The loss of a loved one can cause family members to suffer both emotionally and financially. Only time can heal emotional wounds, but a wrongful death claim can help family members overcome financial difficulties caused by the loss of a loved one.
A wrongful death claim is a legal claim filed against the person that is responsible for the victimā€™s death. If your loved one was killed due to someone elseā€™s negligence, you may have the right to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Let the wrongful death attorneys at Malloy Law Offices, LLC review your case and explain your legal options today.
A wrongful death occurs whenever someone dies as a result of another partyā€™s negligence. Some of the most common causes of wrongful deaths in Maryland include:
For example, if a drunk driver crashes into another vehicle and kills the driver, they may be held liable for the victimā€™s wrongful death. This is just one example of how a wrongful death occurs. Find out if you have a valid wrongful death claim by contacting Malloy Law Offices, LLC today.
There are two types of claims that may be filed after a wrongful death: a survival claim and a wrongful death claim. A survival claim, which is filed by the victimā€™s estate, compensates the estate for losses related to the victimā€™s death. For example, the victimā€™s estate may be awarded compensation for funeral and burial costs.
A wrongful death claim, on the other hand, compensates the victimā€™s surviving family members for their losses, such as loss of companionship or loss of consortium. Both types of claims can be used to help family members recover compensation that will ease the financial stress of losing their loved one in a tragic accident.
Every state has its own laws regarding who can and cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Maryland, the law gives the victimā€™s primary beneficiaries the right to take legal action. Primary beneficiaries include the victimā€™s parents, children, and spouse.
There may not be any surviving primary beneficiaries in some cases. If this happens, the law allows secondary beneficiaries to file a wrongful death claim. Secondary beneficiaries include anyone who is related to the victim either by blood or marriage and who was dependent on the victim at the time of their death. Some examples of secondary beneficiaries may include siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Wrongful death cases are very similar to personal injury cases, so the same elements must be proven in order to recover compensation. To win a wrongful death case, you must show that:
Surviving family members can recover compensation if they are able to prove these four points. If successful, they may be awarded compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of household services, loss of benefits, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and more.
Hiring a lawyer may be the last thing on your mind after the unexpected loss of a loved one, but itā€™s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The Clinton wrongful death attorneys at Malloy Law Offices, LLC will work tirelessly to maximize your familyā€™s compensation while you focus solely on coping with the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.
The Clinton personal injury attorney at Malloy Law Offices, LLC know how devastating it is to lose a loved one. We cannot bring your loved one back, but we can ensure that your family is fully compensated for your immeasurable loss. Let us seek justice on behalf of you, your family, and your deceased loved one. To schedule a free consultation, call 301-664-1775 or submit your information using the form on this website.