Q: In Maryland can you sue for attorney fees if its not specifically written in the contract that you can ?
If its is with a commercial entity is there a exception?
A: You can only request attorney's fees if (1) it's specifically provided for in the contract; or (2) there is a statutory cause of action that provides for a claim of attorney's fees. So, it sounds as though you do not have a contractual basis. However, perhaps there is a statutory basis. For instance, if your dispute with the commercial entity has to do with a consumer transaction for goods or services, where you are the consumer (not another commercial business), and if there is a basis to claim a violation of the Maryland Consumer Protection Act for false and deceptive trade practices, then that Act provides for an award of attorney's fees in the event you prevail on your claims. You would have to actually incur attorney's fees, of course. You cannot claim them if you represent yourself. There may be other statutory bases for fees, but without knowing the particulars of your claims and dispute, it is not possible to guess what that basis might be. Generally speaking, however, the "American Rule" prevails, which is that each litigant bears their own costs for legal representation regardless of the outcome.
Cedulie Renee Laumann agrees with this answer
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