended to commit the harmful act or knew that harm would likely occur. 3. Breach of Contract: Breach of contract is a type of course of action arising from a violation of the terms and conditions agreed upon in a legally binding agreement. Maryland recognizes claims based on either express or implied contracts. To prevail in a breach of contract claim, the plaintiff must show that there was a valid contract, the defendant failed to fulfill their obligations, and the breach resulted in damages for the plaintiff. 4. Product Liability: Maryland provides a specific cause of action for product liability cases, allowing individuals injured by defective products to seek compensation from the parties responsible. Product liability claims may involve design defects, manufacturing defects, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions for safe usage. Strict liability statutes often apply in these cases, relieving the plaintiff from proving the defendant's negligence. 5. Wrongful Death: Maryland recognizes a cause of action for wrongful death, which permits surviving family members or designated beneficiaries to file a lawsuit when a person's death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party. These claims seek compensation for the losses suffered by the surviving family members, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress. 6. Medical Malpractice: Maryland has detailed laws specific to medical malpractice actions, providing a cause of action for individuals harmed due to healthcare professionals' negligent or substandard treatment. To pursue a medical malpractice claim, the plaintiff must prove the existence of a doctor-patient relationship, a breach of the applicable standard of care, causation between the breach and harm suffered, and resulting damages. 7. Premises Liability: Premises liability is a cause of action that holds property owners accountable for injuries sustained on their premises due to hazardous conditions. Maryland's property owners have a duty to maintain their property reasonably safe for visitors. Slip and falls, inadequate security leading to assaults, or accidents due to poor property maintenance are common claims under premises liability. Understanding the Maryland List of Causes of Action is essential when navigating the legal landscape in the state. Depending on the nature of the case, individuals or businesses may need to consult attorneys experienced in specific areas of law to ensure their rights and interests are protected.