Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Maryland & Beyond
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:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Drugs and defective products
- Catastrophic injuries
- Intentional wrongful death
- And more
If you have suffered such a loss, our experienced wrongful death lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (443) 214-2600 or by filling out our online contact form here for a free consultation.
What Compensation Can Wrongful Death Beneficiaries Receive?
Wrongful death beneficiaries in Maryland 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 .
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.
How Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help
Filing a wrongful death claim in Maryland 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 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 experienced 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.
If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by medical negligence, contact Burnett Injury Group at (443) 214-2600 or by completing out our online contact form here for a free consultation. We are here to support you every step of the way and ensure that justice is served.
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FAQs for Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Find answers to common questions about injury law and the legal process.
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.