If you are in a car accident caused by a Montgomery County police officer or other Montgomery County employees, there are procedures you must follow in order to be compensated for the damage to your car, loss of use of your car, (rental car) injuries to your body as well as lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. Dealing with Montgomery County in order to resolve these issues can be a slow, tedious process. If you do not pursue your claim in a timely manner and do not file to correct forms, your claim could be lost.
Claims against Montgomery County should originate with sending a certified letter return receipt requested to
ISIAH (IKE) LEGGETT, County Executive (Democrat)
Office of County Executive
Executive Office Building, 2nd floor
101 Monroe St., Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 777-2500; fax: (240) 777-2517
e-mail: ike.leggett@montgomerycountymd.gov
tty: (240) 777-2544
web: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/welcome.asp
An adjustor will eventually be assigned by Montgomery County to adjust your claim. However, this process can take weeks or months, so that it may be quicker to start the process to fix your vehicle under the collision section of your own insurance and let your insurance deal with Montgomery County to be reimbursed for the property damage. If, you do not have collision coverage, then you will have to deal with Montgomery County directly, however this will not likely be a quick process. In addition, unlike an insurance company Montgomery County will not provide and pay for a rental vehicle upfront and your will have to make arrangements for a rental vehicle on your own if you do not have rental on your own insurance policy.
Your rights to file a claim and the limits on what you can recover when you file a claim against Montgomery County for a car accident caused by one of their employees depends upon what department the employee works for and who is sued.
- Non- police officer car accident- covers all Montgomery County employees except police and fire department personnel
Suit can be filed against the employee if you have the employees name and address. Suit can also be filed against Montgomery County under a theory of respondent superior meaning the Montgomery County employee is an agent of Montgomery County.
Montgomery County and the employee liability is limited under the Local Government Tort Claims Act section 5-303 of the Annotated Code of Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.
(a) Limitation on liability. — The liability of a local government may not exceed $ 400,000 per an individual claim, and $ 800,000 per total claims that arise from the same occurrence for damages resulting from tortious acts or omissions, including liability arising under subsection (b) of this section.
(b) When government liable. — (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a local government shall be liable for any judgment against its employee for damages resulting from tortious acts or omissions committed by the employee within the scope of employment with the local government.
(2) A local government may not assert governmental or sovereign immunity to avoid the duty to defend or indemnify an employee established in this subsection.
- Police officer car accident– Montgomery County liability depends on who is sued, whether the police officer was operating an emergency vehicle, whether officer was negligent or grossly negligent.
- Claims are paid by Montgomery County and suits can be filed against Montgomery County and must be filed against the negligent police officer when the officer is on a non- emergency call. It may be preferable to have police officers as the sole defendants if they live in a friendly tort jurisdiction or venue where the judges or juries may award more money than the county where the accident happened.
Claims paid by Montgomery County filed against the negligent police officer when the officer is on a non- emergency call are subject to the Local Government Tort Claims Act section 5-303 of the Annotated Code of Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.( $ 400,000 per an individual claim, and $ 800,000 per total claims)
(a) Limitation on liability. — The liability of a local government may not exceed $ 400,000 per an individual claim, and $ 800,000 per total claims that arise from the same occurrence for damages resulting from tortious acts or omissions, including liability arising under subsection (b) of this section.
(b) When government liable. — (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a local government shall be liable for any judgment against its employee for damages resulting from tortious acts or omissions committed by the employee within the scope of employment with the local government.
- If a Montgomery County police officer was driving a police vehicle on an emergency call at the time of the collision, then, because of a separate statute, a plaintiff would sue only Montgomery County because Montgomery County owns the police vehicles. See CJ § 5-639. See Mayor & City Council of Baltimore v. Hart, 395 Md. 394, 910 A.2d 463 (2006). Injured party can- not sue the police officer operating an emergency vehicle. The injured party is severely limited in the amount that can be recovered when the police officer operating an emergency vehicle to the amount of $30,000.00 dollars per person, $60,000.00 per occurrence and $15,000.00 in property damage. Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland- Section 5-524 provides, in pertinent part:
“An owner or lessee of any motor vehicle registered under Title 13 of the Transportation Article may not raise the defense of sovereign or governmental immunity, to the extent of benefits provided by the security accepted by the Motor Vehicle Administration under §17-103 of the Transportation Article, in any judicial proceeding in which the plaintiff claims that personal injury, property damage, or death was caused by the negligent use of the motor vehicle while in government service or performing a task of benefit to the government.”
If the officer was driving the vehicle in the course of “emergency service” at the time of the accident, the officer would be immune from liability absent malice or gross negligence, see CJP sec. 5-639(b), but the “owner or lessee” of the vehicle would be liable for any negligence to the extent of Maryland’s minimum financial responsibility limits, see CJP Sec.5-639(c)
Courts and judicial proceedings article of the Annotated Code of Maryland provides in section 5-639:
(a) Definitions. —
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Emergency service” has the meaning stated in § 19-103 of the Transportation Article.
(3) “Emergency vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 11-118 of the Transportation Article.
(b) Liability of operator. —
(1) An operator of an emergency vehicle, who is authorized to operate the emergency vehicle by its owner or lessee, is immune from suit in the operator’s individual capacity for damages resulting from a negligent act or omission while operating the emergency vehicle in the performance of emergency service.
