Navigating the complexities of wrongful death cases in Washington, DC, requires a compassionate and experienced DC wrongful death lawyer. These cases demand a thorough understanding of DC’s specific wrongful death statutes. Especially when the death is due to another party’s negligence, it can be a tough pill to swallow. Tragically, a wrongful death claim may be the result of a car accident, medical malpractice, or even a fall case. Securing a top DC wrongful death attorney—with a proven track record from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to federal courts—can positively affect the trajectory of your case. When the death results from someone else’s negligence, Gelb & Gelb, P.C., and experienced personal injury attorney Roger Gelb is available to help.
When you lose a loved one due to the carelessness of others, you may have a wrongful death claim under District of Columbia law. Surviving family members may qualify for compensation from the parties who are responsible for the fatal accident. Discuss your rights and legal options with a DC wrongful death lawyer. A second claim may also be available to the estate of the decedent.
A wrongful death lawsuit in Washington, DC, encompasses a range of scenarios, from accidental fatalities on the road to fatalities due to workplace accidents or unsafe products, with the legal process tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. It can happen on the road, in a nightclub, or at home; regardless, Washington, DC, laws on wrongful death are essentially the same. The personal representative of the estate of the deceased person is the appropriate person to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Various people may qualify as the personal representative of the estate if the deceased individuals die intestate or without a will, such as spouses, domestic partners, or children. You may also have a claim against the treating physician for a medical malpractice claim with guidance from a DC wrongful death lawyer.
Filing deadlines exist for wrongful death suits, regardless of who is named as representative of the deceased party’s estate. Under DC Code § 16-2702, personal representatives generally have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to file their claims. Although there are exceptions, individuals should take care to meet this deadline to avoid losing their chance to seek compensation for the wrongful death from the responsible parties. While it is natural to grieve and perhaps not even consider the legal process immediately after a family member’s death, it is important to consider all options as soon as possible. Speak to an experienced DC wrongful death lawyer and take action.
A 1990 District Court case citing the D.C. Code sets a crucial rule: The District’s Wrongful Death Statute applies only to deaths whose injuries occur within the District of Columbia. If the injury occurs in another jurisdiction, another state’s statute may apply. Therefore, it is favorable to retain a DC wrongful death lawyer who can practice in multiple jurisdictions. Fortunately, our attorneys are licensed to practice in several states. Further, we have a network of attorneys we trust across the region.
Wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, including car accidents, slips and falls, and workplace accidents. For a DC wrongful death lawyer to prove liability in a wrongful death claim, we must establish the death resulted from an incident involving negligence or recklessness. This misconduct must play a substantial role in causing the death. More specifically, four elements must generally be present for a legally valid wrongful claim to exist under D.C. Code § 16-2701:
Liability in a wrongful death case may include intentional misconduct but also momentary carelessness. Individuals, businesses, and government entities can all be liable for wrongful death claims. Due to the potential complexity of these claims, however, individuals may wish to get the advice of a DC wrongful death lawyer.
Many relatives of the deceased persons may be eligible to obtain compensation through wrongful death claims. In most cases, the closest immediate relatives to the deceased qualify for damages. However, if some immediate relatives do not exist, then others may be eligible.
Relatives who may qualify for damages in wrongful death cases include the surviving spouse, children, parents, and grandparents, among other relatives. For clarity on whether you may recover for the death of a family member, speak with a DC wrongful death lawyer immediately. Typically, the relatives who relied on the deceased person for financial support are entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. The potential damages in a wrongful death claim can include:
No amount of money can replace the lost life. However, a settlement award for a wrongful death claim can provide financial security in a time of considerable uncertainty for the deceased’s family. A good wrongful death attorney may assist surviving family members with seeking compensation for the death of their loved one. Schedule your consultation today, and let our DC wrongful death lawyers help you find justice.
The Wrongful Death Act authorizes compensation for specific categories of damages. The Act’s compensation differs from a traditional, common law negligence claim. This remains true even though a wrongful death action may be based on negligence. Primarily, recovery under the statute covers the amount of financial loss to the surviving spouse and next of kin. This calculation considers the decedent’s life expectancy but for the wrongful conduct. Then, the amount of money the decedent would have made throughout the working years is calculated as if it was prudently invested. The money is then discounted to present value, and an award is given. This is a version of an economic loss. In a wrongful death case, the plaintiff may recover other economic damages that the plaintiff can prove.
Calculating any loss of future income can be tricky. Moreover, determining how much of it you are entitled to is a separate issue. Thus, having an aggressive DC wrongful death lawyer on your side bolsters your chances of success.
