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In the fast-paced and unpredictable world we live in, vehicular accidents can strike without warning, leaving individuals and families grappling not only with the physical and emotional aftermath but also the daunting financial repercussions. Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs—these financial burdens can accumulate rapidly,…
The moments immediately following a car crash are often a whirlwind for accident victims, especially if injuries or serious property damage have occurred. With the flurry of activity that is sure to surround the scene, it can be hard to make heads or tails of…
From fender-benders to fatal collisions, car accidents are, unfortunately, common across the United States, and Maryland is no exception. According to data, there are, on average, more than 110,000 car accidents in Maryland annually, resulting in over 500 fatalities and more than 30,000 injuries. Most…
Most car accidents occur because someone was negligent—the driver was speeding; someone ran a red light; or a pedestrian stepped into the road. In these cases, the cause of the accident may be obvious and a witness who saw the accident can testify about what…
As of March 2023, there have already been 92 fatal car accidents in the State of Maryland just this year. Those car accidents have claimed 102 lives: 58 drivers; 19 passengers; 22 pedestrians; 2 bicyclists; and 1 fatality not yet determined. This is according to…
Being a passenger in a vehicle while someone else is driving can be a nerve-wracking experience. Just ask any parent who has tried to teach their teenager how to drive. Being a sidekick in a car is not always easy. Not only does a passenger…
No matter how careful and cautious you may be, you are bound to experience an accident or injury at some point. Perhaps you are out for a day of shopping at the mall when you have a “slip and fall” in one of the stores.…
No one can predict a violent car accident, and certainly no one wants to suffer significant injuries as a result. Unfortunately for one Carroll County woman, that’s exactly what happened. A commercial van rear-ended her vehicle in stop and go traffic, seriously injuring her lower…
Unexpected accidents can cause debilitating injuries or death, affecting both the victims themselves and their loved ones. The last thing you want to think about in this situation is a legal battle, but holding someone accountable is often an important part of the process. A…
Recently, Dennis Twigg had the opportunity to participate in the Leveraging Social Security Benefits in Retirement seminar put on by the Carroll County Community College Foundation. This informative seminar featured a panel of Planned Giving Advisory Council Members, including Dennis Twigg, and covered various strategies…
Even if you do your best to stay safe when you are driving on the road, there is nothing stopping other drivers from putting your safety at risk. If you suffered an injury due to a car accident, you might be interested in filing a…
Legislative district maps have long been used to assign both single-member and multi-member districts in Maryland, but a recent case in the Maryland Court of Appeals argued that the use of these districts conflicts with the state Constitution. The case argued that, since some districts…
When you are in a car or motorcycle accident in Maryland, it’s natural to want to ensure that the at-fault party covers the cost of damages to you and your vehicle. In most accidents, this will involve the insurance company. The insurer is the one…
Tragically, every year many people are in car collisions where the other driver does not stop and drives away. While sometimes this happens for innocent reasons, such as them not realizing that they struck your vehicle, it often occurs due to them wanting to escape…
When you’re in a car accident, it can be overwhelming to take care of coordinating with the other driver’s insurance company regarding the property damage of your vehicle – whether it be a total loss or needing repairs – as well as securing a rental…
If you are injured in an accident or other situation, the injury might not show up immediately or you might not realize the severity of it for weeks or months following it. Sadly, this can mean that some people never realize they can potentially still…
As unfortunate as it is, an accident can occur at any time. As a result, you may experience an injury that limits your ability to work, complete tasks and spend time doing the things you love. If this accident could have been avoided, you may…
People take to the sidewalks every day for a variety of reasons. Some individuals prefer to get to work on foot for some fresh air. Others walk or jog around town to stay in shape. Regardless of what brought them out, there are a variety…
If you are one of the hundreds of motorcycle drivers involved in an accident in Maryland every year, there are many questions that you might have in the aftermath. At Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott & Halstad, we work with drivers in the aftermath of Maryland…
To qualify for Medicaid coverage of long-term care, you must satisfy very complicated financial eligibility rules—rules that often can be traps for the unwary. One of the most significant traps is Medicaid’s right to recover its expenses from your estate after you die – a…
Every time you step into your vehicle, you are aware that you are putting yourself at some level of risk that you might be in an accident. However, you are also protected by the car around you and the safety features that are part of…
After an auto accident, it can be tough to think of what to do and react quickly to protect yourself, start the recovery process and ensure that you and the other parties involved are not seriously injured. However, because there are six million car accidents…
After an auto accident, there are many different things that are running through your head. This is particularly true if you or someone else in your car is injured and you need to worry about medical care. It’s important to know what information needs to…
Motorcycle riders in Maryland are many in number, but they are also often at an elevated risk of being in an accident. Because motorcycle drivers are not protected by the structure of their vehicle like car drivers are, it can put them at an increased…
In the aftermath of an auto accident, emotions can run high and it’s difficult to know the best path forward. Working with an experienced attorney is one way to ensure that you receive what you deserve if you are one of the many auto accident…
Life estates without powers are a tool for Medicaid planning, probate avoidance and tax efficiency, but there are potential problems to look out for. Knowing the implications and risks of a life estate is essential in determining whether it is appropriate for your situation. What…
As we enter the giving season, there is an additional reason to be charitable. Congress enacted a special provision that allows more people to easily deduct up to $300 in donations to qualifying charities this year. Since the increase in the standard income tax deduction…
There are some situations where a “simple will” is not enough. Instead, an attorney may suggest you use a Trust, of which there are two basic categories: testamentary and inter vivos. A testamentary trust is one created by your Will, and it does not come…
There are many unknowns when planning an estate, but you can’t let the uncertainties get in the way of creating any kind of plan. Having an imperfect plan is usually better than having no plan at all.