(2) This subsection does not provide immunity from suit to an operator for a malicious act or omission or for gross negligence of the operator.
(c) Liability of owner or lessee. —
(1) An owner or lessee of an emergency vehicle, including a political subdivision, is liable to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this section for any damages caused by a negligent act or omission of an authorized operator while operating the emergency vehicle in the performance of emergency service.
(2) This subsection does not subject an owner or lessee to liability for the operator’s malicious act or omission or for the operator’s gross negligence.
(3) A political subdivision may not raise the defense of governmental immunity in an action against it under this section.
(d) Limitation on liability. — Liability under this section for self-insured jurisdictions is limited to the amount of the minimum benefits that a vehicle liability insurance policy must provide under § 17-103 of the Transportation Article, except that an owner or lessee may be liable in an amount up to the maximum limit of any basic vehicle liability insurance policy it has in effect exclusive of excess liability coverage.
(e) Effect of judgment. — A judgment under this section against the owner or lessee of an emergency vehicle constitutes a complete bar to any action or judgment deriving from the same occurrence against the operator of the emergency vehicle.
19-103(b)(1) of the Transportation Article, Md. Code Ann. (1987 Repl.Vol.). That subsection provides, in pertinent part: (1) An operator of an emergency vehicle, who is authorized to operate the emergency vehicle by its owner or lessee, is immune from suit in his individual capacity for any damages resulting from a negligent act or omission while operating the emergency vehicle in the performance of emergency service
Under Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 11-118(1), an emergency vehicle means any of the following vehicles that are designated as entitled to the exemptions and privileges set forth in the Maryland Vehicle Law for emergency vehicles:
- Vehicles of federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies.
- Police vehicles are entitled to special driving privileges when responding to an emergency, Md. Code Ann., § 21-106(a)(1), and using audible signals. Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-106(c).
- Police vehicle equipped with a siren is still designated by the administration as entitled to these privileges regardless of whether or not the siren is ever used. The failure to sound the audible signal merely strips the authorized vehicle of its privilege to proceed without regard to speed limitations, right of way provisions, traffic control devices and other rules of the road. Failure to sound the audible bell, siren or exhaust whistle does not make driving an authorized emergency vehicle on a highway illegal, it merely results in a requirement that such vehicle be operated in accordance with all appropriate rules of the road, the same as any private or conventional vehicle. Sullivan v. Costanza, 258 Md. 672, 675, 267 A.2d 87, 89-90 (1970).
- emergency vehicle must be equipped with a device capable of giving an audible signal. Md. Code (1977, 1987 Repl.Vol.), Transportation Art., § 22-218(a).21-106. Emergency vehicles(a) Circumstances for which privileges granted. — Subject to the conditions stated in this section, the driver of an emergency vehicle registered in any state may exercise the privileges set forth in this section while:
(1) Responding to an emergency call;
(2) Pursuing a violator or suspected violator of the law; or
(3) Responding to, but not while returning from, a fire alarm.
(b) Enumeration of privileges. — Under the circumstances stated in subsection (a) of this section, the driver of an emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand without regard to the other provisions of this title;
(2) Pass a red or stop signal, a stop sign, or a yield sign, but only after slowing down as necessary for safety;
(3) Exceed any maximum speed limit, but only so long as the driver does not endanger life or property; and
(4) Disregard any traffic control device or regulation governing direction of movement or turning in a specified direction.
(c) Use of audible and visual signs required. —
(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the privileges set forth in this section apply only while the emergency vehicle is using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article, except that an emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display the visual signals.
(2) The privileges set forth in subsection (b) (1) of this section apply only while the emergency vehicle is using visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article.
(3) (i) The driver of an emergency vehicle may not use flashing lights or a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle while returning from an emergency call or fire alarm, except that fire apparatus carrying standing firemen may use flashing lights that are visible only to the rear.
(ii) The driver of an emergency vehicle, while parking or backing the emergency vehicle, may use flashing lights within 100 feet of the entrance ramp to a:
1. Fire station; or
2. Rescue station.
When is Montgomery County liable for a car accident caused by the negligence of the driver of an emergency vehicle. Since emergency vehicles do not have to follow all of the rules of the road, a different standard applies compared to the rest of the drivers on the road.
Driver not relieved from duty of care. — This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. Although the driver of an emergency vehicle is ordinarily not limited in speed, and is authorized to drive with caution past a red light, he may nevertheless be held liable for damages if, in the exercise of his special privileges, he fails to give audible warning of his approach and pays no attention whatever to traffic on an intersecting street. Baltimore Transit Co. v. Young, 189 Md. 428, 56 A.2d 140 (1947).
The driver of an emergency vehicle cannot be expected to use the same care that the law requires of the ordinary motorist who has no emergency duty to perform. To stop at every slight indication of danger might often be a failure of duty on the part of the emergency driver. On many occasions his prompt and fearless action is imperatively necessary to prevent loss of property or loss of life, or both, or even widespread disaster. Baltimore Transit Co. v. Young, 189 Md. 428, 56 A.2d 140 (1947).
