…I always said, I don’t want to be on Bruce’s bad side, I definitely want to be on his team. His attention to detail … “ is, I’ve never seen anything like it. When he came down for the depositions, I couldn’t even believe the suitcases he brought in of paperwork and backup. The things that he tracked and looked at and the details that were important to him, it was mind-boggling.” — JM…

It was an excellent experience, I loved everything about them, everybody there, “It was an excellent experience, I loved everything about them, everybody there, not only working with Alison, I worked with George and Jeanie, and they were all really good. It was an excellent experience. ” — TS…

They handled our case and won our case. They’re outstanding in their work performance. … “They handled our case and won our case. They’re outstanding in their work performance. I just have a lot of respect for them. I didn’t think that they were so hoity-toity that they wouldn’t explain things to me. They were with me from the beginning to the end and they explained everything and made it very easy, all this.” — DB…

Alison, I used to ask her if she was a doctor. Alison knew medical terminology and results from medications, and things that you would not even think, as if she was a doctor … “Alison, I used to ask her if she was a doctor. Alison knew medical terminology and results from medications, and things that you would not even think, as if she was a doctor … she has knowledge of far beyond just being a lawyer, she’s excellent.”…

…Another thing that I appreciated of course was that [Bruce] truthfully didn’t make me feel like I was a client. I felt that he really did care about my son as a child, as a human being, as someone he cared about … “Another thing that I appreciated of course was that [Bruce] truthfully didn’t make me feel like I was a client. I felt that he really did care about my son as a child, as a human being,…

Oh yeah, I recommend [Dugan, Babij, Tolley, & Kohler] for anything … “ I don’t even know if it’s cases that people can use them for, if somebody says something about a lawyer, I give them their card, “Call them, I don’t know if it’s something they cover, but I just know you should go with them because they’re great”. ” — TS…

… That’s why I think, working with Alison, she made you feel at peace. … “ That’s why I think, working with Alison, she made you feel at peace. It was a hard thing to get through but you could clearly see that she was on our side and she walked us every step of the way. ” — KD…

Oh definitely! [I would recommend them because] I liked working with them and thought they were very professional. … “Oh definitely! [I would recommend them because] I liked working with them and thought they were very professional. I just really liked them. There was something about Ellen, we became friends. I thought all of them were so professional and so thoughtful for their clients and all. ” — DB…

… Their attention to details and the fact that they are so intelligent, and they know their field. “I mean they know those laws inside and out. And the fact that when one door would close they knew exactly where to go next. So they definitely know their business, there’s no doubt about that.” — PM & GM…

[Bruce] had the resources to draw on and he did what he was supposed to do in drawing on those resources, to deal with all the intricacies of the case. “ So, pulling it all together, [Bruce’s use of experts] really helped and it was good. He knew everything that was available to him to make sure we got the outcome that we needed. ” — FB & EB…

… [Alison Kohler] was an extremely professional, caring, nice individual. “Going through the actual facts of the case, seeing where it got screwed up and who’s fault it was, and Alison, she did an excellent job of researching and building a case that we could win. ” — RH…

Oh my goodness it was a great, I cannot say enough about Bruce Babij and his team. “ They were just above board. They were so upfront, … kept me in the loop about everything that was going on. They were just wonderful to work with. ” — FB & EB…

… Absolutely, positively would recommend them to others. “I’ve learned in life that you need to be careful who you recommend to people because just sometimes if you recommend an attorney, or even a plumber and something happens, it seems like it comes back to you … But I would not hesitate for a second to recommend [Dugan, Babij, Tolley, & Kohler]. I would tell [others], you get what you pay for, these guys are the best. If you want…

Bruce was so patient, kind, and sensitive, you know, and he was so passionate about what he did and what he brought to the table and he made me comfortable in the process. “ This was a very unfamiliar process for me, but he made it easy for me. He did all the work and I’m grateful. Even the simplest of things that I really didn’t feel like I needed to be involved in, [Bruce] made sure that I was…

