A Forest Hill resident has filed a $1 million lawsuit against his former attorney in Baltimore City Circuit Court, alleging that the lawyer failed to pursue claims arising out of an automobile accident before the statute of limitations had passed.

Plaintiff Dennis Vierling claims he asked lawyer Ernest S. Nichols for an explanation when he received a dunning letter for his hospital bills, more than three years after the accident.

Nichols stated that he was aware that the statute of limitations had lapsed, the complaint alleges, but wanted to make sure that his malpractice insurance premium was paid up-to-date before informing Vierling of the situation.

Vierling is suing Nichols for, among other things, misrepresentation, negligence and breach of contract. The complaint also accuses Nichols of violating the Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct regarding client communication and diligence.

I don’t have any comment, said Nichols when reached by phone at his Bel Air office on Monday.

Thomas J. Dolina, who is representing Vierling in the case, did not return several calls this week.

The complaint alleges that Vierling was injured in an automobile accident on March 8, 2000, and underwent numerous medical procedures and incurred considerable medical expenses as a result.

Vierling alleges that he heard from a bill collector for St. Agnes Hospital in April 2003 and called the other driver’s insurance company that June or July.

He was told that no claim had ever been filed on [his] behalf and that the three year statute of limitations had lapsed and no claim could be filed, the complaint says.

Vierling also alleges that he tried to reach Nichols on several occasions, but the lawyer did not return his calls until August 2003.

If Nichols had not been negligent, the complaint alleges, Vierling would have prevailed if timely filed, and would have collected under his claim for personal injury damages as a result of the March 8, 2000, automobile collision.

It is not known whether Vierling has filed a disciplinary complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission, which, according to its Web site, investigates and, where indicated, prosecutes attorneys whose conduct violates the Maryland Lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct.

A spokeswoman for the commission said its records do not show any public discipline imposed against Nichols. The commission does not disclose ongoing investigations.