In a legal market increasingly dominated by national advertising campaigns, one Baltimore personal injury firm is staking its future on a different proposition: being a real local presence that treats clients like neighbors rather than numbers. Richard R. Klein, who leads Attorney Big Al - The Law Office of Richard Klein, says the distinction matters most when someone is injured and scared.
"When you call one of those national operations, you're a number on their bottom line," Klein said. "When you call us, you're a neighbor." That philosophy translates into three commitments: being easy to reach, keeping clients informed throughout their case, and telling people the truth about Maryland law. The firm serves Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia from its office in Baltimore.
Klein's emphasis on client education is particularly important in Maryland, one of the few remaining states that follows contributory negligence. Under this rule, an injured person found even slightly at fault for a crash can be barred from recovering any damages. Maryland also generally imposes a three-year statute of limitations from the date of a crash. "Insurance companies know Maryland's rules better than anybody," Klein said. "If they can pin even a sliver of blame on you, they'll try. That's why I tell people to get help early, before they've given a statement or signed anything."
The stakes are high for injury victims in the region. According to preliminary data released by the Office of Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland recorded 480 traffic deaths in 2025, down from 582 in 2024—the first time the total fell below 500 since 2014. Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths dropped to 116 from 173. While Klein calls this progress, he notes that 480 fatalities still represent 480 families devastated by loss.
For those involved in crashes, the firm recommends several immediate steps: stay calm and move to a safe location, take photos of vehicles and injuries, exchange information with other drivers, seek medical care right away even for seemingly minor injuries, and consult a lawyer before speaking with the other driver's insurance company. These actions can protect an injured person's rights under Maryland's challenging legal framework.
Klein's commitment to community extends beyond the courtroom. The firm has sponsored back-to-school supply giveaways for local students, and Klein plans to continue showing up in the neighborhoods he serves. "We're a real local firm," he said. "Baltimore is home. I chose this city, and the people who call us are our neighbors. We treat you like family—not like a number."
The firm's accomplishments include an AV Preeminent® peer-review rating achieved this year, a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 honor, and BBB accreditation. Attorney Big Al represents people hurt in car, truck, motorcycle, rideshare, bus, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. In a region where national firms spend heavily to attract clients, Klein's approach offers a reminder that local knowledge and personal attention can be decisive factors in injury cases—especially when legal rules are stacked against victims.