The example cited in the caselaw is funeral expenses for the decedent. However, the plaintiff withdrew her claim for additional economic damages. See Jefferson v. E.D. Etnyre & Co., 2004, 300 F.Supp.2d 109. This case is from the Court of Appeals level in D.C., decided in 2004. You may receive a bill for economic damage, such as from a doctor. That is quantifiable economic damage. This is distinct from noneconomic damages. The case holds that a plaintiff in a wrongful death action can recover for pain and suffering. This is a non-economic damage because it is not quantifiable.
A jury must also determine noneconomic damage like pain and suffering. A skilled DC wrongful death lawyer from Gelb & Gelb will compel a jury to vote that you deserve a higher amount for your emotional suffering. In Herbert v. District of Columbia, a 2002 case, the court held that a plaintiff might recover for the value of lost services, such as care, education, training, and personal advice. Besides the financial loss by the surviving spouse and next of kin, these are other compensable damages under a wrongful death cause of action that a DC wrongful death lawyer might consider.
We look at every facet of your life to maximize your compensation after your loss. The cost of education can undoubtedly be expensive. We examine whether the decedent would have paid for your private or college education to determine whether you can recover for education expenses. This can be done by reviewing your previous education or if there is some tangible evidence that the decedent held this desire.
The measure of recovery for training is fact-dependent. If you work a job like a family business, you may have a viable claim for loss of training. If your family member is training you in a given field and you lose that, perhaps you can no longer pursue that job. This is a less common category for recovery, but it is permissible under D.C. law. If applicable, plenty of compensation may be available to you. Accordingly, consider speaking to an attorney to understand if this is available as part of your claim.
Compensation for personal advice may apply if you are underachieving because of losing a parent. While you are not technically able to recover from the loss of consortium, according to some caselaw, the loss of personal advice is one factor that may be recoverable. It is also an element that is more difficult to quantify. It is not precise as a financial injury and thus depends on how the jury views the facts of your case.
While this process can be difficult, you do not have to go through it alone. Call our DC wrongful death lawyers today to discuss your options.
Compensation for wrongful death actions is subject to statute. And the statute from jurisdiction to jurisdiction can vary. While pain and suffering is compensable, loss of consortium is not a part of a wrongful death claim in Washington, DC. See Johnson v. Mercedes-Benz, USA, LLC, 2002, 182 F.Supp.2d 58. A 1983 case holds that a plaintiff in a wrongful death action may not recover for mental suffering, grief, or anguish. Also, recoverable damages under the criminal death statute are not “assets of the decedent’s estate.” This is because it is a separate and independent cause of action. However, it can still be part of the same civil trial as the survival action.
Schedule your free consultation today with a trusted DC wrongful death lawyer to explore your rights and potential compensation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time with dignity and legal expertise.
Our DC wrongful death lawyers represent clients from Capitol Hill to Georgetown to McPherson Square in wrongful death claims.
The first reason is experience. Our legal team has been practicing in Washington, D.C., since our founding in 1954. Since then, our attorneys have handled thousands of personal injury cases. While experience does not guarantee an outcome, it does improve the odds of success. Particularly for a case as important as a wrongful death, placing your case in trusted hands is prudent. Wrongful death law is unique in the District compared to neighboring jurisdictions such as Maryland. It is valuable to have an attorney who is familiar with both regulations. One critical reason is that, even though the negligent conduct is in Maryland, you may still be able to file suit against the defendant in D.C. Knowing the laws in each jurisdiction and how the laws affect your claim can directly affect your ultimate recovery.
A second reason is how we approach each case. Our method of filing a wrongful death lawsuit in DC is even more valuable in a case as significant as a wrongful death. Our process ensures we uncover each fact sufficient to build your case and present the strongest possible argument. We leave no stone unturned in our investigation. This is necessary in our more complex wrongful death cases. When you seek help from our DC wrongful death lawyers, you may be the personal representative for the decedent’s estate. This means the relationship between our client and the decedent can vary dramatically. Wrongful death cases can be among the most emotional cases in our justice system. We understand how important each of these cases is for our clients.
Below, our DC wrongful death lawyers provide an overview of essential considerations and their impact on a DC death claim. Each topic links to a dedicated page with more detailed information to guide you through the legal process.
The death of a close family member can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience. From heart-breaking instances of children dying as a result of a car accident to the elderly who ultimately succumbed to their injuries caused by another’s mistake, the death of a loved one is torturous. When that death results from the preventable misconduct of others, however, the loss can be even more devastating. These cases require an experienced attorney to ensure those loved ones left behind are compensated for their overwhelming loss.
Consulting a DC wrongful death lawyer about your legal options may allow you to hold the negligent parties accountable for their conduct. Roger Gelb could investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and gather the evidence necessary to build a robust wrongful death claim. Don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Contact our legal team today for a compassionate and free consultation.
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