… [Alison Kohler] built this case from just an idle conversation into a complete legal case. “… Alison’s outstanding legal skills … she built this case from just an idle conversation into a complete legal case. Alison is a bulldog in a skirt. ” — RH…

… [Dugan, Babij, Tolley, and Kohler] did an outstanding job of getting the facts and detailing the case. I would definitely recommend them for medical malpractice. … “The firm specializes in medical malpractice, they know what they are doing, they have the experts, they have the attorneys and paralegals to go through every document and every note and find out what went wrong. ” — RH…

… all of ’em, the whole firm, they became, I don’t know, they were almost like, they were more like family than they were like attorneys. “ We dealt mostly with Bruce, and with Henry quite a bit as well. But all of ’em, the whole firm, they became, I don’t know, they were almost like, they were more like family than they were like attorneys. They were a very, very professional, very, very, good group. From the attorneys all…

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The types of anesthesia typically utilized for any invasive or surgical procedure are generally categorized as either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. General anesthesia is typically administered intravenously or is inhaled through a facemask. As its name suggests, general anesthesia is intended to render the patient unconscious. As a result, general anesthesia is most frequently utilized during major surgical procedures. Regional anesthesia, also sometimes called spinal, epidural or local anesthesia, is designed to block the sensation of pain in a…

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Birth trauma generally refers to those otherwise avoidable injuries suffered by a baby during with the process of vaginal delivery. Larger infants, those weighing in excess of 4,500 grams, or approximately 10 pounds, are particularly susceptible to birth trauma injuries. Frequently, babies who are delivered by operative vaginal delivery, which may involve the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor, may suffer birth trauma related injuries. It has been estimated that nearly 50% of all birth trauma injuries are avoidable…

Bleeding disorders can result from potentially multiple causes leading to either a hypercoagulation disorder or to disorders in which the blood does not properly clot, leading to excessive and possibly uncontrollable bleeding. Hypercoagulation generally refers to conditions where there is excessive blood clotting. Hypercoagulation can lead to the formation of blood clots within the blood vessels. These conditions are referred to as thrombosis or phlebitis. Hypercoagulation disorders leading to the formation of blood vessel clots are associated with severe and…

The brachial plexus refers to the constellation of five nerve groups which proceed from the spinal cord in the neck to the shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers. The stretching or tearing of the nerves in the brachial plexus by the careless practitioner during the course of vaginal delivery can cause the partial or total paralysis of the muscles in either the left or right shoulder, arm, or hand. Nerve injuries involving the stretching or tearing of the nerves leading from…

Breast cancer is generally recognized as being the most common form of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death, only exceeded by lung cancer. There are numerous risk factors which have been recognized as being associated with the development of breast cancer. Such risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, a personal history of the prior development of breast cancer and the use of estrogen replacement therapy. There are many types of breast cancers,…

In every one of our motor vehicle accident cases one of the fundamental questions that must be answered is, “Who was at fault?” Usually, any case accident analysis would typically point to one of the operators of the vehicles involved in the accident. That paradigm has now changed. The recent involvement of both Tesla and Uber self-driving cars in fatal accidents have stimulated open debate about the safety and long term viability of autonomous vehicles. An obvious question to ask…

Cauda equina syndrome is a severe neurologic disorder that usually is associated with a herniated disc in the lower, or lumbar, region of the back. Cauda equina is Latin for “horse’s tail”. The cauda equina is the sack of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord. The individual nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord provide motor and sensory function to the legs, the bladder and the bowel. Cauda equina syndrome most commonly results from a…

Cephalopelvic disproportion is the medical term typically used to characterize the condition where the fetal head or body is too large to enter or properly pass through the maternal pelvis and birth canal. Cephalopelvic disproportion typically occurs where either the fetal head or body is too large, or the maternal pelvis is too small, to permit the baby to be delivered via a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. The baby’s head or body may become too large, giving rise to cephalopelvic…

