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When life or business deals go wrong, a civil litigation attorney can help protect your rights and pursue remedies in court.

In Maryland, civil litigation covers non-criminal disputes—typically conflicts over money, property, or obligation enforcement.

You should consider retaining a Maryland civil litigator if you face situations such as:

• Breach of Contract or Business Disputes:

  • For example, a partner or vendor fails to uphold a deal, or a customer doesn’t pay. Maryland law allows you to sue for breach of contract and recover losses, but you must prove a valid contract, a breach, and resulting damages.

• Real Estate and Property Conflicts:

  • Disagreements over home sales, property boundaries, easements (rights of way), or ownership (like adverse possession claims) often require legal action to resolve. These disputes can be complex due to the high value and unique nature of real estate.

• Construction and Contractor Issues:

  • If a construction project goes awry – say a contractor’s work is defective, the project is delayed, or payments are withheld – legal guidance is crucial. Maryland contractors and subcontractors even have the right to file mechanic’s liens against property for unpaid work (with strict deadlines, often within 180 days of project completion).

• Landlord–Tenant Disputes:

  • Whether you’re a landlord dealing with a non-paying tenant or a tenant facing unsafe living conditions or wrongful eviction, Maryland’s landlord–tenant laws (Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-401 et seq.) provide specific remedies and procedures. For instance, landlords must file a court action for eviction (called summary ejectment) – self-help evictions are not allowed. Tenants, on the other hand, have rights like rent escrow (paying rent to a court account) if serious repairs are neglected.

• Contract Interpretation or Enforcement Issues:

  • Sometimes the issue isn’t an outright breach, but a disagreement over what a contract means or how it should be carried out. If contract terms are unclear or one party refuses to perform, an attorney can help interpret the agreement and, if necessary, ask a Maryland court to enforce it (even through specific performance, explained below).

In any of these situations, a seasoned Maryland civil litigation attorney can guide you through the legal process – from negotiating solutions to filing a lawsuit – to protect your interests under Maryland law.

Decades of Civil Litigation Experience You Can Trust

At The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC, our civil litigation team brings decades of experience fighting and winning cases in Maryland.

We’ve handled thousands of disputes across business, contract, and real estate matters, honing strategies that get results.

Our deep experience means:

• Proven Expertise: With years of practice in Maryland’s courts, we know the judges, procedures, and legal nuances that can make or break a case. Our attorneys draw on knowledge to avoid pitfalls and position your case for success.
• Efficient Resolution: Civil disputes can be financially draining and time-consuming. With our experience, we identify the most effective path to resolve your matter quickly and efficiently,whether it’s savvy negotiation, mediation, or aggressive courtroom litigation.
• Personalized Strategy: No two cases are the same. We take a client-centered approach, listening to your goals and concerns. Then we tailor a legal strategy to fit your needs, keeping you informed at every step. Our fresh perspectives on age-old disputes mean we often catch details others miss, giving you an edge.
• Broad Practice Areas: From contract breaches and business lawsuits to property and landlord–tenant disputes, our background spans a wide array of civil litigation. This breadth ensures that whatever your civil legal issue, we’ve likely handled a similar case successfully.

When you retain Haskell & Dyer, you get a Southern Maryland law firm that stands resolute by your side. Our top-rated, highly skilled lawyers have one mission: to secure the justice and outcome you deserve, with professionalism and confidence.

Maryland’s Civil Litigation Framework: Laws & Key Rules

Navigating a civil case in Maryland involves understanding the state’s specific legal framework.

