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Marie Butler v. Sandra Gray

Date: 05-20-2025

Case Number: CAE22-05471

Judge: Not Available

Court: Circuit Court, Prince George's County, Maryland

Plaintiff's Attorney:



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Defendant's Attorney:



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Description:
Upper Marlboro, Maryland civil litigation lawyers represente the parties in a real property drainage dispute.



Appellant and Appellee are the owners of adjacent residential properties. In 2019, Appellant made renovations to her property and sometime, thereafter, Appellee began experiencing water drainage issues on her property. She filed a complaint in the circuit court against Appellant, and after failed attempts to serve Appellant, the court granted a motion for alternative service, allowing Appellee to serve Appellant by first-class mail.



egal issue Did the circuit court err in its decisions regarding alternative service, injunctive relief, and damages related to water drainage issues between adjacent property owners following renovations?

Headnote



CIVIL PROCEDURE. ALTERNATIVE SERVICE. The court upheld the grant of a motion for alternative service by first-class mail after failed attempts at personal service, determining sufficient evidence supported the conclusion that Appellee made good faith efforts under Maryland Rule 2-121(c).



EQUITY. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The court affirmed the grant of a permanent injunction requiring Appellant to remove renovations affecting water drainage onto Appellee's property, concluding that Appellee would suffer substantial and irreparable harm without such relief.



TORTS. COMPENSATORY DAMAGES. The court upheld the compensatory damages awarded to Appellee for repairs to her property due to water drainage issues exacerbated by Appellant's renovations, based on evidence presented during trial.



PUNITIVE DAMAGES. ACTUAL MALICE. The court vacated and remanded the award of punitive damages, finding that the trial court failed to make a factual finding of actual malice necessary to support such an award under Maryland law.

Key Phrases Motion for alternative service. Permanent injunction. Compensatory damages. Water drainage issues. Punitive damages.



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Outcome:
JUDGMENT OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY VACATED IN PART AND AFFIRMED IN PART; COSTS TO BE PAID BY APPELLANT.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:

About This Case

What was the outcome of Marie Butler v. Sandra Gray?

The outcome was: JUDGMENT OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY VACATED IN PART AND AFFIRMED IN PART; COSTS TO BE PAID BY APPELLANT.

Which court heard Marie Butler v. Sandra Gray?

This case was heard in Circuit Court, Prince George's County, Maryland, MD. The presiding judge was Not Available.

Who were the attorneys in Marie Butler v. Sandra Gray?

Plaintiff's attorney: Click Here For The Best Upper Marlboro Law Lawyer Directory. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Upper Marlboro Law Lawyer Directory.

When was Marie Butler v. Sandra Gray decided?

This case was decided on May 20, 2025.