Maryland Wrongful Death Attorneys

Compassionate Representation for Families of Wrongful Death Victims in Bethesda

Losing a loved one due to the negligence of another is a uniquely distressing experience. You may be grappling with uncertainty around the legal options available to you, seeking clarity on the concept of wrongful death, or wondering how you can hold the responsible party accountable. Understanding your rights and navigating the intricacies of legal procedures in such a challenging time can be incredibly overwhelming, but we are here to provide powerful advocacy and compassionate support.

At Rowe, Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC, we are well-versed in handling the complexities of wrongful death cases with utmost diligence and sensitivity. Our Maryland wrongful death lawyers are committed to delivering justice for families who have lost a loved one due to another's negligence or misconduct. With over 100 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record, we are ready to fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve and offer solutions-oriented representation every step of the way.

Let us help you get the results you need to move forward. Contact us online or call (301) 450-5742 to schedule a free consultation today.

How Does Maryland Define Wrongful Death?

In the state of Maryland, a wrongful death is defined as a death that is a direct result of the negligence, recklessness, or deliberate wrongdoing of another party.

Some common causes of wrongful death include:

• Vehicle Accidents: This includes car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents caused by negligent driving, speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), or other reckless behaviors.
• Medical Malpractice: Errors or negligence by healthcare providers, such as surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, medication errors, anesthesia errors, or inadequate treatment that leads to a patient's death.
• Workplace Accidents: Fatalities occurring in hazardous work environments due to lack of safety measures, equipment failures, construction accidents, or exposure to toxic substances.
• Product Liability: Defective products that cause fatal injuries, such as faulty machinery, defective medical devices, unsafe vehicles, or hazardous consumer products.
• Dangerous Premises: Fatal accidents occurring on unsafe or poorly maintained properties, including slip and falls, inadequate security leading to assaults, or other premises liability issues.
• Criminal Acts: Intentional acts of violence or criminal behavior resulting in death, such as assault, murder, or manslaughter.

Under Maryland law, a wrongful death claim is considered a civil lawsuit. This means it's separate from any criminal charges that may also be brought against the defendant. While a criminal case seeks to punish the offender, a wrongful death claim is about providing compensation to the surviving family members for their loss.

Proving a Wrongful Death in Maryland

To win a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland, plaintiffs generally need to prove several key elements. These elements may vary slightly depending on the circumstances of the case, but typically include:

1. Death of a Person: The plaintiff must establish that a person has died due to the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party. This could involve actions such as negligence, intentional harm, or strict liability.
2. Wrongful Conduct: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the death resulted from the defendant's wrongful conduct. This might include actions like medical malpractice, vehicle accidents, defective products, or other forms of negligence.
3. Causation: There must be a direct link between the defendant's wrongful conduct and the death of the deceased person. This means proving that the defendant's actions or negligence directly caused or significantly contributed to the death.
4. Surviving Beneficiaries: The plaintiff must establish that there are surviving beneficiaries who have suffered pecuniary (financial) losses as a result of the death. Beneficiaries typically include immediate family members who were dependent on the deceased for financial support.
5. Damages: Finally, the plaintiff must quantify the damages suffered by the beneficiaries as a result of the death. This includes both economic damages (such as loss of financial support, medical expenses, funeral costs) and non-economic damages (such as loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional distress).

In Maryland, wrongful death claims are often complex and require detailed evidence to establish each of these elements. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Maryland is crucial for navigating these legal requirements and building a strong case.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland?

In Maryland, only certain types of surviving family members have the right to file wrongful death lawsuits. Specifically, the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, and/or parents can bring claims. 

If there are no surviving children, parents, or spouse, any relative of the deceased who was substantially dependent on the deceased can take this form of legal action. Relatives by blood or marriage are eligible in these scenarios.

Maryland does enforce a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. An eligible family member must file their lawsuit within three years of the date of their loved one’s passing. Missing this deadline can significantly jeopardize the chance of receiving compensation, which is why it is crucial to reach out to our Maryland wrongful death attorneys promptly if you believe you have grounds for a claim.

Compensation for Families of Wrongful Death Victims in Maryland

While we fully understand that no amount of money can ever undo the pain of losing a loved one, financial compensation can play a vital role in helping you move forward. The financial burdens that accompany such a tragic loss can be overwhelming, adding unwarranted stress to an already unimaginable situation. By securing rightful compensation, we aim to alleviate these financial pressures, allowing you and your family to focus more on healing and less on monetary concerns.

Our team at Rowe, Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC will work to secure all forms of compensation you are entitled to, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Mental anguish
• Financial contributions the deceased would have made had they survived
• Loss of companionship, comfort, and protection
• Loss of counsel, guidance, and education
• Loss of filial, parental, or marital care

Our Maryland wrongful death lawyers are here for you and your family. Call (301) 450-5742 or contact us online to discuss your case with us today.