Class Actions

Successfully defended an automobile insurer in a consumer class-action lawsuit challenging an insurer’s online Personal Injury Protection (PIP) automobile insurance application process by obtaining summary judgment in United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Miles & Stockbridge served as lead defense counsel in a nationwide FLSA class action claim directed at staffing agencies providing engineers for nuclear power plants. We developed a multi-prong strategy focused on dismissing the parent corporation and a significant reduction of Plaintiffs’ claims for damages. We were able to craft a confidential nationwide settlement. 

Miles & Stockbridge represented a manufacturer in a wage and hour purported class action involving the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Through motions, we were able to successfully reduce this to a single plaintiff case. 

Successfully defeated certification of two class action lawsuits filed by research participants in lead reduction treatment studies against a leading research institution. 

Defended a multi-family housing landlord in Baltimore City Circuit Court in a 40+ plaintiff personal injury and constitutional rights litigation related to allegations that the landlord’s security guards were harassing residents and that the guards were allegedly abusing their “Special Police” powers.

Creveling v. Government Employees Ins. Co., 376 Md. 72, 828 A.2d 229 (2003). Court of Appeals affirmed denial of class certification and entry of summary judgment in favor of automobile insurer in class action lawsuit to recover personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

CSR, Ltd v. Taylor, 411 Md. 457, 983 A.2d 492 (2009). Court of Appeals affirmed grant of motion to dismiss based on lack of personal jurisdiction, holding that actions of foreign distributor did not constitute purposeful availment under Maryland law. 

Georgia-Pacific Corp. v. Benjamin, 394 Md. 59, 904 A.2d 511 (2006). Court of Appeals affirmed grant of summary judgment in favor of manufacturer of asbestos-containing products holding that express knowledge of exposure to asbestos products and diagnosis of mesothelioma constituted inquiry notice for purposes of discovery rule and commencement of limitations period for beneficiaries' survival action.

Johnson v. GEICO Cas. Co., 672 Fed. Appx.150 (3d Cir. 2016). United States Court of Appeals for Third Circuit affirmed decertification of plaintiffs’ classes and affirmed grant of summary judgement  in favor of automobile insurer in class action lawsuit brought to recover PIP benefits. 

Represented a finance company in a counterclaim class action in state court on claims arising out of the sale of AD&D insurance in connection with consumer loans.  After substantial motions practice and discovery, the case settled on a class basis on terms favorable to the finance company.

Represented a mortgage company in a state class action asserting claims for violating Maryland lending law in connection with the origination of second mortgage loans.  We successfully defeated class certification and the matter settled shortly thereafter on an individual basis.

Represented a physician practice group in a federal class action alleging unfair debt collection practices in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act.  After obtaining dismissal of the class action complaint, the representative plaintiff appealed and during the pendency of the appeal, the parties settled on terms favorable to the defendants and without the physician practice group paying any money.

Represented the largest automobile dealership in Maryland in a deceptive trade practices class action asserting claims arising from the alleged failure to disclose the prior use of a vehicle as a daily rental.  At the close of discovery and just prior to briefing class certification, the parties resolved the litigation on an individual basis.

Represented four defendants who provided back-office servicing to a credit counseling agency in a national consumer class arbitration involving alleged violations of the Credit Repair Organizations Act and a host of consumer protection statutes. Judgment was entered in favor of the class for 2% of the amount initially sought, and the arbitrator denied petitioner’s request for attorneys’ fees in excess of $7.2 million.

Represented several assignees of second mortgage loans in consumer class actions that were removed to federal court involving alleged violations of the Maryland Secondary Mortgage Loan Law. We obtained dismissal of the complaints on the merits and the dismissals were subsequently affirmed on appeal by the Fourth Circuit.

Represented several regional banks in federal class actions asserting claims under Maryland law involving allegedly defective repossession notices.  We successfully settled the claims in each case on a class basis on terms favorable to the banks.