Under a proper construction of this section, the provision that requires the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle to do so “with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street” renders him liable for ordinary negligence, namely, a failure to exercise reasonable care and diligence under the circumstances. Mayor of Baltimore v. Fire Ins. Salvage Corps, 219 Md. 75, 148 A.2d 444 (1959).The drivers of emergency vehicles are liable for ordinary negligence (though their conduct may not be measurable by the same yardstick as is applicable to drivers of conventional vehicles) and must use reasonable care under the circumstances. Altenburg v. Sears, 249 Md. 298, 239 A.2d 569 (1968).
Operators of authorized emergency vehicles are liable for ordinary negligence under this section does not, of course, mean that their conduct in the operation of such vehicles is measured by exactly the same yardstick as the actions of the operators of conventional vehicles. The urgency of their missions demands that they respond to calls with celerity and as expeditiously as is reasonably possible. Mayor of Baltimore v. Fire Ins. Salvage Corps, 219 Md. 75, 148 A.2d 444 (1959).
DUTY OF CARE DURING HIGH SPEED PURSUIT. –Although a police officer may owe a duty of care to third parties, it does not follow that the mere engagement in the high-speed chase of a criminal suspect constitutes a prima facie breach of that duty whenever the fleeing suspect strikes a third party; the police officer’s conduct should be judged not by hindsight but should be viewed in light of how a reasonably prudent police officer would respond faced with the same difficult emergency situation. The officer is not to be held to the same coolness and accuracy of judgment of one not involved in an emergency vehicle pursuit. Boyer v. State, 323 Md. 558, 594 A.2d 121 (1991).
Under Maryland law police officers owe a duty of care to a plaintiff injured by suspected criminals fleeing the officers if the officers set in motion a chain of events which they knew or should have known would lead to the plaintiff’s injury by the criminals or by the police effort to stop the vehicle A police officer’s conduct should be judged, not by hindsight, but should be viewed in light of how a reasonably prudent police officer would respond, if faced with the same difficult emergency situation. The officer is not to be held to the same coolness and accuracy of judgment of one not involved in an emergency vehicle pursuit. An officer deciding to maintain pursuit of a fleeing person must take into account a number of factors, such as road conditions, vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic, time of day, weather, dangerousness of the person fleeing, and make what is virtually an instantaneous judgment. A police officer deciding to maintain pursuit may not be negligent even if the course of action he chooses leads to serious injury to an innocent third person. It must be remembered that foresight, not hindsight, is the standard by which negligence is determined, and that even an action which in retrospect turns out to have been ill-advised may still have been reasonable under all the circumstances. … Negligent operation of a car is not limited to the negligent manipulation of the gas pedal, steering wheel, or brake pedal, such as involved in speeding, failure to pay attention to what may be in front of the vehicle, failure to apply the brakes, etc. A decision to operate or continue operating the car, when a reasonable person would not do so, clearly can be “negligent operation.” Boyer v. State, 323 Md. 558 (Md. 1991)
The failure to sound the audible signal merely strips the authorized vehicle of its privilege to proceed without regard to speed limitations, right-of-way provisions, traffic-control devices and other rules of the road. Sullivan v. Costanza, 258 Md. 672, 267 A.2d 87 (1970). Failure to sound the audible bell, siren or exhaust whistle merely results in a requirement that an authorized emergency vehicle be operated in accordance with all appropriate rules of the road, the same as any private or conventional vehicle. Sullivan v. Costanza, 258 Md. 672, 267 A.2d 87 (1970).
Statute is only concerned with safety of nonparticipants in chase. Martin v. Rossignol, 226 Md. 363, 174 A.2d 149 (1961). DUTY OF CARE NOT PRESCRIBED AS TO OFFICER HIMSELF OR OFFENDER. –This article does not, in terms, prescribe a duty on the part of the officer to use care for his own safety, or for the safety of an offender whose reckless conduct is the only occasion for the exercise of the officer’s privilege, if not duty, to disregard the ordinary speed regulations. Martin v. Rossignol, 226 Md. 363, 174 A.2d 149 (1961).
If a Montgomery County police officer was driving a police vehicle on an emergency call at the time of the collision but was driving in a grossly negligent or intentionally reckless manner, then you can personally sue the police officer. In Nast v. Lockett, 312 Md. 343, 352, 539 A.2d 1113 (1988), the Court cautioned that only conduct that is of an extraordinary or outrageous character will be sufficient to supply the requisite state of mind. Reckless driving is not enough; there must be reckless disregard for human life. Id. at 352, 539 A.2d 1113.See Maryland Code (1973, 2013 Repl. Vol.), § 5-639 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article. These claims then become subject to Local Government Tort Claims Act section 5-303 of the Annotated Code of Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article. (a) Limitation on liability. — The liability of a local government may not exceed $ 400,000 per an individual claim, and $ 800,000 per total claims that arise from the same occurrence for damages resulting from tortious acts or omissions, including liability arising under subsection (b) of this section. (b) When government liable. — (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a local government shall be liable for any judgment against its employee for damages resulting from tortious acts or omissions committed by the employee within the scope of employment with the local government. However, Montgomery County may only pay the Maryland minimum of 30,000, 60,000., 15,000. If the officer was driving the vehicle in the course of “emergency service” at the time of the accident, the officer would be immune from liability absent malice or gross negligence, see CJP sec. 5-639(b), but the “owner or lessee” of the vehicle would be liable for any negligence to the extent of Maryland’s minimum financial responsibility limits, see CJP Sec.5-639(c)
- Montgomery County Fire Truck-same rules as county police except the Montgomery County as well as the driver of the fire truck can always be sued under any of the scenarios whether operating in an emergency or not. Fire department personnel are always employees of the Montgomery County.
