If you or someone you know has died due to someone else’s negligent or intentional conduct, you need to speak to a Hagerstown wrongful death lawyer today. A wrongful death claim in Maryland is available to most spouses, parents, or children of a victim who dies to wrongful third party conduct. There are exceptions, but they generally regard ill behavior by the plaintiff and potential beneficiary. For example, the law does not want to reward a parent who plays a role in the death of her child. So, in this example, the mother would not be able to recover in a wrongful death action. However, in most circumstances, a mother is able to under Maryland law.
Further, in Hagerstown and the rest of Maryland, there is a cap as to how much a plaintiff can recover in a wrongful death claim. It increases slightly each year and is just under $1 million. However, our Hagerstown pedestrian accident lawyers know the exceptions in the law. For example, if there is more than one claimant, you are able to recover more for your pecuniary injuries. In addition to compensation for pecuniary damages, you may recover for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, and more. While money is an imperfect substitute for the loss of your family member, we will do all we can to hold the defendant civilly liable and egt you compensation for the pain you are feeling.
A wrongful death claim is a civil action by close family members, defined differently depending on the state, for the death of a victim of negligent or intentional conduct. When someone in your family dies, of course the estate of the decedent has a claim and deserves full compensation. Your wrongful death action is an independent cause of action for the same wrong conduct by the defendant. It is separate from the estate’s action as well as any criminal prosecutions the state is pursuing. Maryland common law has decided this. As a family member of someone who dies too young, you suffer damages too. The legal system chooses to compensate people in your position. With the help of a Hagerstown wrongful death lawyer, you can obtain compensation against the defendant who did this to your family.
Causes of wrongful deaths are similar to other claims. In theory, they can be for any negligent, reckless, knowing, or intentional conduct. Common examples include:
A Hagerstown wrongful death lawyer can assist you even if the defendant in your civil action is found not guilty in his separate criminal prosecution for the same alleged conduct. Making a wrongful death claim is complex and the stakes are clearly high. What the defendant may have failed to realize is his or her actions have consequences. Not only did the negligent conduct take a life, but it was the life of someone beloved by those around them.
Your Hagerstown wrongful death lawyer will work with you to build the case against the defendant. Your attorney will interview you and get the facts straight on your case. Then, your dedicated legal team will do the requisite research on the applicable caselaw and build the best case possible for your facts. If you have lost a loved one, then you have suffered a harm in the eyes of the law and are entitled to compensation. Chances are, you are undergoing a difficult grieving process and may even be tending to funeral preparations. Simplify the process. Let your attorneys do the heavy lifting so you can focus on getting your life back together.
Roger Gelb and our team of legal assistants, lawyers, and paralegals are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have any questions or believe you have a case, our phone lines are available 24/7 at (202) 331-7227.