Upper Marlboro Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a loved one dies suddenly for reasons that could have been avoided, it is expected to feel a wide range of emotions. Hiring an Upper Marlboro wrongful death lawyer to investigate the case and possibly help you win compensation provides the financial cushion often necessary during such a trying and overwhelming time.
An attorney proficient in wrongful passing claims determines if the death occurred because of negligence or intentional tort (purposeful harm)-related reasons. They gather all applicable evidence and witness statements to help surviving family members create a case against the person, people, or entity responsible for the loved one’s fatal accident. Damages can include those related to emergency medical care, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, loss of primary income, emotional suffering and pain, and mental anguish.
Who Can File a Wrongful Passing Suit in Maryland?
The state allows primary and secondary beneficiaries to file wrongful death claims, usually with legal professionals’ assistance. Primary beneficiaries include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased loved one. A primary beneficiary can file a wrongful death claim designed to compensate them for monetary and companionship losses related to the person’s passing, as well as a survival claim. The latter claim gets brought against the defendant(s) on behalf of the deceased individual’s estate to reclaim financial losses such as medical, burial, and funeral expenses. Any injuries or suffering the loved one experienced immediately before their sudden passing are also included as damages in a survival claim.
Secondary beneficiaries are defined in Maryland as surviving siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and other extended family. These individuals can file claims against defendants if no surviving primary or primary beneficiaries wish to bring about lawsuits. Secondary beneficiaries can file claims on their behalf and on behalf of primary beneficiaries.
What Are Some Examples of Wrongful Death Cases?
Attorneys represent the families of deceased individuals in a wide variety of wrongful passing cases, including those stemming from:
- Vehicular accidents, such as car and motorcycle accidents.
- Nursing home abuse or neglect, such as physical abuse and failing to provide adequate nutrition.
- Swimming pool accidents, such as a child drowning in an unfenced pool, are subsequently labeled an attractive nuisance.
- Industrial or commercial accidents, such as construction equipment accidents or getting hit by large objects.
- Medical negligence or malpractice, such as surgical errors, incorrect prescriptions, and birth injuries.
- Premise liability accidents, such as slipping and falling on icy stairs.
- Defective or dangerous products, such as faulty airbags or children’s toys.
- Assault and battery, such as domestic violence
- Animal attacks, such as fatal injuries from an aggressive dog.
- Toxic substance exposure, such as long-term exposure to heavy metals.
According to the Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code Section 5-101, plaintiffs have three years from the date of the loved one’s passing to file claims the state court will recognize. Suppose the deceased individual passed from an occupational disease related to toxic substance exposure. In that case, their family has ten years from the time of death to file or three years from the date the fatality cause was discovered, whichever is shorter.
An Upper Marlboro Wrongful Death Attorney Is Ready To Help Your Family
Assigning fault to the party or parties responsible for your family member’s death and recovering compensation related to the passing provides financial relief. It can also help reduce related stress as you grieve for your loved one and find different ways to honor their memory. Work with an Upper Marlboro wrongful death lawyer to start the financial recovery process.
Our team is here to help you through this difficult time. Contact our firm today to learn how we could help your family.