In order to file any claim against Montgomery County or one of it’s employees including police or fire personnel, there are certain administrative requirements that must be followed exactly as outlined below or your claim may be barred.
The claim against the Montgomery County police officer is also subject to the Local Government Tort Claims Act (see CJ § 5-301(d)(21)), so the claimant has to give a timely and proper notice to the Department and the recovery is limited to $400,000 per person and $800,000 per occurrence (see CJ § 5-303 and 5-304).
5-304. Actions for unliquidated damages
(b) Notice required. —
(1) Except as provided in subsections (a) and (d) of this section, an action for unliquidated damages may not be brought against a local government or its employees unless the notice of the claim required by this section is given within 1 year after the injury.
(2) The notice shall be in writing and shall state the time, place, and cause of the injury.
(c) Methods of giving notice. —
(1) The notice required under this section shall be given in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, by the claimant or the representative of the claimant.
(2) Except as otherwise provided, if the defendant local government is a county, the notice required under this section shall be given to the county commissioners or county council of the defendant local government.
(3) If the defendant local government is:
(i) Baltimore City, the notice shall be given to the City Solicitor;
(ii) Howard County or Montgomery County, the notice shall be given to the County Executive; and
(iii) Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Harford County, or Prince George’s County, the notice shall be given to the county solicitor or county attorney.
(4) For any other local government, the notice shall be given to the corporate authorities of the defendant local government.
(d) Waiver of notice requirement. — Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, unless the defendant can affirmatively show that its defense has been prejudiced by lack of required notice, upon motion and for good cause shown the court may entertain the suit even though the required notice was not given.
(e) Section not applicable if actual or constructive notice within 1 year after injury. — This section does not apply if, within 1 year after the injury, the defendant local government has actual or constructive notice of:
(1) The claimant’s injury; or
(2) The defect or circumstances giving rise to the claimant’s injury.
To: Name
Address
RE: My clients:
D/A:
Time:
Place of accident:
ID of city or county vehicle:
Amount of claim:
Police report #:
Name of city or county employee:
City or county department:
Dear Mr./Ms.:
Please be advised that I represent the above-named client for injuries he/she sustained on the above time and place. Please set up a claim for this matter.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
Name of Claimant or their attorney
Address and telephone number
If you do not put the county on notice within the one year requirement you may still be able to proceed if you can make a good cause showing under Courts and Judicial Proceedings article of the annotated code of Maryland 5-304d. In Madore v. Baltimore County, 34 MD App. 340, 367 A.2d 54 (1976) Court said:
“The term `good cause’ for not filing a claim for compensation is not defined in the statute, but it has been uniformly held by the courts of this state that the test for its existence is that of ordinary prudence, that is, whether the claimant prosecuted his claim with that degree of diligence that an ordinarily prudent person would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances.”
Finally when a county employee is injured due to the negligence of the employee of the same county, while the employee can file a workers compensation claim, they will not be able to sue the co-employee or the county. If the injury is payable under the Maryland Worker’s Compensation Act, then an employee cannot sue a fellow employee for an injury or omission committed within the scope of employment. Read the Law: Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, Section §5-302
Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings
- 5–302.
(a) Each local government shall provide for its employees a legal defense in any action that alleges damages resulting from tortious acts or omissions committed by an employee within the scope of employment with the local government.
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not execute against an employee on a judgment rendered for tortious acts or omissions committed by the employee within the scope of employment with a local government.
(2) (i) An employee shall be fully liable for all damages awarded in an action in which it is found that the employee acted with actual malice.
(ii) In such circumstances the judgment may be executed against the employee and the local government may seek indemnification for any sums it is required to pay under § 5-303(b)(1) of this subtitle.
(c) If the injury sustained is compensable under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act, an employee may not sue a fellow employee for tortious acts or omissions committed within the scope of employment.
(d) (1) The rights and immunities granted to an employee are contingent on the employee’s cooperation in the defense of any action.
(2) If the employee does not cooperate, the employee forfeits any and all rights and immunities accruing to the employee under subsection (b) of this section.
Each county requires that notice be given to certain office as indicated below. If your claim is for another county not thee focus of this article the same rules apply except the person you notify will change and is reflected below. Please note the person named is correct as of 6-28-18 and can change from time to time although the position they hold will be the person that needs to be notified so you should always verify who is the present person that holds that office and what their correct address is.
In Howard County and Montgomery County the notice should be given to the county executive .
