A family recently prevailed on summary judgment in Baltimore City Circuit Court. The family was displaced from its home for seven months because of a mercury spill. The summary judgment precipitated a favorable settlement for the family’s expenses and hardship during the cleanup of its home.  

The family hired a plumbing company in September 2012 to remove old heating equipment. The company sent unlicensed plumbers to perform the work who spilled and tracked mercury released from the heating equipment throughout the property. When the plumbing company and its insurance carrier refused to clean up the property or compensate the family, plaintiff brought suit under several causes of action.

Plaintiff successfully argued that the plumbers violated the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, and also succeeded in keeping a fraud claim and demand for punitive damages as part of the case. The Firm’s victory on cross-motions for summary judgment preceded the favorable settlement of the case that resulted in a judgment and monetary payment to Plaintiffs. Meanwhile, a governmental emergency cleanup enabled the family to return to their home.