Here are key Maryland laws, doctrines, and procedures that govern civil litigation:

• Maryland Court System: Civil cases are handled in either Maryland District Court or Circuit Court depending on the claim. Small claims (up to $5,000) are heard in the District Court’s simplified procedure, while larger cases (over $30,000) go to the Circuit Court. Mid-range cases can sometimes be filed in either. District Courts handle things like landlord-tenant evictions and contract disputes under $30k, whereas Circuit Courts handle more complex litigation (and any jury trials).
• Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure: Maryland has its own court rules governing how lawsuits proceed. Title 2 of the Maryland Rules applies to civil actions in Circuit Courts, and Title 3 applies to District Court cases. These rules cover everything from how to file a complaint to discovery (exchange of evidence), motions, and trial procedure. We are well-versed in these rules – ensuring your case is handled correctly and deadlines are met.
• Statutes of Limitations: A statute of limitation is a filing deadline for lawsuits. In Maryland, the general statute of limitations for civil claims is 3 years from the date the harm occurred. This means if you wait more than three years to sue, you can lose your right to bring the case. (Example: if a contract was breached or you were injured on Jan 1, 2022, you typically must file by Jan 1, 2025.) Maryland law does set different periods for specific cases: libel or slander must be filed within 1 year, and certain contract claims have special rules. For instance, a breach of a sales contract for goods (under the UCC) has a 4-year deadline. Also, contracts that are signed “under seal” (a formal designation) can be sued upon for up to 12 years. Our attorneys will identify which time limits apply to your case and ensure your claims are timely.
• Burden of Proof in Civil Cases: In Maryland civil litigation, the plaintiff’s burden is usually a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means you must prove it’s more likely than not (greater than 50% likelihood) that your claims are true. This is a much lower threshold than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard in criminal cases. Some specific civil claims (like fraud) may require clear and convincing evidence (a higher standard), but most ordinary contract or tort claims use the preponderance standard. We gather the necessary evidence and craft arguments to meet this burden and persuasively present your case.
• Maryland Statutory Law: Many civil disputes are governed by statutes in the Md. Code Annotated. For example, Maryland’s Commercial Law Article codifies contract rules (including the Uniform Commercial Code for sales), the Real Property Article covers real estate and landlord–tenant laws, and the Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article sets out lawsuit filing deadlines and jurisdictional rules. Our firm stays up-to-date on all relevant Maryland statutes – from Md. Code, Cts & Jud. Proc. §5-101 (the 3-year general limit) to Real Prop. §8-401 (eviction procedures) – so your case is grounded in the correct law.
• Legal Remedies (Damages & More): Maryland civil law provides for various remedies. The primary remedy is often money damages to compensate you for losses. Maryland generally allows recovery of compensatory damages (to cover actual losses), but not punitive damages in standard breach of contract cases (punitives are usually limited to certain torts involving egregious conduct). In equity cases, injunctive relief or specific performance may be available (see below for specific performance). Maryland courts can also award court costs and interest, and in some cases attorneys’ fees if a contract or statute permits. Part of our job is to identify and pursue the maximum remedies you are entitled to, ensuring you are made whole.

Understanding Maryland’s legal framework, with Haskell & Dyer guiding you, will help you confidently navigate the litigation process.

We handle the procedural heavy lifting so you can focus on your life or business while your case moves forward.

Contract Disputes in Maryland

Contracts are the lifeblood of business and personal deals – from sales and services to partnership agreements and leases.

When a contract goes wrong in Maryland, our firm protects your rights. Key points about contract disputes in Maryland:

• Breach of Contract:

  • If someone fails to perform their obligations under an agreement, it’s a breach. Maryland law allows the non-breaching party to sue for damages to put them in the position they would have been if the contract was fulfilled. For example, if a contractor doesn’t complete work, or a buyer doesn’t pay, you can seek compensation for the financial harm (such as cost to hire a new contractor or lost profits). You generally have 3 years to file a breach of contract lawsuit in MD (or 4 years for sale-of-goods contracts).

• Contract Interpretation Disputes:

  • Sometimes the fight is over what the contract actually means. Maryland courts follow the “objective theory” of contract interpretation. This means the plain language of the contract is key – what would a reasonable person think the words mean, in context, at the time of signing – rather than secret intentions of the parties. If a contract’s wording is clear, judges will enforce it as written. If it’s ambiguous, courts may look at extrinsic evidence (like course of dealing or industry practice) to determine intent. Our attorneys are adept at parsing contract language and building arguments for the interpretation that favors our client’s position. We highlight favorable clauses, point out ambiguities, and use Maryland case law to support your reading of the agreement.