(ii) Howard County
ALLAN H. KITTLEMAN, County Executive (Republican)
Office of County Executive
George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2013, (410) 313-3000 (general information)
e-mail: akittleman@howardcountymd.gov
web: www.howardcountymd.gov/Branches/County-Executive
Montgomery County
ISIAH (IKE) LEGGETT, County Executive (Democrat)
Office of County Executive
Executive Office Building, 2nd floor
101 Monroe St., Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 777-2500; fax: (240) 777-2517
e-mail: ike.leggett@montgomerycountymd.gov
tty: (240) 777-2544
web: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/welcome.asp
the notice shall be given to the County Executive; and
(iii) Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Harford County, or Prince George’s County, the notice shall be given to the county solicitor or county attorney.
website in order to update county attorney
https://www.mdcounties.org/116/Attorneys
Thomas N. Yeager
Affiliate President
County Attorney
Kent County
203 Maple Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: 410.810.0428
Fax: 410.778.6464
Email Thomas N. Yeager
William M. Rudd
County Attorney
Allegany County
701 Kelly Road, Suite 401
Cumberland, MD 21502
Phone: 301.777.5823
Fax: 301.724.6970
Email William M. Rudd
For Allegany County, Maryland, the County Attorney’s Office, 701 Kelly Road, Cumberland, MD 21502, (301) 777-5823, is the correct office to receive a notice under Maryland’s Local Government Tort Claims Act.
Anne Arundel County
Nancy Duden
County Attorney
Anne Arundel County
2660 Riva Road
4th Floor
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410.222.7888
Fax: 410.222.7835
Email Nancy Duden
Baltimore City
Andre Davis
City Solicitor
100 N. Holliday Street, Room 101
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410.396.3297
Fax: 410.659.4077
Email Andre Davis
Baltimore County
Michael E. Field
County Attorney
Baltimore County
400 Washington Avenue
Courthouse
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: 410.887.4420
Fax: 410.296.0931
Email Michael E. Field
John B. Norris, III
County Attorney
Calvert County
175 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: 410.535.1600, Ext. 2291
Fax: 410.414.3241
Email John B. Norris, III
the County Attorney is the SDAT-registered Resident Agent here in Calvert and accepts service of Notices of Tort Claims provided in accordance with the Local Government Tort Claims Act. Calvert is insured by the Local Government Insurance Trust, the Trust is not affiliated with the County and have not been authorized to accept service of claims
Heather L. Price, Esquire
County Attorney
Caroline County
403 South 7th Street, Suite 246
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: 410.479.4136
Fax: 410.479.4137
Email Heather L. Price
Timothy C. Burke
County Attorney
Carroll County
225 North Center Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone: 410.386.2030
Fax: 410.840.8931
Email Timothy C. Burke
Jason L. Allison, Esq. P.A.
County Attorney
Cecil County
200 Chesapeake Blvd. Suite 2100
Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: 410.996.8303
Fax: 410.996.1014
Email Jason L. Allison
Rhonda Weaver
County Attorney
Charles County
POB 2150
La Plata, MD 20646
Phone: 301.645.0555
Fax: 301.645.0515
Email Rhonda Weaver
E. Thomas Merryweather
County Attorney
Dorchester County
204 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: 410.228.3610
Fax: 410.228.5478
Email E. Thomas Merryweather
Frederick County
John S. Mathias
County Attorney
Frederick County
Winchester Hall
12 E. Church Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301.600.1030
Fax: 301.600.1161
Email John S. Mathias
Gorman E. Getty, III
County Attorney
Garrett County
POB 1485
23 Washington Street
Cumberland, MD 21501
Phone: 301.777.8032
Fax: 301.777.7048
Email Gorman E. Getty, III
Harford County
Melissa L. Lambert
County Attorney
Harford County
212 South Bond Street, 2nd Floor
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410.879.7630
Fax: 410.893.4972
Email Melissa L. Lambert
Gary W. Kuc, Esquire
County Solicitor
Howard County
3450 Courthouse Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 410.313.2100
Fax: 410.313.3292
Email Gary W. Kuc
Marc P. Hansen
County Attorney
Montgomery County
101 Monroe Street, 3rd Floor
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 240.777.6789
Fax: 240.777.6706
Email Marc P. Hansen
Prince George’s County,
Jared McCarthy
County Attorney
Prince George’s County
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Room 5121
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: 301.952.5225
Fax: 301.952.3071
Email Jared McCarthy
Patrick E. Thompson
County Attorney
Queen Anne’s County
102 E. Main Street, Suite 203
Stevensville, MD 21666
Phone: 410.643.4000
Fax: 410.643.6620
Email Patrick E. Thompson
Mr. David A. Weiskopf
County Attorney
St. Mary’s County
41770 Baldridge Street
POB 653
Leonardtown, MD 20650-0653
Phone: 301.475.4200 x 1700
Fax: 301.475.4660
Email Mr. David A. Weiskopf
Kirk G. Simpkins, Esquire
County Attorney
Somerset County
11916 Somerset Avenue
P.O. Box 550
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: 410.651.1400
Fax: 410.651.9582
Email Kirk G. Simpkins
Anthony Kupersmith
Acting County Attorney
Talbot County
11 N. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: 410.770.8092
Fax: 410.770.8089
Email Anthony Kupersmith
John M. Martirano
County Attorney
Washington County
100 West Washington Street, Room 202
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 240.313.2230
Fax: 240.313.2231
Email John M. Martirano
Paul D. Wilber
Acting County Attorney
Wicomico County
125 North Division Street, Room 101
Salisbury, MD 21803
Phone: 410.548.3792
Fax: 888.389.5365
Email Paul D. Wilber
Maureen F. L. Howarth
County Attorney
Worcester County
One West Market Street, Room 1103
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: 410.632.1194
Fax: 410.632.3131
Email Maureen F. L. Howarth
(4) For any other local government, the notice shall be given to the corporate authorities of the defendant local government.
