Patient Compensation Funds and Physician Insurance Maryland does not have a patient compensation fund or a program of state-sponsored liability insurance for physicians. Immunities Under Md. However, such immunity still applies with respect to punitive damages and pre-judgment interest. A claimant must provide written notice of his claim within one year of the injury. If the claim is denied, a lawsuit must be filed within three years after the cause of action arises or the claim is barred.
Local governments are immune from liability for punitive damages.
The purchase of liability insurance does not waive the entity's immunity. However, that immunity does not extend to the employees of charitable hospitals. Arbitration Until recently, all claims for medical malpractice had to be reviewed by an arbitration panel under the aegis of the Health Claims Arbitration Office. If the arbitration panel determines that a health care provider is liable to the claimant or claimants, it then itemizes and apportions damages. Although any party may reject the panel's findings, those findings are admissible and presumed correct in any subsequent court proceedings, unless vacated by the court.