Morgan Lynch, a recently appointed associate at Baxter Baker, is stepping into her new role at a time of mounting concern around patient safety in Maryland hospitals. Her practice centers on defending health care providers in medical malpractice litigation, a field that has come under the spotlight as the state grapples with a troubling uptick in serious medical errors. According to a report published Friday by the Maryland Department of Health, medical mistakes that led to patient deaths or severe disabilities have increased for the fourth year in a row.
This latest data has sent ripples through Maryland’s health care community, raising questions about hospital safety, accountability, and the legal consequences for providers. For Lynch, whose career began on the other side of the courtroom representing indigent defendants in criminal cases through the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, the move to Baxter Baker marks both a professional evolution and a shift in perspective on the justice system’s role in health care.
The Maryland Department of Health’s report, released on September 12, 2025, paints a sobering picture. For the fourth consecutive year, the number of medical errors resulting in patient death or severe disability has climbed. While the report does not specify the exact figures, the trend itself is alarming. Patient advocates and families affected by these tragedies have voiced frustration and fear, wondering whether enough is being done to prevent future harm.
“It’s deeply concerning to see these numbers rise year after year,” said a spokesperson for a local patient safety group, reflecting a sentiment shared by many across the state. “Marylanders deserve to feel safe in their hospitals, and families want to trust that their loved ones will receive the best care possible.”
Hospitals are, of course, complex systems where high-stakes decisions are made every day. Yet, as the Maryland Department of Health’s report underscores, the consequences of mistakes can be devastating and long-lasting. The causes of such errors are often multifaceted—ranging from communication breakdowns among staff to systemic issues like understaffing, outdated equipment, or even simple human error. The ripple effects extend far beyond the immediate incident, touching the lives of patients, families, and the entire health care ecosystem.
For legal professionals like Morgan Lynch, the rise in medical malpractice cases presents both a professional challenge and a moral responsibility. Lynch’s background is notable: before joining Baxter Baker, she represented indigent defendants in criminal cases through the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. This experience, rooted in advocacy for those with limited resources, has shaped her approach to the law. Now, at Baxter Baker, she focuses on defending health care providers facing allegations of malpractice—a role that demands both legal acumen and a nuanced understanding of the human stakes involved.
“The transition from criminal defense to medical malpractice litigation has been eye-opening,” Lynch explained in a recent interview with The Daily Record. “In both arenas, the stakes are incredibly high. But in health care, you’re dealing with the aftermath of deeply personal tragedies. It’s a constant reminder that every case is about real people, not just legal principles.”
According to The Daily Record, Lynch’s appointment comes at a critical moment for Baxter Baker, which has seen a steady increase in malpractice litigation in recent years. The firm’s work involves not only defending providers in court but also advising hospitals on best practices to minimize risk and improve patient outcomes. “Our goal is always to seek the truth and ensure a fair process for all parties involved,” Lynch said. “We work closely with our clients to understand what happened, why it happened, and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.”
While the legal system plays a crucial role in holding providers accountable and compensating victims, many experts argue that prevention is the most effective remedy. Hospital administrators across Maryland have responded to the Department of Health’s report with pledges to redouble their patient safety efforts. Some facilities have implemented new training programs, invested in technology to reduce errors, and encouraged staff to speak up about potential risks before they escalate.
Still, critics say more needs to be done. Patient advocates have called for greater transparency, mandatory reporting of all adverse events, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Others argue that the focus should be on supporting overworked health care workers, who often operate under intense pressure and with limited resources.
The debate is far from settled. On one side, those representing patients and their families push for systemic reform and justice for victims. On the other, hospitals and their legal teams—like those at Baxter Baker—emphasize the importance of due process and the need to avoid a culture of blame that could drive talented professionals out of the field. Lynch, with her unique background, finds herself at the intersection of these competing interests.
“It’s not about pointing fingers,” she noted. “It’s about understanding what went wrong and working together to make sure it doesn’t happen again. That’s the only way to truly honor the patients at the heart of these cases.”
The Maryland Department of Health’s findings have also caught the attention of lawmakers, some of whom are considering new legislation aimed at improving hospital oversight and patient safety. Proposals under discussion include increased funding for nurse staffing, enhanced training requirements, and the creation of an independent board to review serious medical errors. Whether these measures will be enough to reverse the troubling trend remains to be seen.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Maryland’s hospitals—and on the legal professionals tasked with navigating the fallout of medical mistakes. Lynch’s journey from public defender to defender of health care providers highlights the complexity and humanity at the core of malpractice litigation. As the state confronts its patient safety crisis, voices from all sides agree on one thing: the stakes could not be higher.
As Maryland hospitals, legal teams, and patient advocates grapple with the latest report, one thing is clear—there is no easy fix. But as new leaders like Morgan Lynch step forward, bringing fresh perspectives and a commitment to both justice and compassion, there is hope that meaningful progress can be made, one case at a time.