Maryland SB871 imposes a 50% surcharge on punitive damages awarded in civil actions for gross negligence.

Maryland SB871 mandates the State Court Administrator to assess a surcharge of 50% on punitive damages awarded in civil actions for gross negligence. This surcharge is an additional payment by the defendant and does not affect the total punitive damages awarded to the plaintiff. The surcharge is to be deposited into the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. Juries are prohibited from being informed of this surcharge. The surcharge is assessed at the conclusion of all proceedings related to the civil action.

Maryland SB871 imposes a 50% surcharge on punitive damages awarded in civil actions for gross negligence.

Maryland SB871 mandates the State Court Administrator to assess a surcharge of 50% on punitive damages awarded in civil actions for gross negligence. This surcharge is an additional payment by the defendant and does not affect the total punitive damages awarded to the plaintiff. The surcharge is to be deposited into the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. Juries are prohibited from being informed of this surcharge. The surcharge is assessed at the conclusion of all proceedings related to the civil action.