Opinion ID: 2323004
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Matthews

Text: On or about September 30, 1999, Paul Matthews filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City naming Maryland General Hospital and several physicians including [name deleted] as Defendants, Matthews v. Maryland General Hospital, et al., Case No. 24-C-99-004642. Respondent was retained to represent the Hospital and [physician] and filed an answer to Matthews' complaint on October 26, 1999. Matthews' counsel served interrogatories and a request for production of documents on the Hospital and [physician]. Respondent failed to have the defendants provide complete responses to those discovery requests and failed to produce witnesses for depositions. Matthews' counsel filed a motion to compel discovery on April 14, 2000. Respondent failed to respond. On or about June 12, 2000, the Court granted Matthews' motion to compel and ordered the Hospital to provide the requested discovery within forty-five days. On or about August 28, 2000, Matthews' counsel filed a motion for judgment by default based on the failure to comply with the Court's Order dated June 12, 2000 compelling discovery. The Court granted Matthews' motion for judgment by default, but granted the defendants fifteen days to provide the discovery before entry of judgment. Respondent failed to comply with the Court's Order and Matthews' counsel again filed for default judgment on December 7, 2000. Respondent filed an untimely opposition on February 23, 2001. The Court struck Respondent's untimely opposition on March 23, 2001, and subsequently entered a default judgment against the Hospital. The effect of the default was to preclude the Hospital from defending against Matthews' proof of liability or damages and from calling any expert witnesses in its defense. Respondent misrepresented to the Hospital the status of the Matthews matter. Respondent violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, 3.4(c)(d), and 8.4(a)(d).