Prince George’s County Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things any person or family can ever go through, especially when that loss could have been avoided altogether if another person, company, or professional had simply acted responsibly. Unfortunately, traffic accidents are not entirely uncommon, and far too many of them are directly connected to negligent behavior. If you believe your loved one passed away because someone failed to take necessary precautions or otherwise acted carelessly, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Contact the dedicated Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers here at Miller Berman for comprehensive assistance with your wrongful death claim today.

What Qualifies as Wrongful Death in Maryland?

Wrongful death, in the eyes of Maryland law, occurs when someone’s death is caused by another person or entity’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. This can include a wide range of circumstances. For example, fatal car crashes caused by negligent drivers, including those who were distracted, intoxicated, or speeding, frequently qualify as wrongful death cases.

Medical malpractice leading to fatal complications or untreated conditions is also a common circumstance. Defective and dangerous products are another major cause of wrongful death, especially when manufacturers or distributors fail to ensure safe use of the product.

Additionally, unsafe property conditions, such as serious hazards on someone else’s property that result in fatal slip and fall or structural collapse incidents, may qualify. Intentional violence leading to death may also be grounds for a wrongful death claim. Importantly, Maryland law does not require the negligent party to have intentionally caused the death. Negligent, reckless, or careless conduct is enough.

Wrongful Death Vs. Survival Actions

Many people understandably find themselves confused when they hear wrongful death and survival action listed separately, especially since they both deal with a tragedy that resulted in someone passing away. However, these are not the same legal actions, and they exist to repay different types of losses.

A wrongful death claim is brought for the benefit of certain surviving family members who suffered losses because of the person’s death. These losses might include financial hardship, losing parental guidance, emotional trauma, funeral costs, and more.

A survival action, on the other hand, is meant to compensate for damages suffered by the deceased before death. In other words, if your loved one experienced conscious pain and suffering, medical bills, or lost wages between the moment they were injured and the moment they ultimately passed away, a survival action may help recover those damages.

Maryland law permits both types of claims to be filed in the same case when appropriate. Sometimes, filing both is the only way to ensure all damages are adequately addressed.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland?

In Maryland, not just anyone may file a wrongful death claim or serve as the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. Generally, these claims are brought by specific surviving family members, often including the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none of these individuals exist, more distant relatives or dependents may, in limited circumstances, be permitted to bring a claim, though this is far less common and typically requires legal approval.

Additionally, certain wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the estate, who may be named in a will or appointed by a Maryland court. If no personal representative has been officially named, our wrongful death lawyers can help with that process, as it is very often a necessary procedural step before moving forward.

Recovering Compensation

Wrongful death compensation exists to help families recover fair financial support after the devastating and unexpected loss of someone they depended on. Potential compensation can include the following:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to treatment before death
• Lost financial contributions the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, guidance, protection, and care
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
• Loss of parental support and nurturing for surviving children
• Mental anguish or emotional distress suffered by family members

While no amount of money can ever come close to making up for the loss of someone you loved, the law recognizes that families deserve financial relief, especially when the negligent party is directly responsible for placing your family in this heartbreaking situation.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland

One of the most crucial pieces of information you should know is that wrongful death claims in Maryland must generally be filed within three years of the person’s death. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to bring a claim entirely. There are limited exceptions, but they are uncommon.

Gathering evidence, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony can be time-consuming, which is why you should reach out to our seasoned wrongful death lawyers sooner, rather than later.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Prince George’s County, MD

Contact the knowledgeable wrongful death lawyers here at Miller Berman so we can begin reviewing your case, protecting your family’s rights, and ultimately seeking the justice your loved one deserves. Our consultations are free, so you have nothing to lose by simply reaching out.