Maryland Court Reverses $34.8M Birth Injury Verdict, Citing Trial Errors

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October 29, 2025 | Baltimore, MD — MedLegalNews.com — The Maryland Court of Special Appeals has overturned a $34.8 million jury verdict in a high-profile birth injury medical malpractice case, ruling that the trial court improperly excluded evidence related to the mother’s contributory conduct during pregnancy. The appellate court’s decision sends the case back for retrial, potentially reshaping how future malpractice trials address parental responsibility and evidentiary fairness.

Court Finds Exclusion of Evidence Undermined Defense

In its opinion, the appellate panel concluded that the trial judge erred in barring defense testimony about the mother’s health behaviors, including her history of smoking and leaving a hospital against medical advice during pregnancy. The court reasoned that such evidence was relevant to causation and contributory negligence, and excluding it deprived the defense of a full and fair trial.

The original jury verdict, reached in 2023, awarded more than $34 million to the family for permanent neurological injuries sustained by the child at birth. The defense had argued that multiple external factors could have contributed to the outcome, but those arguments were restricted during trial.

Reversal Highlights Importance of Evidentiary Balance in Malpractice Trials

Legal analysts note that this ruling underscores the critical role of evidence admissibility in medical malpractice litigation, especially in birth injury claims where liability often hinges on multiple contributing medical and behavioral factors.

“Maryland courts are reinforcing that even in emotionally charged cases, due process and evidentiary fairness cannot be sacrificed,” said one Baltimore-based healthcare defense attorney.

Plaintiff attorneys, meanwhile, caution that such reversals can discourage families from pursuing legitimate claims, particularly when medical negligence is well-documented.

Potential Ripple Effects on Future Birth Injury Litigation

This appellate decision could influence jury-trial strategy in future cases across Maryland and beyond, prompting both sides to be more aggressive in pretrial motions regarding evidence scope. It also serves as a reminder to trial courts to balance empathy with procedural rigor—a balance often tested in multimillion-dollar malpractice suits.

Observers expect the plaintiffs to appeal the decision to the Maryland Supreme Court, which may ultimately determine how far contributory conduct can influence causation in birth-related malpractice claims.

The ruling’s broader implications could extend to hospital risk management policies, defense strategies for insurers, and legislative discussions about reforming Maryland’s contributory negligence standard—a doctrine that continues to shape the contours of liability in the state’s medical malpractice law.

For readers who wish to review the original report, visit The Daily Record’s coverage here.

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FAQs: Maryland Birth Injury Verdict Reversal

Why did the Maryland appellate court reverse the verdict?

The court ruled that the trial judge improperly excluded evidence about the mother’s conduct during pregnancy, which could have influenced the jury’s verdict.

Does this mean the family loses compensation entirely?

No. The case is remanded for a new trial, giving both parties another opportunity to present evidence before a new jury.

How might this decision affect future malpractice cases?

It raises the evidentiary standard for both sides, emphasizing the need for a full factual record in medical negligence claims.

What does this mean for hospitals and insurers?

They may use this precedent to challenge large verdicts or seek retrials when critical defense evidence is excluded at trial.

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