Dundalk, MD Wrongful Death Lawyer
Normally, if a person was injured in an accident, they would be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual that caused the accident. However, if a victim was killed in an accident, the surviving family members of the victim or the personal representative of the estate may have to file a wrongful death case on behalf of the victim. If your family member was killed due to the negligent actions of another, you should work with a skilled Dundalk wrongful death lawyer to discuss your case.
Rice, Murtha & Psoras would like to offer you legal representation personalized to your unique needs. Our staff understands that it can be tough for a family to cope losing a relative and we can help you weigh your options when it comes to a potential wrongful death lawsuit. If you are interested in scheduling a free and confidential legal consultation for your wrongful death case, call (410) 694-7291 to speak with a member of our firm. You could also contact our dedicated wrongful death lawyers online to schedule your free consultation.
When Can You File for Wrongful Death in Dundalk, MD
If a person or entity negligently causes the death of another person, the remaining family of the decedent could seek a wrongful death claim against the parties responsible. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim that could arise under a variety of circumstances. the following are some types of wrongful death lawsuits that our firm can handle for you.
Car Crashes
A car crash is often the result of a driver acting negligently behind the wheel of the vehicle. For instance, if a motorist consumes drugs or alcohol prior to driving, they could act erratically and cause a fatal accident. Our firm could also help you handle wrongful death litigation that arises from a fatal truck or motorcycle accident.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another issue that could lead to wrongful death litigation. There are many circumstances where a doctor’s medical mistake could lead to the death of a patient. For example, if a surgeon leaves a foreign object inside of a patient, this object could cause fatal damage to the organs of the patient. Medication errors, misdiagnosis of illnesses, and many other medical mistakes could also lead to a wrongful death case.
It is important to note that a wrongful death lawsuit that arises from an incident of medical malpractice could result in multiple parties being liable for the victim’s death. For example, the employer of the negligent doctor could be vicariously liable for the doctor’s actions.
Defective Product Accidents
When a product malfunctions and fatally injures a consumer, the manufacturer could be held liable in a wrongful death lawsuit. A defective product accident often happens because a manufacturer failed to properly quality test the item before selling it. For example, if an auto manufacturer releases a car with faulty airbags, this could result in the death of a consumer that is involved in a crash.
There are many other types of wrongful death cases that our firm can litigate for you. If you were injured under any of the above circumstances or under other circumstances, you should work with an experienced Dundalk wrongful death lawyer to handle your case.
Filing Deadline for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Dundalk, MD
It is understandable that a person may not be immediately interested in filing a wrongful death lawsuit while they are grieving after the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, the surviving family members of the decedent only have a limited timeframe to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for a family member’s death.
The statute of limitations governs the length of time that a potential plaintiff has to file a civil claim with the appropriate court. Note, however, that each state will have a different statute of limitations depending on the type of case that is being filed. Additionally, the filing deadline can change depending on the circumstances of the plaintiff’s case.
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is three years from the date of the decedent’s death. it is imperative that a plaintiff file their lawsuit within these three years if they hope to recover damages for the death of their loved one. If a plaintiff does not file their case within three years, the defendant can move to dismiss the case with prejudice. This means that the plaintiff cannot refile the case at any time, and they will be left without an opportunity to seek compensation for their injuries.
Our law offices are here to help you ensure that your wrongful death lawsuit is timely filed with the court. We know that this is a stressful time for you and your family, and we would be pleased to help you through this ordeal.
Contact Our Dedicated Dundalk, MD Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If your loved one was killed in an accident, consider speaking with an experienced Dundalk wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Rice, Murtha & Psoras is prepared to offer you the legal representation you deserve to handle your wrongful death case. To schedule your free and confidential case evaluation to discuss your wrongful death lawsuit, contact our Maryland personal injury lawyers today at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact the firm online if you want to make a consultation.