• Specific Enforcement (Specific Performance):

  • In some cases, monetary damages aren’t enough. Maryland courts can order specific performance, requiring the breaching party to do exactly what they promised. This is an equitable remedy, often used in real estate contracts – because each parcel of land is unique, simply paying money may not make the buyer or seller whole. For instance, if a home seller tries to back out of a sale, the buyer can sue for specific performance to force the completion of the transaction. Likewise, a seller can seek it if a buyer breaches, ensuring the sale goes through. Specific performance is more common in real estate or other unique subject matters and is only granted when monetary compensation is inadequate and the contract terms are sufficiently definite. Maryland courts will also consider whether it’s feasible to enforce the contract – they won’t order specific performance if, say, the party can’t actually perform or constant supervision by the court would be required. Our firm’s long experience with contract cases includes obtaining specific performance when appropriate – leveraging this powerful remedy to protect our clients’ expectations.

• Remedies for Breach:

  • Besides specific performance, the usual remedy is damages. Maryland allows recovery of direct damages (the actual loss from the breach) and sometimes consequential damages (other foreseeable losses caused by the breach), but not punitive damages for a simple breach. You must also try to mitigate your damages – Maryland law expects the non-breaching party to take reasonable steps to reduce their loss (for example, seeking a replacement tenant if someone breaks a lease). We help clients document their losses and mitigation efforts to maximize recoverable damages. In some contracts, attorneys’ fees are recoverable if the contract says so (common in leases or loan agreements). We will also explore rescission (canceling the contract) or reformation (fixing contract language) if those options better serve your goals.

Our decades of practice in Maryland contract litigation means we hit the ground running.

Whether it’s a straightforward unpaid invoice or a complex dispute over a multi-million-dollar deal, we know how to assert your rights under Maryland law and achieve the best possible outcome – in or out of court.

Real Estate Disputes in Maryland

Real estate is often your most valuable asset – and it comes with a host of potential disputes.

Our firm has substantial experience in Maryland real estate litigation, helping homeowners, buyers, sellers, and landowners resolve conflicts efficiently. Some common real estate disputes we handle include:

Adverse Possession Claims

Imagine a neighbor openly using a part of your land for years without permission – at some point, they might claim ownership of that strip of land. Adverse possession is the legal doctrine that allows a trespasser to gain ownership of property by continuous, “hostile” use over a long period. Maryland’s requirements for adverse possession are strict: the use must be open, notorious, exclusive, hostile, and continuous for at least 20 years. (In other words, the person must occupy or use the land as an owner would, without the true owner’s permission, for two decades straight.) Maryland law (Courts & Jud. Proc. § 5-103) essentially codifies this 20-year rule. If the true owner does not bring an action to eject the trespasser within that time, the trespasser can quiet title and legally take ownership. Adverse possession cases often involve analyzing old property records, maps, and witness testimony about land use dating back decades. Because the burden of proof is relatively high – one typically must prove all elements clearly – you need experienced counsel to assemble a strong case. Our attorneys can either assert an adverse possession claim on your behalf (if you have been the one using the land), or defend your property from an adverse possessor by showing the use wasn’t continuous or some element fails. We also handle related claims like prescriptive easements (gaining a right-of-way or usage right after 20 years of continuous use – see Easements below).

Boundary and Property Line Disputes

Property line disagreements between neighbors are common – perhaps a fence is in the wrong place, or a new survey differs from the historical understanding of the boundary. In Maryland, boundary disputes may be resolved through legal actions such as a quiet title lawsuit or a declaratory judgment to determine the true boundary. Sometimes, a long-uncorrected boundary mistake can be resolved under doctrines like adverse possession or boundary by acquiescence (if neighbors treated a certain line as the boundary for a long period, they may be bound by it).

