Clinton Wrongful Death Lawyer Dedicated to Recovering Compensation For Grieving Families
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 victim’s death. If your loved one was killed due to someone else’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.
How Do Wrongful Deaths Occur in Clinton?
A wrongful death occurs whenever someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence. Some of the most common causes of wrongful deaths in Maryland include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Slip and falls
For example, if a drunk driver crashes into another vehicle and kills the driver, they may be held liable for the victim’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.
Survival Claims vs. Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland
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 victim’s estate, compensates the estate for losses related to the victim’s death. For example, the victim’s estate may be awarded compensation for funeral and burial costs.
A wrongful death claim, on the other hand, compensates the victim’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.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland?
Every state has its own laws regarding who can and cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Maryland, the law gives the victim’s primary beneficiaries the right to take legal action. Primary beneficiaries include the victim’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.
What Do I Need to Prove to Win A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
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:
- The defendant owed the victim a duty of care, which is a legal obligation to avoid acting in a way that could put others in danger.
- The defendant breached that duty of care, which means they failed to fulfill this legal obligation.
- The victim’s death was directly caused by the breach of duty.
- The surviving family members have suffered as a result of the victim’s death.
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.
Why Should I Hire A Clinton Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer may be the last thing on your mind after the unexpected loss of a loved one, but it’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 family’s compensation while you focus solely on coping with the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Skilled Wrongful Death Attorneys in Clinton
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.