Annapolis Wrongful Death Lawyer

free consultation

The sudden loss of a loved one is devastating. When that loss is caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person, the pain and anger can be overwhelming. The legal term for this type of lawsuit is “wrongful death,” and pursuing a wrongful death claim can help provide justice, accountability, and financial support for the survivors. Wrongful death cases can take many forms, such as:

If you have suffered such a loss, our experienced Annapolis wrongful death lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney.

What Compensation Can Wrongful Death Beneficiaries Receive?

Wrongful death beneficiaries may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

  • Economic Damages: These cover the financial contributions the deceased would have made to the family, including lost wages, benefits, loss of household services, and funeral expenses.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the emotional pain and suffering experienced by the beneficiaries due to the loss of their loved one. This includes damages for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society, companionship, comfort, protection, care, attention, advice, counsel, training, education, or guidance.

During an initial consultation, an Annapolis attorney can further detail the compensation you can expect to receive through your wrongful death claim.

Who Can Be a Beneficiary in a Wrongful Death Case?

In Maryland, wrongful death beneficiaries are categorized into primary and secondary beneficiaries. These categories determine who can file a wrongful death claim and the order in which they may seek compensation. Understanding who these beneficiaries are and their rights is crucial for a successful claim.

Primary Beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries are the immediate family members of the deceased, and they have the first right to file a wrongful death claim. These individuals include:

  • Spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased has the right to seek compensation for the loss of their partner’s companionship, emotional support, and financial contributions.
  • Children: Biological and legally adopted children of the deceased can file a claim for the loss of parental guidance, love, and financial support.
  • Parents: The parents of the deceased may file a claim for the loss of their child’s companionship and financial support.

Secondary Beneficiaries

If no primary beneficiaries exist, secondary beneficiaries may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if they were financially dependent on the deceased person. Secondary beneficiaries include siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. If you are unsure whether you will be categorized as a secondary beneficiary, consult an Annapolis wrongful death attorney today.

wrongfulhero

How Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

Filing a wrongful death claim involves several steps, and it is essential to adhere to legal deadlines to preserve your right to compensation:

  • Statute of Limitations: In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of death. Failing to file within this period may result in losing the right to pursue a claim.
  • Proving Negligence: To succeed in a wrongful death claim, beneficiaries must prove that the medical professional’s negligence was a cause of the death. This typically requires expert testimony and substantial evidence.

To win a wrongful death case, you will need to prove several elements, including:

  • The death of your loved one
  • The cause of death
  • The fault of the defendant
  • The damages suffered by the survivors

Navigating a wrongful death lawsuit can feel overwhelming in the face of grief. The legal complexities and burden of proof can be significant. This is where an experienced wrongful death attorney in Annapolis can become your strongest advocate.

How Burnett Injury Group Can Help

At Burnett Injury Group, we understand the emotional and financial challenges that come with losing a loved one due to medical negligence. Our Annapolis-based wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you navigate this difficult time.

  • Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We will thoroughly review the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of action.
  • Expert Consultation: We work with medical experts to establish the negligence that led to your loved one’s death.
  • Aggressive Representation: Our attorneys will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you and your family deserve.

Our lawyers can meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight to obtain compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, medical expenses, and the loss of companionship and support. We will handle all aspects of the legal process, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we will provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the legal process.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

We know that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t owe us any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

For Help Filing a Wrongful Death Claim, Contact Our Annapolis Attorneys

If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by medical negligence, contact Burnett Injury Group today. We are here to support you every step of the way and ensure that justice is served.

Was the death of your loved one caused by negligence? You don’t have to go through this alone. Our Annapolis wrongful death lawyers are here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation your family deserves. We can handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

top40
top25
leading
superlawyers
risingstars
Have a Referral?

Speak with our experienced personal injury team to explore your options.

Refer a case
Satisfied Clients

Read what our clients have to say about our personal injury team.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

They were great! They are really good with communication, explaining the process, keeping us updated, etc. They are very kind, understanding, and supportive. Would 100% recommend them to any and...

Aniya A.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Very helpful and communicated 100% at every step of the process.

Alonso N.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Had a great experience working with Suzanne. She was very responsive and helpful in settling our claim.

Caleb W.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

They treated me like family the experience I had with Bernett lawyer firm was a truly blessing appreciate everything they done for me and my lovely wife.

Kevin S.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Suzanne and Kristin were very communicative and on top of everything involving the lawsuit. I am very happy with my experience with Burnett Injury Group.

Amy B.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Suzanne and Kristin were wonderful to work with. They listened, advised, and were very responsive with a process that was completely new to me

Margaret B.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Suzanne and her paralegal, Kristin, helped my family when we were in a car crash. They were professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to our best interests. They fought for us...

Read More

C. O’Brien

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

I am writing this nearly four years after my major car accident. I can confidently say my life wouldn't be the same today if it weren't for Suzanne and the...

Read More

N. Bourne

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Very friendly and helpful ❤️

Harry H.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Suzanne and her team are simply amazing. The level of professionalism, knowledge and dedication they exhibited is unmatched. I wholeheartedly appreciate them and highly recommend their practice.

Marrissa R.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Mr. Burnett and his staff were very professional from start to finish. They were proficient and keep us updated on a regular basis. They coordinated meetings with family members out...

Read More

Richard A.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Andrew Burnett and his team were outstanding. He is a person of exceptional honesty, integrity, and principle. He listened, offered guidance, and helped me feel secure during a time when...

Read More

Client

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

They were absolutely amazing through and through. Highly recommend going to them whenever an accident occurs which I would not want but if it happens they would be who I...

Read More

Kennisha C.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Highly satisfied! Will continue to recommend to others. The team is very professional and keeps you posted to every detail of the process.

Judy

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Suzanne is wonderful! I have worked with her twice. Suzan goes above and beyond for her clients. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. I would recommend her to...

Read More

Jessica K.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

The Burnett Group was wonderful to work with. They were professional, caring, helpful, and thorough. They helped us through a very difficult and trying time which we will be ever...

Read More

Bobby R.

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Andrew Burnett and his team were outstanding. He is a person of exceptional honesty, integrity, and principle. He listened, offered guidance, and helped me feel secure during a time when...

Read More

David

  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial
  • testimonial

Very easy to work with, really friendly people and communication was on point.

Alston A.

Legal Matters We Handle

We provide advocacy in a wide spectrum of personal injury cases to get justice for Marylanders.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car Accident

Learn morelearn more
Medical Malpractice

Medical Malpractice

Learn morelearn more
Birth Injuries

Birth Injuries

Learn morelearn more
Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing Home Abuse

Learn morelearn more
Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death

Learn morelearn more

FAQs for Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Find answers to frequently asked questions about personal injury law and how we can help you.

In Maryland, only certain individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include:

  • The spouse of the deceased
  • The children of the deceased
  • The parents of the deceased, if the deceased was unmarried and without children
  • A designated beneficiary named by the deceased

To file a wrongful death lawsuit, there is a strict time limit known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to take action but each situation is different and an attorney can best help you navigate these deadlines.

A wrongful death attorney can help determine the percentage of fault that each party holds, allowing claims against each.