A cerebral or brain aneurysm is typically characterized as a weakening or bulging of part of the wall of a vein or artery in the brain. There are several recognized risk factors for the development of a cerebral aneurysm. Such factors include trauma to the head or brain, high blood pressure or hypertension or even congenital defects. The signs and symptoms of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm may include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Some individuals with an unruptured…

A diagnosis of cerebral palsy can be both confusing and alarming to the parents of an injured child, and many questions certainly spring to mind: What is cerebral palsy? How did this happen to my child? What can be done about it? The term “cerebral” refers to the brain — cerebral palsy results from damage to or developmental problems in the child’s brain. The term “palsy” refers to the impairment of motor function that forms the most obvious outward sign…

Cesarean delivery, sometimes referred to as a “C-Section’, is one of the most frequent surgical procedures performed today in the United States. Between 1970 and 1995, the rate of deliveries by cesarean section was reportedly between 20 and 25 percent on a national basis. Consequently, more and more pregnant mothers who previously delivered a child by cesarean section are now confronted with the question whether it is reasonably safe to attempt a vaginal delivery, referred to as a “VBAC”, or…

Nursing Home Neglect Remains an Issue Despite Regulations The case of Sylvie, who died because of an infection which developed while she was in the care of a nursing home, is a reminder of dangers of nursing home neglect. Under the Maryland regulations, nursing homes must be open to inspection by the Secretary of Health or any agency designated by the Secretary. Despite these regulations nursing home neglect and abuse remains a persistent problem. read more ……

During the course of a normal pregnancy, the developing baby remains surrounded by amniotic fluid. It is generally felt that the volume of amniotic fluid will increase during the course of a normal pregnancy until approximately 36 weeks gestation, from which time there will be a gradual decrease. The volume of amniotic fluid is typically assessed through ultrasonography and what is known as an Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI). Decreased amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy, or oligohydramnios, is a condition which…

Despite improvements in obstetrical care and the ability of good health care providers to more closely manage blood sugar levels, diabetes in pregnancy remains a significant medical complication, threatening the well being of both mother and baby. It has long been recognized that the degree of blood sugar control both prior to and during pregnancy will significantly influence the health and well being of the baby. Generally speaking, poor blood sugar control is recognized as posing an increased health risk…

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) refers to the breakdown of normal blood clotting capacity. Disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC is also sometimes referred to as “consumptive coagulopathy,” referring to the potentially fatal constellation of factors which can lead to uncontrolled hemorrhage, shock and maternal or fetal death. Although pregnancy typically induces what is characterized as a “hypercoaguable state,” it has long been recognized that several conditions can predispose a patient to the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC. Placental abruption,…

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Alarming Statistics Over a decade ago, the Institute of Medicine (“IOM”) estimated that preventable medical errors annually cost the American economy between $17 Billion and $29 Billion in lost income and household production, disability, and medical expenses. The IOM further estimated that as many as 98,000 Americans died each year from preventable medical errors in the nation’s hospitals. In 2010, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revisited those statistics, finding that…

Eclampsia is generally recognized as constituting an obstetrical emergency which requires prompt medical intervention. Eclampsia represents the neurologic consequences of the most severe form of the disease known as pre-eclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy. Eclampsia is generally characterized by the occurrence of tonic-clonic seizures or convulsions which are often prolonged and violent. Many patients who suffer from eclamptic seizures also develop brain edema, or swelling, which can result in coma which is often fatal. In other patients, eclampsia can lead…

Erb’s Palsy commonly refers to nerve injuries involving the nerves leading from cervical vertebrae #5 or #6 (C5-6). These nerves are part of the “brachial plexus.” The brachial plexus refers to the constellation of five nerve groups which proceed from the spinal cord in the neck to the shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers. The stretching or tearing of the nerves in the brachial plexus can cause the partial or total paralysis of the muscles in either the left or right…

