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Widener University Commonwealth Law 2003 graduate Tara Eberly has been honored with the 2024 Maryland Association for Justice’s Trial Lawyer of the Year Award which according to their website “is given to a lawyer or team of lawyers who made the greatest contribution to the public interest by trying or settling a case of precedential value – presidential either because it changes the law in a way that is beneficial to Marylanders or has, for other reasons, ‘sent a message’ to those who might otherwise trample on the rights of Maryland citizens.”

Eberly is an attorney with Janet, Janet & Suggs LLC, a Maryland-based, national personal injury law firm focusing on medical malpractice and sexual abuse claims. She travels across the country representing survivors of sexual abuse, as well as litigating medical malpractice/nursing home negligence cases.

Eberly was recognized on June 1 for her exceptional trial work in a landmark nursing home negligence case in Baltimore County, Maryland. Her advocacy secured a historic $9.045 million jury verdict for the estate and family of Randolph Mack who died from sepsis stemming from an avoidable sacral pressure ulcer caused by a nursing home’s neglect. After a 7-day jury trial in August 2023, the trial team secured the highest verdict ever awarded in any Maryland nursing home case. The verdict included $8 million for Mr. Mack’s pain and suffering and $1.045 million for the emotional harm suffered by his family.

Eberly shares this honor with fellow award winner and co-counsel Reza Davani of Ketterer, Browne & Devani, LLC, highlighting the collaborative spirit and legal excellence that make such achievements possible. This dynamic team used innovative trial strategies to secure this verdict.

Reflecting on the honor, Eberly said, "I am humbled to be recognized by my colleagues for my role in the Mack trial, many of whom serve as my mentors. This family is so deserving of the justice they received after suffering such a tragic and avoidable loss of a man who served as a pillar in the community because of nursing home negligence. It is the hope of both the Mack family and my trial team that our verdict will positively affect the care other residents receive in similar situations.”

Eberly’s recognition extends beyond this award. She has previously been honored by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and The National Women Trial Lawyers Association Top 25. “I am especially proud to be singled out as someone who is tirelessly advocating for clients in difficult, often very emotional, cases as one of few women lawyers who choose trial work,” said Eberly.

For more details on Eberly's achievements and the MAJ Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, visit: www.mdforjustice.com