Calvert
Caroline
Heather L. Price, Esquire
County Attorney
Caroline County
403 South 7th Street, Suite 246
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: 410.479.4136
Fax: 410.479.4137
Email Heather L. Price
Carroll
Cecil
Notice under the LGTCA is provided to the County Attorney (my contact information is below), or the Director of Administration (Alfred C. Wein, Jr. – same address as me).
Jason L. Allison, Esquire
County Attorney
Cecil County, Maryland
200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 2100
Elkton, Maryland 21921
PH: (410) 996-8303
FAX: (800) 863-0947
jallison@ccgov.org
Charles
Dorchester
Garrett
County is governed by the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland. The County Administrator is Kevin Null. I serve as the County Attorney. That information, as I indicated, is available on the County website and in the Lawyers Manual. Any one of those can accept service.
Gorman E. Getty, III
County Attorney
Garrett County
POB 1485
23 Washington Street
Cumberland, MD 21501
Phone: 301.777.8032
Fax: 301.777.7048
Email Gorman E. Getty, III
Kent
Queen Anne
St Marys
Kathy Arnold, Risk Manager for St. Mary’s County Government (301-475-4200 x*1108), oversees claims and often takes the initial report, but county employees or departments may also report injuries, accidents and damages. Risk Management works closely with and under the direction of the County’s insurer, the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), 7225 Parkway Drive, Hanover, Maryland 21076. 1-800-673-8231.
If the defendant local government is a county, the notice required under this section shall be given to the county commissioners………. The address for the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County is 41770 Baldridge Street, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.
Somerset
Talbot
Washington
Wicomico
Worcester
Website for County Admistrators
https://www.mdcounties.org/114/Administrators
Wayne Strausburg
Affiliate President
Director of Administration
Wicomico County
125 N. Division Street
POB 870
Salisbury, MD 21803
Phone: 410.548.4801
Email Wayne Strausburg
Brandon Butler
County Administrator
Allegany County
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
Phone: 301.777.2526
Email Brandon Butler
Board of County Commissioners
Physical Address
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
Phone: 301-777-5911
Fax: 301-724-6970
Board of County Commissioners
Physical Address
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
Phone: 301-777-5911
Fax: 301-724-6970
Terry L. Shannon
County Administrator
Calvert County
175 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: 410.535.1600 x2200
Fax: 410.535.5594
Email Terry L. Shannon
Ken Decker
County Administrator
Caroline County
109 Market Street, Room 123
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: 410.479.0660
Fax: 410.479.4060
Email Ken Decker
Roberta Windham, Esquire
County Administrator
Carroll County
225 N. Center Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone: 410.386.2876
Email Roberta Windham
Alfred C. Wein Jr.
Director of Administration
Cecil County
200 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 2100
Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: 410.996.8300
Fax: 410.996.1014
Email Alfred C. Wein Jr.
Michael Mallinoff
County Administrator
Charles County
200 Baltimore Street
POB 2150
LaPlata, MD 20646
Phone: 301.645.0553
Fax: 301.645.0544
Email Michael Mallinoff
Jeremy Goldman
Acting County Manager
Dorchester County
501 Court Lane
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: 410.228.1700
Fax: 410.228.9641
Email Jeremy Goldman
Kevin Null
County Administrator
Garrett County
203 South Fourth Street, Room 207
Oakland, MD 21550
Phone: 301.334.8970
Fax: 301.334.5000
Email Kevin Null
Shelley Heller
County Administrator
Kent County
400 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: 410.778.4600
Fax: 410.778.7482
Email Shelley Heller
Gregg A. Todd
County Administrator
Queen Anne’s County
107 North Liberty Street
Centreville, MD 21617
Phone: 410.758.4098
Fax: 410.758.1170
Email Gregg A. Todd
Rebecca Bridgett
County Administrator
St. Mary’s County
41770 Baldridge Street
POB 653
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: 301.475.4200 x1321
Fax: 301.475.4935
Email Rebecca Bridgett
Ralph D. Taylor
County Administrator
Somerset County
11916 Somerset Avenue, Room 111
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: 410.651.0320
Email Ralph D. Taylor
Andy Hollis
County Manager
Talbot County
11 N. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: 410.770.8010
Fax: 410.770.8007
Email Andy Hollis
Robert J. Slocum
County Administrator
Washington County
100 W. Washington Street, Room 226
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 240.313.2216
Email Robert J. Slocum
Harold Higgins
Chief Administrative Officer
Worcester County
One West Market Street, Room 1103
Snow Hill, MD 21863-1072
Phone: 410.632.1194
Fax: 410.632.3131
Email Harold Higgins
Website for board of county commissioners for each county that has one
https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/cocomm.html
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Jacob C. (Jake) Shade (R), President (chosen by Board in Dec., 4-year term)
Creade V. Brodie, Jr. (R)
William R. Valentine (R)
Terms expire 2018.
