At Mooney Law, we understand how devastating it is to lose someone you care about under such circumstances. Our team of compassionate and experienced Maryland injury attorneys is here to guide you through the legal process, fight for justice, and ensure your family receives the compensation and accountability you deserve.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland
Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one’s death is caused by another person or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. These cases can arise from various situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, or defective products.
Under Maryland law, the Maryland Wrongful Death Act governs these claims. This law is designed to provide financial relief and justice to families who suffer because of a preventable death. It allows certain family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to pursue legal action. If there are no eligible primary beneficiaries, other family members may be able to file a claim as secondary beneficiaries.
We understand how complex and overwhelming this process can be. Our role as your Maryland wrongful death lawyer is to handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland?
In Maryland, wrongful death claims are limited to specific individuals. The law prioritizes close family members, referred to as primary beneficiaries. These include:
- The surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
If no primary beneficiaries exist, other relatives financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible to file a claim as secondary beneficiaries. Our wrongful death attorneys in Maryland can assess your situation to determine eligibility and guide you through every step of the process.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Maryland Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to compensate surviving family members for the financial and emotional losses they have suffered due to their loved one’s death. These damages can include:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and lost benefits such as health insurance or retirement income.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional distress.
Maryland imposes caps on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases. As of 2024, the maximum recoverable non-economic damages in wrongful death claims involving a single claimant are $920,000.
This cap increases if there are multiple claimants. Our top-rated injury attorneys in Maryland will carefully calculate the full extent of your losses to ensure that your claim reflects the true impact of your loved one’s passing.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Maryland has a strict statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims. Generally, you must file a claim within three years of your loved one’s death. Failing to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue justice and compensation.
We encourage families to contact us as soon as possible after a tragedy. This allows us to preserve crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case while details remain fresh. Our team is ready to take swift action to protect your rights.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Maryland
Wrongful deaths can occur in a variety of situations. Some of the most common causes we handle include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Negligent drivers, drunk drivers, or defective vehicle parts can lead to fatal car accidents. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were over 500 fatal crashes in the state in 2022.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors can have deadly consequences.
- Workplace Accidents: Particularly in high-risk industries like construction, inadequate safety measures can result in fatalities.
- Defective Products: Faulty machinery, unsafe consumer goods, or dangerous pharmaceuticals can lead to preventable deaths.
- Premises Liability: Negligent property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions may be held accountable for fatal accidents.
Our wrongful death attorneys in Maryland have extensive experience handling these and other complex cases. We leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for our clients.
Why Choose Mooney Law to Handle Your Wrongful Death Claim?
We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one or erase the pain of their loss. However, a successful wrongful death claim can provide the financial stability and sense of justice your family needs to move forward.
Here’s how we can help:
- Personalized Attention: Every family’s story is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific needs and circumstances.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We treat our clients with the care and respect they deserve, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the legal process.
- Experienced Representation: With years of experience as Maryland injury lawyers, we know how to build strong cases and secure maximum compensation for our clients.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
When you work with us, you can rest assured that your case is in the hands of a team that genuinely cares about your family’s well-being.
Building a Strong Wrongful Death Case
- Medical Records: To show the cause of death and any related treatments.
- Accident Reports: From law enforcement or other official sources.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from those who saw the events unfold.
- Expert Testimonies: Medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, or other experts who can support your case.
Our team will handle the investigation and legal preparation, ensuring no detail is overlooked. We are dedicated to building a compelling case that holds the responsible parties accountable.
Supporting Families Beyond the Courtroom
At Mooney Law, we go beyond providing legal representation. We strive to be a source of support and guidance for families during this incredibly difficult time. Whether connecting you with grief counselors, helping you navigate insurance claims, or simply being there to listen, we are here for you.
Contact a Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
The pain of losing a loved one is immeasurable, but you don’t have to face it alone. If your family is dealing with the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. As experienced wrongful death attorneys in Maryland, we are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring your family’s voice is heard.
Let us shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. Contact Mooney Law today for a free consultation. Together, we can take the first steps toward holding those responsible accountable and securing your family’s compensation to move forward.