Description of Event or Task | Deadline |
| Time to File Suit
| 3 years, but: 1 year for assault + defamation Medical Malpractice = 5 years from the time of injury, or, 3 years from discovery of the injury, whichever is shorter. |
| Time for Demanding Jury Trial | In Circuit Court cases, must demand a jury trial in writing within 15 days of the "last pleading directed to the issue" (i.e., typically within 15 days after Answer to Complaint is due); in District Court cases, must demand a jury trial in writing within 10 days of the "last pleading directed to the issue" (i.e., typically within 10 days after Answer to Complaint is due). |
| Amending Complaints | Prior to 15 Days of Trial, just do it! Within 15 days of trial, need leave of court or opponent's written consent. Late amendments will be stricken if the delay prejudices the opposing party. |
| Ex Parte Injunctions | Good for 10 days vs. resident defendants; 35 days against non-resident defendants. |
| Summons | Must be served within 60 days of issuance. |
| Responding to Complaint [by preliminary motion or Answer] | If Served: * in Maryland = 30 days * outside Md = 60 days * outside US = 90 days |
| Answering Complaint [if preliminary motion was filed] | Tolls time for answering until 15 days after preliminary motion decided [unless case dismissed, of course.] |
| Filing Counterclaims, Cross-Claims, and Third Party Claims | in Answer, or, within 30 days of time for filing Answer. Late claims will be stricken if the delay prejudices the opposing party. |
| Notice to Take Deposition | serve at least 10 days before deposition, unless documents are requested in conjunction with the deposition; if they are, allow at least 30 days. |
| Time for Responding to Discovery Requests [interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions] | 30 days from service of request, or, 15 days after defendant's initial pleading/motion is due [whichever is later] |
| Requesting "Order of Default" | as soon as time for responding to Complaint has expired |
| Requesting "Default Judgment" | 30 days after notice of "Order of Default" was served on defendant |
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