Baltimore Wrongful Death Attorneys

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland?

Only certain parties have the right to pursue a wrongful death case in Maryland. The surviving spouse, children, and parents of the wrongful death victim have the first right to bring a claim.

If there are no surviving children, parents, or spouse, anyone related to the wrongful death victim by blood or marriage may have the right to file a lawsuit if they were dependent on the deceased. Our team at United Attorney Group can help clarify who has the right to take legal action in your specific case. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland?

Many wrongful death cases stem from vehicular accidents, including collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. In claims involving vehicular accidents, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date the victim passed away, which is not necessarily the date of the collision that caused fatal injuries. If your case requires suing the government (which it might if it involves a bus), you likely have significantly less time to file the appropriate notices.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Claim with a Lawyer

While the idea of pursuing a lawsuit might feel daunting during such a challenging time, you shouldn’t put off consulting an attorney if you think you may have a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death cases are inherently complex and require a thorough investigation to establish not only the cause of death but also that it was directly linked to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. This often involves reviewing medical records, accident reports, and police investigations. It also sometimes requires hiring expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, or forensic specialists. Reaching out to our team at United Attorney Group right away allows us to complete a more comprehensive investigation and preserve as much evidence as possible.

To that end, the quality and availability of evidence can also diminish rapidly over time. Physical evidence from accident scenes, witness memories, surveillance footage (which is often erased or overwritten after a short period), and other relevant documents may be lost or altered if there are delays in investigating. Getting in touch sooner rather than later helps our wrongful death attorneys build the best possible case. 

Understanding the Impact of Wrongful Death Claims

When a loved one passes away due to someone else's negligence, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. At United Attorney Group, we recognize that pursuing a wrongful death claim is not merely about seeking compensation; it’s about holding responsible parties accountable and obtaining justice for your loss. Our dedicated Baltimore wrongful death attorneys are committed to guiding families through this difficult time with compassion and expertise.

Filing a wrongful death claim can also bring about positive changes that prevent similar tragedies in the future. By addressing the circumstances that led to the wrongful death, we help shine a light on the issue and advocate for safer practices in the community.

Here are some key points to consider when contemplating a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Financial Recovery: Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and other economic damages.
• Emotional Closure: Seeking justice helps families confront their grief and find a sense of closure, knowing that the responsible parties are being held accountable.
• Support for Loved Ones: Winning a wrongful death case can ensure that the deceased's dependents are financially supported during a challenging time.
• Awareness and Change: Your case may highlight unsafe practices that need to be addressed, leading to changes that protect others in the community.

If you’re considering legal action, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims with sensitivity and professionalism. Schedule a confidential consultation today to learn more about your options and rights.

Types of Compensation Available in Maryland Wrongful Death Cases

In a wrongful death case, you can pursue various types of compensation to account for the immense losses suffered due to the untimely and avoidable passing of your loved one. These damages are generally divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages represent the measurable financial losses that surviving family members incur as a direct result of the wrongful death. These are quantifiable because they typically come with bills, receipts, or can be calculated based on financial projections. The aim is to compensate you and your family for the monetary impact of your loved one's absence.

Economic damages in a wrongful death case can include:

• Final medical expenses. This includes all medical bills incurred by the deceased from the time of their fatal injury or illness until their passing.
• Funeral and burial expenses. These include the costs associated with the funeral, cremation, burial, and other related services.
• Loss of financial support. This includes the income, wages, and financial contributions the deceased would have provided to your family had they lived. This can include salary, bonuses, benefits (like health insurance or pension contributions), and projected future earnings. 

Non-economic damages address the intangible, non-monetary losses that you and other surviving family members experience due to the death of your loved one. These are subjective and do not have a direct financial bill attached, but they represent the emotional and personal impact of the loss. Note that Maryland limits the total amount of non-economic damages you can recover.

Non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim can include:

• Mental anguish and emotional pain and suffering. This compensates the eligible beneficiaries (typically the spouse, children, or parents) for the deep grief, sorrow, and emotional distress caused by the death.
• Loss of society, companionship, comfort, and protection. This covers the loss of the loving relationship, daily companionship, emotional support, and sense of security that the deceased provided.
• Loss of marital care, parental Care, or filial care. This specifically addresses the loss of the unique care, affection, guidance, attention, advice, counsel, training, and education that a spouse, parent, or child provided to their beneficiaries. For example, children can receive compensation for the loss of a parent's guidance and instruction.

No amount of compensation can fully cover the losses that come with losing a loved one, but our wrongful death attorneys want to help you secure some measure of justice and financial stability. We offer virtual consultations, so don’t hesitate to call (888) 447-4962 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.