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During pregnancy, the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby and the removal of carbon dioxide and other waste gases from the baby is achieved through the placenta. The placenta is an exceedingly complex organ which is comprised of both maternal and fetal blood circulatory systems. Adequate blood flow to and from the placenta, and in both the maternal and fetal circulations, is necessary in order for the baby to receive enough oxygen and for it to be able…

Fetal macrosomia is distinct from the term “large for gestational age” (“LGA”). LGA is defined as fetal weight above the 90th percentile for the baby’s gestational age, based upon growth curves generated from national statistics. In contrast, fetal macrosomia describes a baby weighing more than 4,000 g (about 8 lbs., 12.75 oz.), or more than 4,500 g (about 9 lbs. 14.5 oz.), regardless of gestational age. Thus, a baby weighing 3,900 g at 38 weeks gestational age could be LGA…

Forceps delivery is a mode of operative vaginal delivery in which the forceps are placed around the fetal head in order to permit the application of traction. Traction is applied during a forceps delivery to direct and assist the fetus’ descent through the birth canal. It has been estimated that as many as 10% of all vaginal deliveries involve the use of forceps. More recently, however, many obstetricians frequently utilize vacuum extractors instead of forceps, in part due to the…

It is generally estimated that between 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women may be infected with Group B Streptococcal bacteria, also known as “Group B Strep”. Typically, colonization with the Group B Strep bacteria occurs in the vaginal or rectal areas. Because of the significant maternal and fetal risks associated with Group B Strep infections, in 2002, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued detailed guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pregnant women with Group…

“HELLP” Syndrome refers to a grouping of symptoms which represent a severe and potentially life threatening obstetrical emergency, requiring careful obstetrical management. The acronym “HELLP” refers to: H = Hemolysis; EL = Elevated liver enzymes; and LP = Low platelets. HELLP Syndrome is recognized as most typically occurring in patients who have the most severe forms of the disease pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia of pregnancy. It has been estimates that as many as 20 percent of patients with severe…

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Hypertension in pregnancy is generally defined as hypertension that is present either before the pregnancy or hypertension that is diagnosed before the 20th week of gestation. Hypertension which is diagnosed prior to pregnancy is sometimes called “chronic hypertension.” Hypertension which occurs prior to the 20th week of gestation is also sometimes called “pregnancy induced hypertension.” Hypertension is generally defined as a blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic. This distinction is very important, since…

Hypoxia is generally characterized as a partial or complete reduction of oxygen in the tissue or major organ systems of the body. Decreased oxygen in the bloodstream is sometimes referred to as hypoxemia. Ischemia is generally defined as a reduction or the complete cessation of blood flow to the body’s tissue or major organ systems. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy refers to a constellation of neurological abnormalities exhibited during the early days of life by a baby who has suffered a hypoxic or…

Intrauterine Growth Restriction or IUGR is a term typically used to describe those babies who fail to achieve normal growth during pregnancy. A common threshold for the assessment of Intrauterine Growth Restriction, is a baby whose estimated weight is less than the 10th percentile of what otherwise would normally be expected. Fetal growth and development is typically assessed by measurements of the uterine fundal height or through ultrasonography. It is generally felt that, up to approximately 30 weeks of gestation,…

A study recently published in Obstetrics and Gynecology International has found a correlation between the size of the cranium (the baby’s head circumference) of infants born at full term and the incidence of cerebral white matter damage (WMD), a condition known to be related to developmental delay and cerebral palsy in childhood. The study indicates the possible need for a change in the observation and management of seemingly asymptomatic newborns who have suffered head trauma during delivery resulting in excessive…

Klumpke’s Palsy commonly refers to nerve injuries involving the nerves leading from cervical vertebrae #7 or #8 (C7-8) and thoracic vertebra #1 (T/1). These nerves are part of the “brachial plexus.” The brachial plexus refers to the constellation of five nerve groups which proceed from the spinal cord in the neck to the shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers. The stretching or tearing of the nerves in the brachial plexus can cause the partial or total paralysis of the muscles in…