Allegany County Council, Cumberland, Maryland, December 18, 2014. Left to right: Creade V. Brodie, Jr.; Jacob C. (Jake) Shade; William R. Valentine.
Meetings: Thursdays, 5:00 p.m.
Linda A. Simpson, Executive Assistant (301) 777-2526, ext. 305
e-mail: lsimpson@alleganygov.org
County Office Building, 701 Kelly Road, Cumberland, MD 21502 – 2882
(301) 777-5911; fax: (301) 724-6970
e-mail: county_commissioners@alleganygov.org
web: www.alleganygov.org/377/Board-of-County-Commissioners
CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr. (R), President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 3
Thomas C. Hejl (R), Vice-President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), At Large
Michael R. Hart (R), Dist. 1
Patrick H. Nutter (R), Dist. 2
Steven R. Weems (R), At Large
Terms expire 2018.
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, Prince Frederick, Maryland, February 2015.
Seated, left to right: Patrick H. Nutter, Steven R. Weems, Thomas C. Hejl.
Standing, left to right: Michael Hart, Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.
Courthouse, 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
(410) 535-1600, ext. 2214; (301) 855-1243, ext. 2214
e-mail: commiss@calvertcountymd.gov
fax: (410) 535-5594; tdd: (410) 535-6355
web: www.co.cal.md.us/index.aspx?nid=137
Calvert County Courthouse, 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, Maryland,
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Daniel J. Franklin (R), President (chosen by County Commissioners in Dec., 1-year term)
Larry C. Porter (R), Vice-President (chosen by County Commissioners in Dec., 1-year term)
Wilbur Levengood, Jr. (R),
Terms expire 2018.
Caroline County Commissioners, Denton, Maryland, December 2014. Left to right: Daniel J. Franklin, Larry C. Porter, Wilbur Levengood, Jr.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. (last Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.)
Sara B. Visintainer, Chief of Staff (410) 479-4102
e-mail: svisintainer@carolinemd.org
East Wing, Courthouse, 109 Market St., Denton, Maryland, August 2016. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Courthouse, Room 123, 109 Market St., Denton, MD 21629
(410) 479-0660; fax: (410) 479-4060
e-mail: info@carolinemd.org
web: www.carolinemd.org/132/County-Commissioners-Office
Courthouse entrance, 109 Market St., Denton, Maryland,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Dennis E. Frazier (R), President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 3
Stephen A. Wantz (R), Vice-President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 1
C. Richard Weaver (R), Secretary (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 2
Richard S. Rothschild (R), Dist. 4
J. Douglas Howard (R), Dist. 5
Terms expire 2018.
County Office Building, 225 North Center St., Westminster, Maryland, January 2002. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Meetings: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Shawn D. Reese, Clerk
County Office Building, Room 300
225 North Center St., Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 386-2044, (410) 386-2043; fax: (410) 386-2485
e-mail: commissioners@ccg.carr.org
web: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/commiss/
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CHARLES COUNTY, MARYLAND
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Peter F. Murphy (D), President (4-year term)
Amanda M. Stewart (D), Vice-President (chosen by County Commissioners, 1-year term), Dist. 3
Kenneth Robinson (D), Dist. 1
Debra M. Davis, Esq. (D), Dist. 2
Robert A. Rucci (D), Dist. 4
Terms expire 2018.
County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata, Maryland, May 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. & Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m.
Danielle E. Mitchell, Clerk (301) 645-0554, (301) 870-3000
e-mail: mitcheld@charlescountymd.gov
web: www.charlescountymd.gov/coadmin/clerk/clerk-commissioners
County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata, Maryland, April 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
P. O. Box 2150
County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata, MD 20646 – 2150
(301) 645-0550, (301) 870-3000; fax: (301) 645-0560
e-mail: commissioner@charlescountymd.gov
web: www.charlescountymd.gov/commissioners/welcome BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Paul C. Edwards (R), Chair (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 2
S. Larry Tichnell (R), Dist. 1
James C. Hinebaugh, Jr. (R), Dist. 3
Terms expire 2018.
Garrett County Board of County Commissioners, Oakland, Maryland, April 2015. Left to right: Paul C. Edwards, S. Larry Tichnell, James C. Hinebaugh, Jr.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Carol A. Riley-Alexander, Executive Assistant (301) 334-8970
e-mail: criley@garrettcounty.org
Frederick A. Thayer III Courthouse, 317 East Alder St., Oakland, MD 21550
(301) 334-8970; fax: (301) 334-5000
e-mail: countycommissioners@garrettcounty.org
web: www.garrettcounty.org/commissioners
Frederick A. Thayer III Courthouse, 317 East Alder St., Oakland, Maryland, October 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
William W. Pickrum (D), President (chosen by Board in Dec., 4-year term)
Ronald H. Fithian (D)
William A. Short (R)
Terms expire 2018.
Kent County Board of County Commissioners, Chestertown, Maryland, December 2015.
Left to right: Ronald H. Fithian, William W. Pickrum, William A. Short.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.
