Opinion ID: 2318844
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Facts Relevant to Sims

Text: 1 On 22 December 1990, Sims was in an automobile accident. As a result of the accident they retained the Respondent to represent them. They received medical treatment for soft tissue injuries arising from the accident through January 1991, collectively incurring $5,293.00 in medical bills. 2. Respondent contacted the defendant's insurance carrier, CNA, in an effort to settle the case between the date of the accident and July 1992. Respondent did not make a demand for payment during these discussions and CNA denied payment. No written notification of denial was presented to Respondent by CNA. On 13 July 1992, Respondent submitted Sims' medical bills to CNA. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) was paid to Sims by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company on 21 February 1991. 3. On 22 July 1993, Michael Sims was convicted in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for five (5) years with all but one (1) year suspended, and four (4) years probation upon release. 4. According to Respondent, he was reluctant to proceed with the negligence suit, in the event it could not be settled out of court, based on Michael Sims's recent criminal record. None of the other co-plaintiffs had a criminal record. Respondent's eventual decision not to pursue the civil case in trial was based on Michael Sims's criminal record. 5. Through the course of the civil case, Respondent spoke primarily with Michael Sims. According to Respondent, Michael Sims was the spokesperson for the group of co-plaintiffs and had permission to speak on their behalf. 6. On 21 December 1993, Respondent filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City on behalf of the Sims plaintiffs. Respondent failed to serve the defendant in the case with a Complaint and Summons. CNA never received notice of the Complaint filed in Court and therefore closed its file regarding the case. 7. On 23 September 1997, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City sent out a Notification to Parties of Contemplated Dismissal pursuant to Maryland Rule 2-507. [7] In response, Respondent filed a Motion to Suspend Maryland Rule 2-507 on 27 October 1997. The defendant in the matter, Raymond Wolf, Sr., filed Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion to Defer Dismissal Pursuant to Rule 2-507 on 12 December 1997. A hearing was scheduled on 15 December 1997. Plaintiff did not appear for the hearing in person or through Respondent. Respondent's motion was denied and the case was dismissed without prejudice on 15 December 1997.