Who Can File Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland?
If a loved one dies due to the negligence of another, certain people such as family can file a wrongful death claim on the deceased’s behalf and seek compensation.
- Family Members: Spouses, children, and parents of unmarried children. In certain cases, siblings and grandparents may also file a claim for wrongful death.
- Partners and Dependents: Those persons financially dependent on the deceased and anyone who suffers financially from the death of the person – even if they aren’t related by marriage or blood – may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Unexpected deaths are extremely unnerving for a family. The last thing you want to do when grieving is to worry about managing legal matters.
As an experienced Maryland wrongful death attorney, I will help navigate the legal maze on your behalf to help you through this trying time.
What Is Considered a Wrongful Death Claim?
The deceased’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit for personal injury and death due to the negligent and/or wrongful act of another person.
DUI or reckless driving: The driver caused the death of your loved one while speeding, driving distracted/recklessly, or driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
- Car accidents: There was a collision or crash of vehicles resulting in your loved one’s death.
- Pedestrian or bicycle accident: Your loved one was struck by a vehicle that resulted in their death.
- Work accidents: Your loved one’s death was a result of negligent policies or actions of their employer.
- Medical malpractice: Your loved one was affected by medical malpractice of the treating physician that resulted in death.
- Defective drugs: Your loved one died due to the administration of defective pharmaceuticals.
- Defective medical devices: The death of your loved one occurred due to a defective or inefficiently tested medical device.
- Premises liability: Your family member visited a property and suffered a fatal accident due to the property owner’s negligence or failure to warn of a potential hazard.
- Product liability: Your loved one died from using a defective product. This commonly includes car seats, toys, drop-side cribs, sports equipment, and more.
- Negligent administration in organizations: The victim died due to negligence in a caregiving organization – such as daycare facilities or nursing homes.
The party or parties that can be held responsible for a wrongful death include:
- Individuals
- Large commercial enterprises
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Hospitals
- Government institutions
Determining fault in a wrongful death can be complicated. Receiving the maximum benefit requires professional assessment from an aggressive wrongful death lawyer.
As one of the top Prince George’s County wrongful death attorneys, I will ensure that those responsible for the death of your loved one are brought to justice and you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Does Compensation for Wrongful Death Cover?
Category I Damages
The victim is entitled to these from the date of sustaining the personal injury until death. The damages are covered for:
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Funeral expenses
The family members of the deceased are entitled to compensation for their monetary losses. The compensation covers the lost income/wages that the deceased could have earned until retirement.
Sometimes, the court may also award damages for loss of consortium to the deceased’s family members as compensation for lost companionship and emotional support.
The court can also award punitive damages to the deceased’s surviving family members in an effort to punish the accused and discourage similar conduct from others in the future.
Contact a Greenbelt Area Wrongful Death Attorney for a Free Consultation
Turn to me in your hour of need to achieve results that make a difference. I will thoroughly assess ALL the details of your wrongful death claim.
Connect with me at 301.377.2158 or via email to schedule a free case consultation of your wrongful death lawsuit.
You can also get in touch with me through my website. I’m available 24/7 and can assist you in every way to win a just outcome.