Maryland Wrongful Death Claims: Getting Justice for Grieving Families
The unexpected and untimely death of a loved one is always devastating. When that loss results from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the grief is compounded by anger, confusion, and a profound sense of injustice.
Maryland law gives surviving family members the right to hold those at fault accountable. Our experienced Maryland wrongful death attorneys explain what qualifies as a wrongful death, damages available, and your rights in filing a claim.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Maryland
Under the Maryland Statutes, a wrongful death results from another person’s or party’s negligence or intentional misconduct. A wrongful death claim can help give the victim’s survivors a sense of justice and provide the compensation needed to cover their losses.
Unfortunately, common situations that give rise to Maryland wrongful death claims include:
- Fatal car accidents caused by a reckless, distracted, or impaired driver.
- Workplace accidents involving unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or employer negligence.
- Medical malpractice, when a medical provider failed to meet reasonable standards of care.
- Premises liability incidents, such as fatal slip-and-fall accidents or structural failures on poorly maintained property.
- Defective products that malfunction in ways that cause a user’s death.
In some cases, the at-fault party broke the law and faces criminal charges. However, this does not prevent them from being held liable in a Maryland wrongful death claim.
Your Rights in Filing a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim and Compensation Available
The Maryland Statutes dictate who has the right to file a wrongful death claim and divide them into two categories. Primary beneficiaries have the first right when it comes to getting justice through the civil court system. This includes the victim’s spouse, their children, and their parents. If the victim has no primary beneficiaries, secondary beneficiaries, such as siblings, grandparents, or other relatives, may be eligible if they relied on the victim for financial support.
Common types of compensation, referred to as “damages,” available in a Maryland wrongful death claim include:
- All outstanding hospital and medical bills related to the death.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Current lost wages and future lost income and benefits the victim would have earned.
- Payment for your loved one’s pain and suffering, as well as your own mental anguish and loss of companionship.
We know no amount of money can erase what happened. However, in addition to getting justice for the victim, a Maryland wrongful death claim helps ensure you are provided for in a way they would have wanted.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Maryland Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
The untimely death of a loved one is among the most difficult things to deal with. During this time when you and your family are grieving, contact our Maryland wrongful death attorneys to hold those at fault accountable.
Have you lost someone you love due to another’s negligence? Reach out today and request a consultation at Berman Sobin Gross LLP. You can count on our team to provide the caring service and comprehensive legal help you need.
Sources:
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=3-902&enactments=False&archived=False
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=3-904
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=11-109