However, Maryland courts will examine evidence carefully – including deeds, plats, historical use, and any agreements between owners. Our firm works with surveyors and title experts to clarify the proper line. We strive to negotiate neighborly solutions when possible (for example, agreeing to adjust the boundary or grant an easement), but if not, we will aggressively litigate to protect your property rights. Maryland Real Property Article § 14-108 provides a cause of action to establish boundary lines and quiet title, and we are very familiar with using this and related statutes to bring certainty to landownership.

Easement and Right-of-Way Issues

Easements – the legal rights for someone to use another’s land for a specific purpose – can be a frequent source of conflict. Common examples in Maryland include right-of-way easements (for access to a landlocked property), utility easements, or neighbors arguing over use of a shared driveway or path. A written grant or reservation can create easements in a deed, or they might arise by implication or necessity (e.g., if a parcel has no outlet except over a neighbor’s land, the law may grant an easement by necessity). They can also arise by long-term use: a prescriptive easement results when someone has used a portion of land openly and continuously for 20+ years with no permission – similar to adverse possession, except the person gains a use right rather than full ownership. In fact, Maryland’s common law doctrine of prescription for easements also requires 20 years’ adverse use (and Md. Code Cts & Jud. Proc § 5-103 preserves this rule). Disputes arise when, for instance, a landowner blocks a longtime path, or someone expands an easement’s use beyond what was agreed. Our attorneys will review the property deeds, plats, and historical usage to determine the existence and scope of any easement. We’re skilled at litigating quiet title or declaratory judgment actions to confirm an easement right or, conversely, to terminate unwarranted claims. We also counsel clients on their rights short of litigation – sometimes a firm letter clarifying the law or a mediated agreement can resolve an easement fight without a court battle.

Real estate disputes often involve strong emotions – your home or land is at stake. We approach these cases with sensitivity and tenacity. Our goal is to secure your property rights and find a practical solution, whether through negotiation or in court. With decades of real estate litigation know-how, Haskell & Dyer will stand firm to protect what’s yours.

Construction Disputes in Maryland

Construction projects can be fraught with conflict: a homeowner unhappy with a renovation, a contractor who wasn’t paid, or a building project stalled by disagreements. Our firm represents property owners, contractors, and subcontractors in Maryland construction disputes, bringing clarity and resolution to these complex cases. Key aspects of construction litigation:

Contract and Scope Disputes:

Almost every construction project is governed by a contract (or multiple contracts). Disagreements may arise about the scope of work (e.g. “This isn’t what I asked for!”), the quality of workmanship, or change orders that modify the project. We carefully review all contracts, plans, and communications. Maryland follows general contract law principles here – if the contract is clear, it governs, but if terms are ambiguous, we may need to interpret industry standards or course of dealing. We often work with construction experts to determine whether work met the required standards or whether deviations are significant.

Delay and Timeline Issues:

Construction delays can be very costly. If a contractor fails to complete work on time or an owner causes delays (say, by late payments or design changes), determining legal responsibility is crucial. Many contracts have liquidated damages clauses (a set dollar amount per day of delay). Maryland courts will enforce reasonable liquidated damage provisions, though if the clause is deemed a penalty, it might not be enforceable. We help clients navigate these provisions or, if none exist, pursue actual delay damages.

Payment Disputes and Mechanic’s Liens:

When contractors or subcontractors aren’t paid for their work, Maryland law provides a powerful tool: the mechanic’s lien. A mechanic’s lien is essentially a legal claim against the improved property itself for the value of unpaid labor or materials. To preserve lien rights, contractors must follow the strict procedure in Md. Code Ann., Real Property Title 9, Subtitle 1. For instance, a subcontractor must usually give the property owner notice of intent to lien within 120 days of finishing work, and a petition to establish the lien must be filed within 180 days of finishing the work. Our firm can file or defend against mechanic’s liens: if you’re a contractor, we’ll ensure all statutory requirements are met so your lien is valid and you can foreclose on the property if needed to get paid; if you’re an owner, we’ll examine whether the claimant followed the law and contest any inflated or improper lien. We also handle bond claims on public projects (where mechanic’s liens aren’t allowed, contractors can claim against payment bonds).

