WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | September 1, 2025 | News
In a major legal breakthrough, Attorney Mark Herman of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers has secured a landmark ruling before the Supreme Court of Maryland. The court affirmed that nurses can serve as expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases, a decision that strengthens patient rights and provides a broader path to justice.
This ruling is a game-changer for victims of medical negligence across Maryland. By recognizing nurses as qualified expert witnesses, the court has expanded the pool of voices that can testify about standards of care, ensuring that juries hear from professionals with hands-on patient care experience.
The Debate: Doctors vs. Nurses as Expert Witnesses
For years, hospitals and defense attorneys have argued that only physicians should be allowed to testify about standards of care in malpractice trials. Their stance limited the perspectives available to juries, often making it more difficult for injured patients to prove negligence.
Attorney Mark Herman challenged this restrictive view. He argued that nurses play a critical role in patient care and are uniquely positioned to explain medical procedures, treatment decisions, and lapses in safety. The court agreed, affirming that qualified nurses possess the expertise necessary to educate juries on medical standards of care.
Why the Ruling Matters
This decision has far-reaching implications:
- Empowering Nurses: Nurses, who are often on the front lines of patient safety, can now contribute their knowledge in court.
- Strengthening Patient Rights: Victims of malpractice will not be denied justice simply because their expert witness is a nurse rather than a physician.
- Shaping Legal Precedent: The ruling sets a powerful precedent in Maryland that may influence courts in other states facing similar debates.
Together, these changes mark a meaningful step toward a more balanced legal system where patient safety and accountability are prioritized.
Attorney Mark Herman’s Perspective
“This decision empowers nurses, who are on the front lines of patient safety, to have their voices heard in court,” Herman said. “It ensures that patients harmed by negligence will not be denied justice simply because the truth comes from a nurse instead of a doctor.”
Herman’s advocacy not only secured justice for his client but also laid the groundwork for future victims of malpractice to have stronger cases and fairer trials.
A Turning Point in Maryland Medical Malpractice Law
The Supreme Court’s ruling represents a turning point in Maryland law. By broadening the definition of who may testify as an expert witness, the decision creates greater fairness in the courtroom and holds negligent providers more accountable for their actions.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers praised Herman’s dedication and tenacity in pursuing this case. The firm views the ruling as a historic result that elevates the role of nurses and strengthens protections for patients and their families statewide.
Contact the Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyers At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
If you need help navigating a Maryland medical malpractice lawsuit, our legal team is here to support you. Contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080