Arnold Wrongful Death Lawyer

A wrongful death can be profoundly devastating for the victim’s loved ones. The sudden absence of a cherished family member can create a void that cannot be filled, causing enduring grief and anguish among those left behind. Beyond the emotional toll, wrongful deaths often impose significant financial hardships on surviving family members, compounding the challenges they face as they navigate the aftermath of their loss.

If your loved one passed away because of another party’s wrongful act, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. There is an array of monetary damages that may be pursued. During your free case review, our legal professionals can explain what may be available to you.

Get help from our experienced wrongful death attorneys by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 694-7291.

Understanding When You Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Arnold, MD

In Maryland, the criteria for pursuing a wrongful death claim is clearly outlined in Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. § 3-902(a). Under this statute, individuals can take legal action against those whose wrongful actions result in other peoples’ deaths.

Defining what constitutes a “wrongful act” is crucial in understanding wrongful death cases. As per Md. Code, Cts. and Jud. Proc. § 3-901(e), a wrongful act encompasses intentional actions, negligence, defaults, and even felonious acts for which the deceased could have pursued legal action if they had survived. Determining whether an act qualifies as wrongful can be a complex task, underscoring the importance of consulting with our team of experienced wrongful death attorneys to assess your case thoroughly.

Wrongful death lawsuits frequently intersect with criminal proceedings. In instances where the individual believed to be responsible for the death faces criminal charges, it often indicates the wrongful nature of their actions, potentially warranting a civil claim. Still, it is important to note that the resolution of a criminal case may delay the timeline for initiating civil litigation. As a potential plaintiff, you must remain patient as legal processes unfold.

Potential Sources of Wrongful Deaths in Arnold, MD

There are many types of wrongful acts that can lead to deadly accidents. If your loved one was killed as a result of any of the following, then our team will review your potential claim for damages:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a very common cause of wrongful deaths. Many fatal collisions occur because motorists are driving distracted or driving while drunk or tired. Crashes that happen at high speeds are especially likely to produce fatal harm.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents leading to wrongful deaths often occur because drivers fail to yield the right of way, disregard traffic signals, or travel at excessive speeds in pedestrian-heavy areas. These accidents can have devastating consequences because of the vulnerability of pedestrians in collisions with motor vehicles.

Truck Accidents

Wrongful deaths in truck accidents may occur because of factors such as driver fatigue, improper maintenance of trucks, overloaded cargo, or inadequate training. The sheer size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles increase the likelihood of fatal outcomes in accidents involving commercial trucks.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents resulting in wrongful deaths are frequently caused by drivers’ failure to detect or yield to motorcyclists, leading to collisions. Factors like lane splitting, speeding, or abrupt lane changes by either motorcyclists or other motorists can contribute to fatal accidents involving motorcycles.

Defective Products

Wrongful deaths caused by defective products can occur because of design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings about product risks. When consumers sustain fatal injuries because of defective products, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be held accountable for the resulting deaths.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction site accidents leading to wrongful deaths often involve falls from heights, electrocutions, or being struck by heavy machinery or falling objects. These incidents may happen because of inadequate safety measures, failure to provide proper training, or violations of workplace safety regulations.

Medical Malpractice

Wrongful deaths due to medical malpractice may result from errors in diagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, or inadequate patient care. Healthcare professionals’ failure to meet the standard of care expected in their field can lead to fatal consequences for patients.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents resulting in wrongful deaths can occur because of motorists’ failure to share the road safely with cyclists, disregarding designated bike lanes, or making sudden maneuvers without considering cyclists’ presence. Lack of visibility, especially during night or low-light conditions, further increases the risk of fatal accidents involving bicycles.

Slip and Fall Accidents

While rare, some slip and fall accidents can lead to wrongful deaths. These deaths may stem from hazardous conditions such as wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, or lack of proper signage warning of dangers. Property owners or managers may be held liable if their negligence contributes to fatal slip and fall incidents.

Evaluating Settlement Offers in Arnold Wrongful Death Cases

If you file a wrongful death lawsuit, it is highly likely that the defendant and their insurance company will attempt to entice a settlement agreement before going to trial. After accepting a defendant’s offer, you will be awarded an agreed-upon sum of damages in exchange for the dismissal of your case. There are some advantages to settling your wrongful death case early. First, by settling, you may obtain compensation sooner. Furthermore, you may save on certain costs associated with lengthy trials like witness fees, travel costs, and administrative expenses.

However, the first settlement offer from the defendant in your case will likely not represent what your claim is truly worth. Our legal team can help negotiate for the maximum amount of payment available. Additionally, if an appropriate settlement offer is not presented, we will take your case to trial and fight to the damages you are rightfully owed. We will work diligently to present a compelling case and ensure that your interests are protected.

Contact Our Law Firm for Assistance with Your Wrongful Death Claim in Arnold, MD

Get support from our wrongful death lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras by dialing (410) 694-7291 today.