Defective Work and Warranty Claims:

When construction work is faulty – a leaky roof after a new build, structural issues, code violations, etc. – owners may claim breach of contract or negligence against the builder. Maryland law implies certain warranties in construction contracts (for example, new home implied warranty under Real Property § 10-203, ensuring a new home is free of major defects for a period of time). We help homeowners pursue repair costs or replacement for defective work. Conversely, we also defend builders from unfounded claims, making sure that owners aren’t seeking more than they are entitled to. Often, expert testimony (from engineers, architects) is key to proving whether construction met the required standard.

Construction Arbitration and Litigation:

Many construction contracts have arbitration clauses – requiring disputes to be resolved in private arbitration rather than in court. We are experienced in both arbitration and courtroom litigation of construction matters. If arbitration is required, we represent you through the arbitration hearing and enforce the award. If litigation proceeds in court, we will use Maryland’s court procedures to your advantage (for example, filing a summary judgment if the contract clearly supports your position, or leveraging the Right to Cure defense under Maryland’s Home Improvement laws if applicable). Our goal is an efficient resolution that compensates you or resolves the issue so the project can progress.

Construction disputes blend contract law, statutory law, and technical construction knowledge. With our comprehensive experience, Haskell & Dyer can decode complex construction documents and timelines, working closely with industry experts. We take a pragmatic approach – often these cases can be settled through negotiation or mediation once the key issues are clarified. But if not, we’re fully prepared to litigate aggressively to protect our client’s financial interests and project goals.

Landlord–Tenant Disputes in Maryland

Maryland landlord–tenant relations are governed by detailed laws meant to protect both parties. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to enforce your lease and property rights, or a tenant asserting your rights to safe and fair housing, our firm can help you navigate the process. We handle disputes such as:

Evictions and Failure to Pay Rent:

If a tenant fails to pay rent or violates the lease, landlords must follow Maryland’s legal eviction process (self-help evictions are illegal). The typical route for nonpayment is filing a “Failure to Pay Rent” action in District Court. After proper notice to the tenant (a 10-day notice of intent to file, required by law), the landlord files a complaint (Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-401). The court can grant a judgment for possession, and ultimately an eviction if the tenant still doesn’t pay. These cases move quickly – often a hearing is set about 5 days after filing – so landlords benefit from an attorney who can ensure all paperwork and notices are correct (any mistake can delay the process). We regularly represent landlords in rent court to regain possession or obtain rent judgments. For tenants, we ensure the landlord strictly followed the law: if they failed to give notice, don’t have a required rental license, or the tenant has defenses (e.g. the landlord refused to fix dangerous conditions), we will raise those in court. Maryland now also has an “Access to Counsel in Eviction” program for qualifying tenants – reflecting the high stakes of evictions. We handle lease breaches and “tenant holding over” actions (when a tenant stays past lease end) as well, guiding clients through the nuances of each type of case (Real Prop. § 8-402 for holding over, § 8-402.1 for breach of lease, etc.).

Security Deposits and Lease Disputes:

Maryland’s security deposit law is very tenant-protective. Landlords can only charge up to 2 months’ rent as deposit, must keep it in a trust account, and must return the deposit (minus any damages) within 45 days after lease end, with an itemized statement of damages. Failure to comply can make a landlord liable for up to 3 times the deposit as a penalty (Real Prop. § 8-203). We assist landlords in properly handling deposits to avoid penalties, and help tenants recover wrongfully withheld deposits. Other common lease disputes include disagreements on maintenance and repair responsibilities, lease renewal terms, or early termination. We interpret the lease under Maryland contract law principles and relevant statutes (like the Warranty of Habitability – Maryland law requires landlords to offer and maintain fit and habitable premises). If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs affecting health/safety, a tenant may be able to withhold rent via a rent escrow action. We represent tenants in filing rent escrows or defending against retaliatory evictions (note: Md. Code Real Prop. § 8-208.1 protects tenants from retaliation for engaging in protected activities like complaining to housing inspectors).