Generally speaking, the primary diseases of the gallbladder are referred to as either cholecystitis or cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis refers to the formation of gallstones either within the gallbladder or in the biliary passages. The formation of gallstones often results in severe and sometimes debilitating pain that may be associated with the partial or complete blockage of the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Cholecystitis generally refers to an inflammation of the gallbladder that may also be associated with…

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Growth of medical spa business has led to increasing regulation A booming medical spa industry suggests that patients are wooed by the spa-like environment for body transforming surgeries, apparently assuming that health care providers would still comply with the basic surgical safety standards. Unfortunately, the medical spas of Maryland were not closely regulated until recently, and not all of the them were even set up to provide sterile surgical environment. The ramifications of this failure proved catastrophic for some Maryland…

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Meconium is the name typically used to describe fetal fecal matter. The passage of meconium by a baby prior to delivery has been associated with several potentially ominous conditions which require close and careful obstetrical monitoring and management. It has been estimated that as many as 20 percent of all deliveries in the United States are complicated by the passage of meconium prior to delivery. In the vast majority of those cases, it is generally recognized that the pre-delivery passage…

Melanoma is generally recognized as being the most serious and potentially the most fatal form of all skin cancers. The onset of melanoma is typically characterized by a change in either the size, shape, color or texture of an existing mole or skin lesion. Melanoma lesions will typically have an asymmetrical or irregular shape. The color of melanoma lesions may not be uniform. Often, the color of melanoma lesions can vary from shades of black, brown or tan. Frequently, melanoma…

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Induction of labor typically refers to the procedure whereby which uterine contractions are stimulated by the administration of the Oxytocin hormone prior to otherwise spontaneous onset of labor, with the goal of achieving a safe vaginal delivery of the baby. Pitocin/Oxytocin is the only pharmacologic agent approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the induction of labor for a living baby. Pitocin/Oxytocin is typically administered through an intravenous infusion with the goal of increasing uterine activity which…

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta either partially or totally covers the cervical opening, sometimes referred to as the “cervical os.” It is estimated that placenta previa occurs in approximately 1 in every 200 pregnancies. A placenta previa is typically characterized as either: * A complete placenta previa – where the placental tissue completely covers the cervical opening; or * A partial or marginal placenta previa – where the placenta only partially covers the cervical opening. Placenta…

Placental abruption, also called abruptio placenta, is a condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus. It is estimated that placental abruption occurs in approximately 1 in every 120 deliveries accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of fetal death. Several conditions have been recognized as being associated with an increased risk for a placental abruption. These include maternal hypertension, advanced maternal age and a prior history of placental abruption. Placental abruptions are characterized as being “total,” “partial” or…

Pre-eclampsia is a disease which occurs during pregnancy and which is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, or the spilling of protein in the urine. Hypertension is usually defined as a blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic, as confirmed by repeat blood pressure assessments. Protein in the urine is assessed through urinalysis, and is usually defined as a urine quantity greater than 0.3 grams of protein in a 24-hour specimen. Many patients with pre-eclampsia…

Preterm or premature labor typically occurs when a mother experiences regular uterine contractions and related cervical changes early in her pregnancy. A “term” pregnancy, is typically considered to be at forty weeks gestation. Preterm or premature labor is recognized as being one of the major causes of injury and death to prematurely delivered babies. Because of this, a safe and careful obstetrician will try to stop preterm or premature labor so that the pregnancy can continue for as long as…

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The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It produces fluid for semen. The prostate is a small organ which is located just below the bladder. As men get older, the prostate may increase in size. An increase in the size of the prostate may interfere with urine flow or make the urine flow weaker or slower. There are certain diseases of the prostate in addition to cancer. Benign prostate hyperplasia, or “BPH,” which is the enlargement of…

