Hiring a Maryland Wrongful Death Attorney Facts
It is never easy dealing with the loss of a loved one. If a family member was the victim of a wrongful death case, it is essential to bring justice to them.
Hiring a dedicated Maryland wrongful death attorney will help ease the burden your family feels as you navigate through this challenging time, but choosing the right legal advocate can be a complicated process.
Here at Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, our experienced personal injury attorneys will ensure you and your family receive the time and effort your case deserves. Call us today for your no-obligation consultation at (443) LAWYERS so we can discuss your options.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death cases are a claim you file if someone close to you dies or is killed due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness in a wrongful act. These lawsuits help the deceased’s family recover compensation for their losses and that of the decedent. These damages include funeral costs, monetary loss due to the tragic event, or any other financial burden directly caused by the fatal incident.
The time you have to file a claim for wrongful death varies between states, but each state has clear guidelines on who may sue for wrongful death. What limits there may be, and the amount of damages surviving family members can receive compensation for.
How to Select a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Maryland
When you are searching for a wrongful death lawyer, there are some things you will want to keep in mind.
- How much experience does the lawyer have?
- How are the reviews on this lawyer’s past performances?
- Will your case be given their total attention?
- What do online reviews say?
- Is this attorney in good standing within the legal community?
- What do other fellow attorneys have to say about them?
Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney
When you have an attorney to assist you with your wrongful death claim, you want to keep a few things in mind. You should not hire the first person that says they can help.
Several factors can impact how you choose a wrongful death attorney to represent you, but you want someone that will prioritize your family’s needs and the loss of your loved one. Here are a few benefits of having an attorney on your side to help:
- They save you time and money
- They can advise you on what steps to take
- They are skilled negotiators
- They focus on the case so you can focus on healing
- They have knowledge of the intricacies of the law
Costs of Hiring a Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death lawyers work on a per-case basis, and they only get paid if they win, so you do not need to worry about payment if they lose your case. They will cover all the upfront costs, such as filing a claim, covering court fees, and hiring expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. If you win your case, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement you agreed on initially.
Common Reasons to File Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Numerous factors can warrant a claim on behalf of a deceased family member. Here are some of the top causes for a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Animal attacks
- Medical malpractice cases
- Premises liability cases
- Automobile accidents
- Work Injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Maryland?
Under Maryland Code, Section 3-904, the parties eligible for compensation can be separated into two groups:
- Primary beneficiaries – The immediate family, such as children or spouses
- Secondary beneficiaries – Relatives that depended on the deceased for lining necessities
How to Prove Fault in a Wrongful Death Suit
Plaintiffs in wrongful death lawsuits must prove wrongful death. To do this, they must introduce evidence that the defendant is at fault in the death of a family member. The court usually will agree this has been accomplished when:
- That breach of duty caused the victim’s death
- The negligence of the defendant
- There was a duty to care for the person that resulted in the accident.
These conditions can be proven in several ways, giving the plaintiff more evidence to back their case. Often plaintiffs will present substantial evidence to show the judge and jury to make their case as strong as possible. Some of the potential evidence associated with these types of cases are as follows:
- Witness testimony
- Surveillance tape
- Expert testimony
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Lab findings
Remember that each piece of evidence is one more thing the defendant’s lawyers have to navigate in clearing their client. Having more evidence to back your claims will always increase your odds of a successful lawsuit.
Recoverable Damages in a Maryland Wrongful Death Suit
Close relatives who depended upon the deceased for financial or emotional support are eligible for compensation through wrongful death settlements, along with the deceased person affected by the tragic event that took place. Potential damages in wrongful death cases include costs for:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future earnings
However, your attorney will not stop with these expenses. We will go after the liable party for compensation for many of the following non-economic damages in wrongful death suits:
- Loss of companionship, comfort, and marital care
- Mental anguish
- Loss of the decedent’s protection and advice
Maryland Wrongful Death FAQ
If you have any questions about your wrongful death lawsuit, you have come to the right place. Our Maryland wrongful death attorneys have answered some of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding wrongful death claims below. Additional questions not covered on this page can be discussed during your free consultation.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Maryland?
The time allotted to file most wrongful death claims in Maryland is three years. Families will have up to three years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible and get the compensation they are entitled to. If you miss the deadline, you will likely lose your right to file a claim, so it is imperative to get your claim filed before time runs out.
What is the average wrongful death settlement in Maryland?
The amount an individual will receive in the average wrongful death settlement will vary from case to case. No two cases are the same, so it is crucial to remember that each one is unique in its own way. We are here to help you understand the value of your claim after reviewing your damages at length.
Is there a cap on wrongful death in Maryland?
Maryland does not cap the amount of economic damages a person is entitled to. There is no limit to what amount can be awarded for these damages. You will be awarded accordingly based on the amount of economic losses.
However, a cap does exist when it comes to the amount of non-economic damages the surviving family may be granted. Non-economic losses include the loss of society, companionship, comfort and care. These amounts depend on the individual relationships between the deceased and the beneficiaries and the number of beneficiaries in the case.
Meet With a Maryland Wrongful Death Attorney for Help Today
We know the mental anguish that a tragedy such as a wrongful death claim can bring on. You do not need to go through this process alone. A personal injury lawyer in Maryland is here to assist you in your battle for justice. You can review some of our most recent personal injury law firm testimonials to determine whether our team is the best fit for your case. Contact us today at Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell to schedule a 100% free consultation with our Maryland wrongful death lawyers and get the help you need to be compensated for the loss you have endured.