Habitable Conditions and Code Violations:

Disputes often arise when rental property conditions are poor. Maryland law (and local county codes) require landlords to repair serious defects (lack of heat, water, rodent infestations, etc.). Tenants have the right to safe and sanitary housing; if a landlord fails to fix serious issues after notice, tenants can seek court permission to pay rent into escrow until repairs are made. Our firm can file such actions to prompt repairs. Conversely, we defend landlords by ensuring tenants follow proper procedures and aren’t withholding rent improperly. Starting in 2021, Maryland also prohibits landlords from increasing rent or decreasing services to retaliate against a tenant who has lodged a good-faith complaint or joined a tenants’ association (Real Prop. § 8-208.1). We make sure any potential landlord actions comply with these laws to avoid costly counterclaims.

Lease Drafting and Enforcement:

Many disputes can be prevented with a well-drafted lease. Our firm often assists landlords in creating Maryland-compliant lease agreements (note: landlords renting 5 or more units must use a written lease by law). If a dispute does occur, the lease is the starting point – we enforce provisions like late fees (capped by Maryland law at 5% of rent for residential leases), pet policies, or HOA rules incorporated into leases. For commercial leases, we handle issues like CAM charges, eviction for breach of covenants, or enforcing personal guarantees.

In landlord-tenant matters, Maryland’s District Courts handle the majority of cases and they run on tight timelines. With Haskell & Dyer’s experience on your side, you won’t be caught off guard by procedural requirements or tenants’ rights laws. We approach these cases with an aim to resolve disputes quickly – minimizing lost rent for landlords or avoiding homelessness for tenants – often through negotiated agreements or payment plans. But when a fight is necessary, we stand ready to assert your rights in court, backed by our knowledge of Maryland’s landlord–tenant statutes and local court practices.

In Summary: The civil litigation landscape in Maryland can be complex, but with the right legal team, you can face it with confidence. The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC has a proven track record across contract disputes, real estate and property issues, construction conflicts, and landlord–tenant cases. We combine Maryland-specific legal expertise with a client-focused approach – keeping you informed, prepared, and in control. Our decades of experience, knowledge of Maryland law (from statutes to court rules), and skilled advocacy will help turn a trying dispute into a resolved matter.

If you’re confronting a civil dispute in Maryland, don’t go it alone. The stakes – your finances, property, or peace of mind – are simply too high.

Contact Haskell & Dyer for a consultation. We’ll evaluate your situation, explain your rights and options under Maryland law, and chart a course toward a successful resolution.

With our firm in your corner, you’ll have the strength of seasoned Maryland litigators fighting for you every step of the way.

Let us put our experience to work and deliver the efficient, effective litigation solutions you deserve.

Citations:

• Maryland Code Annotated, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 5-101. (n.d.). Statute of limitations – General. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Code Annotated, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 5-103. (n.d.). Adverse possession statute. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article § 8-401. (n.d.). Failure to pay rent and summary ejectment. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article § 8-203. (n.d.). Security deposits regulations. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article § 8-208.1. (n.d.). Retaliation prohibited. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article § 8-402. (n.d.). Tenant holding over statute. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article § 10-203. (n.d.). Implied warranty for new homes. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article Title 9, Subtitle 1. (n.d.). Mechanic’s lien statute. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/

• Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, Title 2. (n.d.). Circuit court rules. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/
• Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, Title 3. (n.d.). District court rules. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), Maryland Code Annotated, Commercial Law Article § 2-725. (n.d.). Statute of limitations in contracts for sale of goods. Retrieved from https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/