David Bowersox, a partner with Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott, & Halstad in Westminster, was asked to comment on one’s legal rights when defending yourself in your own home. Bowersox states, in Maryland, people are generally expected to retreat and avoid the threat, unlike many other…
Dennis Twigg, a partner with Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott, & Halstad in Westminster, joined the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce to host a webinar on how to handle estate planning post COVID-19. To learn more about how to navigate estate planning, check out the webinar…
Dennis Twigg, a partner with Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott, & Halstad in Westminster, is hosting an engaging video series called “Carroll Corona Carryout.” The series follows Twigg as he chooses a local restaurant and shares a virtual meal with fellow Chamber of Commerce President Mike…
David Bowersox, a partner with Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott, & Halstad in Westminster, recently commented on the issues raised in a case involving the owner of a local farm chasing trespassers off of his property. According to Bowersox, when it comes to property law and…
First and foremost, this is a rapidly changing and unprecedented situation. Check with an attorney before relying on this being up to date. As of now, there are remote procedures available for the witnessing of wills (see Governor’s Emergency Order 20-40-10-01) and notarization (Governor’s Emergency…
Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott & Halstad, LLP and other law firms were classified as essential businesses based on Governor Hogan’s order dated March 30, 2020. Even though we can continue to work, we have taken measures internally to be responsible citizens. One area that remains…
To Our Valued Friends and Clients, We have taken steps to continue to provide quality legal service in these unprecedented times. We are available by phone, online conference, and email to continue serving our community’s needs. Please contact us by phone or email. We have…
As the United States moves towards an unprecedented health situation, there are a number of practical elder law legal issues to consider. Chief amongst those, are legal authority and decision-making in the event of an extended period of quarantine. Legal Authority During A Quarantine Event…
Attorney Dennis M. Twigg, a law partner at Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott & Halstad, LLP has been appointed Chairman of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce for 2020. Dennis has been active in the Chamber since 2010, and served on both the Board of Directors…
In the United States your estate may owe taxes when you die. In 2019, the State of Maryland Estate Tax Exemption is $5 million. The Federal Estate Tax Exemption is $11.4 million. Unless your assets at your death exceed either exemption, your estate does not…
Making good choices in estate planning is crucial. Below is a list of some of the most common mistakes our office witnesses in estate planning. 1. Procrastinating. No plan is perfect, but your best effort is better than no effort at all. Maryland Intestacy and…
People often consider who they want to inherit their estate when they die. Fewer people consider who is going to have the job of handling their financial and legal matters if they should be living, but unable to do those tasks on their own. While…
When considering their Last Will and Testament, people must decide who they want to inherit their estate. Whether it be a spouse, child, other relatives, friend, or charity, most individuals tend to have some idea of desired beneficiaries. Often however, people haven’t considered who is…
People often consider who they want to inherit their estate when they die. Fewer people consider, in the event they create a trust, that they need to appoint someone to be in charge. The person in charge, called a Trustee, has a fiduciary duty to…
The needs of a loved one in a nursing home care can be overwhelming. You have to worry about the medical problems that made it necessary for a nursing home. That person may need extra love or attention acclimating to a new environment. The nursing…
As reported by The Daily Record, Attorney Rick Offutt of Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott & Halstad scored a significant jury verdict in a personal injury trial here in Carroll County Circuit Court. Attorney Offutt represented a man who had been injured when he fell from…
When your outlook on life changes, your legal needs may undergo a great shift as well. In Maryland, few people have to worry about tax issues when they die, but virtually everyone needs to consider the possibility of a long illness or stay in a…
Whether you are hurt in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another unfortunate situation, consulting an attorney is a wise decision. Good legal advice will help to maximize your monetary awards for your property damage and injuries. Personal Injury attorneys only receive a…
When someone completes an estate plan, they have an excellent grasp of why they signed their Will or Trust and what that accomplishes. As time passes, folks often forget what their estate planning documents control. These documents are intended as the means to distribute assets…
Maryland Medical Assistance pays for nursing home care for those who medically require it, but cannot afford it. When calculating whether or not someone meets the financial requirements for Medical Assistance, there are certain assets that may have value to the Medical Assistance applicant and…
Simply put, no one can predict what the future holds, but it’s preferable to at least plan for likely outcomes. Everyone needs to have a plan for what happens to their assets when they die. Wills and trusts have similar purposes, but each has their…