Sondra M. Blackiston, Clerk
- Clayton Mitchell, Jr., Kent County Government Center
400 High St., Chestertown, MD 21620
(410) 810-2221, (410) 778-4600; fax: (410) 778-7482
e-mail: kentcounty@kentgov.org
web: www.kentcounty.com/commissioners - Clayton Mitchell, Jr., Kent County Government Center, 400 High St., Chestertown, Maryland, April 2002. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Stephen K. Wilson (R), President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 2
Jack N. Wilson, Jr.* (R), Vice-President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 1
*(sworn in as a member, July 2, 2015, to replace Paul W. Comfort (R), who resigned April 28, 2015)
Robert Charles Buckey (R), Dist. 3
Mark A. Anderson (R), Dist. 4
James J. Moran (R), At Large
Terms expire 2018.
Liberty Building, 107 North Liberty St., Centreville, Maryland, December 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
4th Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.
subject to change, check www.qac.org
Margie A. Houck, Executive Secretary
Liberty Building, 107 North Liberty St., Centreville, MD 21617
(410) 758-4098; fax: (410) 758-1170; tdd: (410) 758-2126
e-mail: qaccommissionersandadministrator@qac.org
web: www.qac.org/617/Board-of-County-Commissioners
COMMISSIONERS OF ST. MARY’S COUNTY
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
James Randy Guy (R), President (4-year term)
Thomas H. Jarboe (R), Vice-President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 1
Michael L. Hewitt (R), Dist. 2
John E. O’Connor (R), Dist. 3
Todd B. Morgan (R), Dist. 4
Terms expire 2018.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.
Donna M. Gebicke, Administrative Assistant
P. O. Box 653
Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge St., Leonardtown, MD 20650 – 0653
(301) 475-4200, ext. 1300; fax: (301) 475-4935
e-mail: csmc@stmarysmd.com
web: www.stmarysmd.com/bocc.asp SOMERSET COUNTY, MARYLAND
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Randy Laird (D), President (chosen by Board in Dec., 4-year term), Dist. 5
Charles F. Fisher (R), Vice-President (chosen by Board in Dec., 4-year term), Dist. 3
Craig N. Mathies, Sr. (D), Dist. 1
Rex D. Simpkins (D), Dist. 2
Jerry S. Boston (R), Dist. 4
Terms expire 2018.
Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, Princess Anne, Maryland, December 2014.
Seated, left to right: Charles F. Fisher, Randy Laird, Rex D. Simpkins. Standing, left to right: Jerry S. Boston; Craig N. Mathies, Sr.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m.
Ralph D. (Doug) Taylor, Clerk; e-mail: dtaylor@somersetmd.us
County Office Complex, 11916 Somerset Ave., Princess Anne, MD 21853
(410) 651-0320; fax: (410) 651-0366
e-mail: commissioners@somersetmd.us
web: www.somersetmd.us/commissioners.html
Somerset County Office Complex, 11916 Somerset Ave., Princess Anne, Maryland, May 2017. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Washington County Board of County Commissioners, Hagerstown, Maryland, December 2014.
Left to right: Jeffrey A. Cline; LeRoy E. Myers, Jr.; Terry L. Baker; William J. Wivell; John F. Barr.
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Terry L. Baker (R), President (chosen by Board, 4-year term)
Jeffrey A. Cline (R), Vice-President (chosen by Board, 4-year term)
John F. Barr (R)
Wayne K. Keefer (R) *
*(sworn in April 5, 2016, to replace Vincent G. (Woody) Spong (R), who resigned Jan. 29, 2016).
LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. (R)
Terms expire 2018.
County Administration Building, 100 West Washington St., Hagerstown, Maryland, June 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.
(last Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m., at various locations)
Vicki C. Lumm, Clerk (240) 313-2204
e-mail: vlumm@washco-md.net
County Administration Building, Room 226
100 West Washington St., Hagerstown, MD 21740
(240) 313-2200; fax: (240) 313-2201
web: www.washco-md.net/index.php/county-commissioners/
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Worcester County Board of County Commissioners, Snow Hill, Maryland, December 2014.
Standing, left to right: Theodore J. Elder; Anthony W. (Chip) Bertino; James C. (Bud) Church; Diana W. Purnell; Merrill W. Lockfaw, Jr.; Madison Jim Bunting, Jr.; Joseph M. Mitrecic.
Elected by Voters to 4-year terms:
Diana W. Purnell (D), President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 2
Theodore J. (Ted) Elder (R), Vice-President (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), Dist. 4
Merrill W. Lockfaw, Jr. (R), Dist. 1
James C. (Bud) Church (R), Dist. 3
Anthony W. (Chip) Bertino, Jr. (R), Dist. 5
Madison Jim Bunting, Jr. (R), Dist. 6
Joseph M. Mitrecic (R), Dist. 7
Terms expire 2018.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.
Harold L. Higgins, Chief Administrative Officer (410) 632-1194
County Government Center, Room 1103
One West Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 – 1195
(410) 632-1194/5; fax: (410) 632-3131
e-mail: admin@co.worcester.md.us
web: www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/commissioners
Worcester County Courthouse entrance, One West Market St., Snow Hill, Maryland, August 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.