Contributory Negligence in Maryland, Virginia, and DC: Still Alive After All of These Years
In Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, contributory negligence is a legal defense that addresses the conduct of the injured party when facing a negligence cause of action in a lawsuit. Specifically, the states of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia are three of the few states that follow the doctrine of “contributory…
Supreme Court Denies Petition to Overturn Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Ruling
Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court denied the petition for certiorari from American Farm Bureau Federation and its allies to evaluate the "clean water ruling" by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit which had decided that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had properly approved "Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint"…
Canoe & Kayak Magazine Quotes Longman & Van Grack’s Recreation Law Advice
The Sports and Recreation Law Practice Group at Longman & Van Grack regularly provides recreation law advice to clients regarding the rights of the outdoor industry and the rights of individuals to enjoy outdoor recreation. This week, Canoe & Kayak Magazine published an article asking "Can You Be Arrested for…
IRS Audit Rates Drop
Everyone is fearful of an audit from the Internal Revenue Commission (IRS). An IRS audit causes panic and fear in most individuals and businesses. However, the IRS has recently announced some good news for individuals regarding IRS audit rates. The IRS's own figures show that the overall individual audit coverage rate…
Does Legal Rescue Liability Exist for a Rescue Attempt?
Most people will respond when asked that if they see another person in peril, they will help rescue that other person. However, rescue liability -- the issue as to whether one's rescue of another person causes legal liability -- is not always simple. Most states throughout the years developed the rule that…
Taxpayers Beware of New Phishing Tax Scams
The IRS has reported that email phishing tax scams have increased by 400% for the 2016 filing season. Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS does not email taxpayers. In addition, taxpayers should be cautious about which tax filing software they use to file the tax returns. Taxpayers should never…
Longman & Van Grack Attorney Selected as Tax Law Contributor for Baltimore Attorney at Law Magazine
This month, Longman & Van Grack attorney Robb Longman was selected as the Tax Law Contributing Editor of the Greater Baltimore Edition of Attorney at Law Magazine. Robb's Feature Article this month in the magazine is titled "An Overview of Maryland Sales Tax." The Firm is thrilled that Robb is being recognized for…
Taxpayers Have the Responsibility to Ensure Accurate Tax Returns
With tax filing season in full swing, taxpayers should be aware of their responsibility for the content of their own tax returns, even if they do not prepare the tax return. A significant portion of taxpayers will hire an accountant or tax preparation service to prepare and file their tax returns. Even…
Can the Park Service Order a Paddler Off the Flooded Potomac River?
The Potomac River contains many regularly-paddled whitewater and non-whitewater sections. These sections include Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge of the Potomac. However, once in a while,the Potomac River near Washington, DC approaches flood level -- which creates approximately 124,000 cubic feet per second of water (or more) rushing through…
Snow Removal Laws in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
Laws within different jurisdictions in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC mandate the shoveling and removal of snow from public areas and sidewalks adjacent to and on an owner's/operator's property. Different jurisdictions throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC mandate various requirements for residential and commercial property owners to shovel snow or…
Legal Liability for Tree Damage in Maryland, Virginia, and DC
One often-overlooked legal issue related to property disputes, property damage, and storms in Maryland, Virginia, and DC is potential legal liability related to tree damage, at risk trees, or fallen trees. Trees and other growth from a neighboring property can often cause damage and legal risk to a landowner/homeowner. Neighboring…
NFL Wide Receiver Pierre Garcon Settles Lawsuit with FanDuel
Last year, we wrote that National Football League (“NFL”) and Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon had filed a class-action legal Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against the daily fantasy football site FanDuel on behalf of himself and all NFL players. Garcon’s lawsuit alleged that FanDuel…