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24 Million Jury Verdict & Total Recovery — Birth Injury 20.8 Million Jury Verdict — Traumatic Birth Injury 30 Million Recovery — Traumatic Birth Injury 35 Million Recovery — Neonatal injury 44 Million Recovery — Birth injury 27 Million Recovery — Neonatal injury 25 Million Recovery — Birth injury 20 Million Recovery — Birth injury 16 Million Recovery — Neonatal injury 15 Million Jury Verdict & Total Recovery — Birth injury…

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Shoulder dystocia typically arises during a vaginal delivery when, after the baby’s head has been delivered, its shoulder becomes impacted against the mother’s pubic bone, thereby impeding the delivery of the baby’s body. When shoulder dystocia occurs, there is an increased risk of injury to both the mother and her baby. If a shoulder dystocia is not properly managed, the baby can suffer potentially permanent neurologic injuries, such as a brachial plexus injury. Compression of the umbilical cord, which is…

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There are many forms of skin cancer, the most common being melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is by far the most serious and potentially deadly type of skin cancer if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Melanoma is characterized by lesions that are typically irregularly or asymmetrically shaped and of varying colors. Melanoma lesions also typically increase in size as the lesion becomes more advanced. Basal cell carcinoma is generally recognized as being the most common form…

Assuming the responsibility of representing of a child afflicted with a birth injury presents unique challenges for even the experienced trial attorney. Given the potential pitfalls and often extraordinary costs associated with litigating a complex birth injury case, it is generally wise for the inexperienced attorney or an attorney unfamiliar with the myriad complexities associated with birth-injury litigation to consider partnering with counsel who has proven experience. Mastering the birth injury case requires a fundamental understanding by the birth injury…

A stroke generally refers to the sudden restriction or blockage of the blood supply to a part of the brain. There are several types or mechanisms of stroke, including ischemic stroke, subarachnoid stroke and intracerebral stroke. Ischemic stroke refers to the most common form of stroke. An ischemic stroke typically occurs when an artery supplying blood to the brain is occluded or completely blocked. A subarachnoid stroke is characterized by the rupture of a cerebral artery leading to bleeding into…

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The umbilical cord represents the baby’s lifeline. Through the umbilical cord, oxygenated blood and nutrients are transported from the placenta to the baby. Any disruption in normal blood flow and gas exchange through the umbilical cord can lead to potentially devastating injuries to the baby, including asphyxia and the development of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. An umbilical cord prolapse, or a prolapsed cord, generally refers to a condition where the umbilical cord descends or falls ahead of the part of the baby…

A uterine rupture is a potentially life threatening condition for both mother and baby which typically occurs when the forces and stresses of uterine contractions associated with attempted vaginal delivery cause the uterus to tear open, potentially expelling the unborn baby into the mother’s abdomen. In such cases, maternal or fetal death or fetal asphyxia with associated long-term neurologic impairment are common consequences, particularly in those cases where medical personnel fail to appreciate the risk of uterine rupture or fail…

Vacuum extractors have been increasingly used in the United States to facilitate vaginal deliveries. The increased use of vacuum extractors by obstetricians has corresponded with a parallel decrease in the use of forceps. As a result, many obstetricians who have been trained and exclusive use vacuum extractors have little to no experience in the safe use of obstetrical forceps. The basic elements of an obstetrical vacuum extractor are an attachment device or cup which is typically applied to the baby’s…

For many years, obstetricians were guided by the principle of “once a cesarean, always a cesarean.” Between 1970 and 1995, the rate of delivery by cesarean section was reportedly between 20% and 25% on a national basis. Consequently, more and more pregnant mothers who previously delivered a child by cesarean section were confronted with the question of whether it was reasonably safe to attempt a vaginal delivery, or have another cesarean delivery, in their subsequent pregnancies. In 1988, the American…