Michael R. Guerrero Returns to Hinshaw’s Consumer Financial Services Group in California

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October 31, 2024 – Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP today announced that Michael R. Guerrero has rejoined the firm’s Consumer Financial Services practice as a partner in the Los Angeles office. Previously a co-leader of Ballard Spahr LLP’s Fintech and Payment Solutions Team, he has significant experience advising companies on consumer-related regulatory and compliance matters.

Guerrero originally joined Hinshaw as a partner in 2021, leaving to join Ballard Spahr in 2022. He began his legal career serving as in-house counsel at various companies, including a mortgage lender, a debt buyer, and a fintech that launched a payroll deduction credit sale product.

“We’re so happy that Mike has rejoined our team,” said Hinshaw partner Lauren Campisi. “Mike is one of the leading consumer financial services regulatory and compliance attorneys in the country. He has earned the respect of clients and peers for providing strategic advice to clients on cutting-edge issues. His style of practice and skills align with our team-based approach and areas of focus and add considerable depth on the West Coast.”

Guerrero helps companies manage regulatory and compliance issues across a wide range of consumer-focused products, including automotive finance and leasing, earned wage access products, Buy Now Pay Later products, point-of-sale and personal property financing and leasing, rent-to-own products, credit cards, and installment loans. In addition, he advises contractors and financing companies on residential solar energy sales, financing, and leasing issues. A recognized thought leader, he is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, has been quoted by several media outlets, and has authored numerous articles on emerging fintech regulatory issues.

Hinshaw’s collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, along with its reputation as a market leader in providing value-based legal solutions to consumer financial services companies, were among the reasons Guerrero decided to return to the firm.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work again with Lauren Campisi, Dustin Alonzo, Vaishali Rao, and the rest of the team,” Guerrero said. “Hinshaw has subject matter experience that is really second to none. I cannot think of a better platform for my clients. Along the same lines, the firm’s continued focus on expanding the practice nationally offers me a great opportunity to continue growing my practice.”

Guerrero received his B.S. in communications, cum laude, from Arizona State University in Tempe, and his J.D., cum laude, from California Western School of Law in San Diego. He was named to the National Order of Scribes Class of 2012 by the National Association of Legal Writers. He is a member of the California Lawyers Association’s Consumer Financial Services Committee, previously serving as the Committee’s co-chair. 

During the last two years, Hinshaw has added nearly 50 attorneys to its Consumer Financial Service group. The firm opened a Dallas office in February 2023 with seven attorneys from Akerman, including Charles Townsend, Michael McKleroy, Walter McInnis, Bryan T. Brown, Matthew Lindsey, Jessica A. Riley, and Taylor Hennington. Alfredo “Fred” Ramos joined the firm in Houston, also from Akerman. In July 2023, partner Stephen T. Masley joined the practice in Dallas, along with New Jersey partner Margaret J. “Peggy” Cascino and Ft. Lauderdale senior counsel Ralph W. Confreda Jr. In December 2023, partner Cathy Mulrow-Peattie joined the practice group in New York, expanding the firm’s privacy, cyber, and artificial intelligence capabilities. In January 2024, financial services litigator S. Sherry Xia joined the firm as a partner in New York. In March 2024, consumer financial services partner Gregg Stevens joined the firm in Dallas along with senior counsel Aimee Szygenda and Helen Mosothoane. In April 2024, Brian Paino joined as a partner in Los Angeles, further expanding the firm’s financial services capabilities in California. In May 2024, financial services litigator Ellis Oster joined as a partner in New York. In August 2024, consumer financial services partner Daniel Schleifstein joined Hinshaw in New Jersey.


Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Baltimore: Step-by-Step Guide

Medical malpractice can have serious and life-altering consequences, physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a healthcare professional, it’s important to know what steps to take in order to seek justice and compensation.

The Claim Process for Medical Malpractice Claims

Here is a step-by-step guide to the claims process for medical malpractice claims in Baltimore:

Step 1: Determine if You Have a Valid Claim

The first critical step is determining whether your situation qualifies as medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient.

Common types include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and failure to treat. To assess the validity of your claim, consider the severity of the injury and the extent of the negligence involved.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation

Gathering all relevant documentation includes obtaining your medical records and reports detailing the incident.

Keep a meticulous record of dates, times, and descriptions of what occurred. Collect witness statements and testimonies from those who can corroborate your account.

Additionally, maintain communication logs with healthcare providers, as these can provide critical evidence in your case.

Step 3: Seek a Qualified Medical Malpractice Attorney

Finding an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Baltimore is vital. Look for attorneys with a proven track record in handling similar cases. Initial consultations are typically free and provide an opportunity to discuss your case and evaluate the attorney’s expertise.

Prepare questions about their experience, success rates, and fee structures, including contingency arrangements where payment is contingent on winning the case.

Step 4: Filing a Notice of Claim

In Maryland, specific notice requirements must be met when filing a medical malpractice claim. This involves submitting a Notice of Claim within a designated timeline, generally within 90 days of the incident.

The notice must include detailed information about the claim, such as the nature of the malpractice, the injuries sustained, and the damages sought. Properly filing this notice is a critical step that must be handled with precision to avoid jeopardizing your case.

Step 5: Expert Review and Certificate of Merit

Medical malpractice claims in Maryland require an expert review and a Certificate of Merit. This certificate, provided by a qualified medical expert, attests that the healthcare provider in question breached the standard of care.

Selecting a credible medical expert to review your case is essential, as their testimony can significantly impact the outcome. The Certificate of Merit must be filed within 90 days of submitting the Notice of Claim, highlighting the importance of timely action.

Step 6: Negotiation and Settlement Discussions

After the initial filings, the negotiation and settlement phase begins. Many medical malpractice cases are settled out of court to avoid the time and expense of a trial.

During this phase, both parties will engage in discussions to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Effective negotiation strategies include presenting a strong case, understanding the value of your claim, and being prepared to compromise.

Mediation can also play a role in facilitating a resolution. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of settling versus proceeding to trial. For example, a settlement may provide faster resolution and guaranteed compensation, but it may also be less than what could potentially be awarded in court.

Step 7: Preparing for Trial

If a settlement cannot be reached, preparing for trial is the next step. This involves a thorough preparation process, including the discovery phase, where both parties gather and exchange pertinent information.

Pre-trial motions and hearings will take place to address any legal issues before the trial. Comprehensive preparation is important as it can significantly influence the trial’s outcome. Your attorney will play a pivotal role in guiding you through this process and representing your interests in court.

Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims

Whatever stage you are at in the claims process, be aware of the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. In Maryland, a claim must typically be filed within five years from the date of the injury or within three years from when the injury was discovered.

Exceptions may apply in cases where a foreign object is left inside a patient during surgery or if the victim is a minor under 11 years old. In any case, it’s essential to act expeditiously and file your medical malpractice claim well before the statute of limitations expires. Missing it could result in the dismissal of your claim and forfeit any potential compensation.

Final Thoughts

A medical malpractice claim can be overwhelming, but understanding the process helps empower victims seeking justice. As you progress through each step, remember the importance of meticulous documentation and the role of your attorney in advocating for your rights. 

Strong legal representation can make a significant difference, not only in the filing process but also in negotiations and trial preparations. But keep your expectations grounded — while many cases settle out of court, achieving a fair settlement often depends on the strength of the evidence and the skills of your legal team.

With proper preparation and guidance, you can increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

Source: Frank Spector Law, Baltimore

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