Opinion ID: 2323004
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Koehler

Text: On or about October 25, 1999, Mark M. Koehler, Sr. and his wife filed a Complaint in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City naming Maryland General Hospital as Defendant, Koehler v. Maryland General Hospital, Case No. 24-C-99-005053. On or about November 15, 1999, the Hospital was served with a writ of summons, complaint, interrogatories, request for production of documents and a case civil information sheet. Respondent was retained to represent the Hospital and filed an answer on its behalf on December 7, 1999. Respondent failed to effectuate the Hospital's response to Koehler's interrogatories and request for production of document for over three months. Further, Respondent failed to respond to Koehler's counsel's numerous written and telephonic attempts to obtain the outstanding discovery. On or about February 29, 2000, Koehler's counsel filed a motion for sanctions to which Respondent did not respond. On March 24, 2000, the Court entered an Order compelling the Hospital to respond to the outstanding discovery within fifteen days from the date of that Order. On or about April 18, 2000, Koehler's counsel moved for default judgment based on noncompliance with the Court's order. Respondent did not oppose Koehler's motion for default judgment and it was granted on May 15, 2000. A Revised Order granting default judgment was entered on June 7, 2000. Respondent moved to vacate that judgment. The motion to vacate was denied on July 14, 2000. With no ability to defend the action, the Hospital was forced to settle. Koehler's counsel demanded $150,000.00. Respondent had failed to convey to the Hospital a prejudgment settlement demand from Koehler's counsel in the amount of $75,000.00. Respondent violated Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, 3.3(a)(1), 3.4(c)(d), 8.4(a) and (d).