If your loved one was recently killed in an accident, you may wish to learn whether or not you can file a lawsuit against an at-fault party. Before you do so, you should understand what exactly is considered a wrongful death in Maryland.
When negligent or intentionally wrongful acts result in a victim’s death, that’s considered a wrongful death in Maryland. Certain family members can file a lawsuit if a victim would have had reason to bring a personal injury claim against an at-fault party had they not died. In Maryland, a victim’s spouse, children, and parents are considered eligible plaintiffs for a wrongful death claim. Once you have filed a lawsuit, certain losses will be considered when determining compensation. An experienced Maryland attorney can help your family file a successful wrongful death lawsuit so that you can get justice for your deceased loved one.
We’re here to help your family hold a negligent party responsible for a loved one’s death. For a free case evaluation with the Maryland wrongful death lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras, call today at (410) 694-7291.
Is Your Loved One’s Death Considered a Wrongful Death in Maryland?
In Maryland, a death is considered wrongful when it results from negligence or an intentional act by another party. Wrongful death claims can also arise out of criminal cases in Maryland. There is reason to bring a wrongful death claim when a deceased victim would have had reason to bring a personal injury claim for damages had they not died.
Suppose your loved one died from car accident injuries. If their injuries would have required compensation had they survived, there is reason to file a wrongful death claim in Maryland. Wrongful death claims might arise from various circumstances, ranging from product liability to medical malpractice. If someone caused your loved one’s death, consult an attorney.
For some Maryland families, it can be difficult to determine whether or not their loved one’s death was caused by negligence. Accidents can not only be traumatizing for victims’ families, but they may also be complex, casting doubt over an at-fault party’s identity and actions. If you are unsure whether or not your loved one’s death is considered a wrongful death in Maryland, hire an attorney. An experienced Baltimore wrongful death lawyer can investigate the circumstances of a victim’s death to identify the cause.
Who Files a Maryland Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Not just anyone can bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased loved one. In fact, only certain family members are considered eligible plaintiffs in a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit. In order to hold an at-fault party responsible for your loved one’s death, you must be eligible to sue.
In Maryland, only those with certain relationships to a wrongful death victim can bring a claim against an at-fault party. In most cases, a victim’s spouse, children, or parents can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland. Suppose a victim does not have any living relatives that meet the necessary criteria. In that case, any family member or previous spouse who was substantially dependent on them may be able to bring a wrongful death claim. That is only possible if a victim does not have a spouse, children, or parents to file a Maryland lawsuit on their behalf.
If you are eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a negligent party for the death of your loved one, consult an attorney right away. In Maryland, eligible family members have just three years to file a lawsuit for the death of a loved one. These claims can be incredibly difficult to litigate, so it is wise to hire a Bel Air wrongful death lawyer immediately. That way, an attorney can help your family understand who is considered an eligible plaintiff and has sufficient time to build a case against an at-fault party.
What Damages Are Available in a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim?
Certain losses, including financial and emotional damages, are often considered in a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit. In order to improve your chances of recovery for all losses related to your loved one’s wrongful death, hire an experienced Maryland attorney.
Eligible family members can recover certain damages in a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland. For example, if a victim’s family was financially dependent on them, loss of income may be compensated for in a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit. Other financial losses that may require compensation include hospital expenses before a victim’s death and funeral expenses. There is no cap on economic damages in Maryland wrongful death claims.
Losing a loved one can be incredibly emotionally distressing. Because of that, eligible plaintiffs may be able to recover substantial non-economic damages in a Maryland wrongful death case. Non-economic damages can compensate eligible plaintiffs for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and other emotional difficulties caused by a loved one’s death.
In Maryland, there are different caps on non-economic damages, depending on the case. The threshold for non-economic damages may change depending on whether your loved one’s death was caused by medical malpractice and the number of surviving victims. Consult an attorney to learn more about the non-economic damages available to your family in a Maryland wrongful death claim.
To ensure all of your family’s losses are considered and compensated for in a wrongful death lawsuit, hire an experienced lawyer. Your Bowie wrongful death lawyer can help you understand which family members will recover compensatory damages in a settlement and in what amounts. Your attorney can also compile the necessary proof of damages and evidence of negligence to prove a defendant’s fault and get justice for your loved one.
Call Our Maryland Lawyers About Your Wrongful Death Claim Today
If your loved one recently died because of another’s negligence in Maryland, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the Rockville wrongful death lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras, call today at (410) 694-7291.