Frederick, MD Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one due to another person’s negligence can be one of the most devastating experiences in your life. However, there are ways to bring the liable parties to justice and fight for the compensation you deserve for your loss.

At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we know how hard losing a loved one is for the family. Over the years, we have helped many clients fight for compensation and to find the closure they need to start their healing process. Let our experience, skill, and dedication work for you during this challenging time. To learn more about our services in a free, confidential consultation, call our Frederick, MD wrongful death lawyers today at (410) 694-7291.

Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim in Frederick, MD?

Every year, thousands of families have to deal with the difficult and painful reality of losing their loved ones in otherwise preventable accidents. As your loved one’s surviving family, you may wonder whether there is anything you can do to hold the liable parties accountable. Fortunately, the law allows the decedent’s estate and surviving family to file a claim against those who caused their loved one’s untimely passing. These claims are known as wrongful death lawsuits.

Under Maryland law, the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents are the primary beneficiaries with the right to file this specific lawsuit. the law also provides secondary beneficiaries – nephews, nieces, siblings, and cousins – the option to file a wrongful death claim if there are no primary beneficiaries and they can show that they depended financially on the decedent. As long as you are a primary beneficiary – or qualified secondary beneficiary – you can have the opportunity to fight for the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Typically, you can also pursue an additional claim known as a survival action. Unlike wrongful death claims, this independent claim allows you to step into the decedent’s shoes and file a claim the same way they would have had they survived the accident. it is always in your best interest to hire an experienced Frederick, MD wrongful death attorney who can help you make an informed decision about what claims to file and what damages you can pursue in each case.

What to Do After Your Loved One’s Accidental Death in Frederick, MD

Facing your loved one’s death can be challenging and scary. However, acting promptly after your loss can significantly help your ability to file your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you lost a loved one due to another person’s negligent actions or omissions, it is usually in your best interests to take the following actions:

Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney

The first thing to do after a death in the family is hire an experienced Frederick, MD wrongful death attorney. Dealing with a wrongful death claim requires in-depth knowledge of how these lawsuits work. Thus, it is necessary to count on a legal professional who understands what it takes to build a strategic, compelling, and persuasive case to help you hold the liable parties accountable.

Some people believe fighting against those responsible for their loved one’s death is an uphill battle, especially if the liable party is a big corporation. However, this should not stop you from pursuing justice for your loved one’s loss. Our Frederick, MD wrongful death attorneys can help you with all of the legal matters related to your claim.

File Your Claim on Time

Filing your claim on time is critical in protecting your ability to fight for compensation. Maryland – like other jurisdictions in the US – has what is known as a statute of limitations for wrongful death cases. This law limits the amount of time all claimants have to file their lawsuit with the court. the court expects all plaintiffs to file their lawsuits on time so as to avoid leaving the liable parties perpetually wondering whether a lawsuit will come.

What’s critical about the statute of limitations is that if you miss your filing window, you may lose your right to compensation. According to Maryland law, you have up to three years from your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. If you miss this window, the court will refuse to hear your case, which will leave you without the means to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Frederick, MD wrongful death attorneys can help you file your claim on time.

Prove Your Claim in Court

In order to get compensation for your claim, you will need to provide evidence supporting it. Typically, the court will expect you to prove the existence of specific elements that are directly related to your lawsuit. Like any other lawsuit based on personal injuries – such as a wrongful death claim – you are expected to prove the defendant’s negligence. You can show negligence by providing evidence showing the defendant owed your loved one a legal duty that was breached and caused their death and your losses. Our Frederick, MD wrongful death attorneys can help you with these matters.

Compensation for Your Wrongful Death Claim in Frederick, MD

As a plaintiff, you may wonder how much compensation you can expect from your claim. Unfortunately, there are no set formulas to determine your claim’s precise value. This is the case because every lawsuit’s facts are different, and the economic and non-economic damages in every wrongful death case can change.

However, the courts will always look to some common elements that can help them determine your claim’s value. For example, the court will look at things such as the medical expenses for your loved one’s end-of-life care, lost wages from your loved one’s job, burial and funeral costs, and the mental and emotional toll of the death on your family. it is always in your best interest to hire an experienced Frederick, MD wrongful death attorney who can help you understand what your case may be worth.