Grieving an untimely death of a loved one is a devastating experience. This kind of loss can be even harder to cope with when it was caused by the negligence of someone else. Fortunately, you and your family can do something about it by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Filing this type of claim can be misunderstood, and clients often have a lot of questions. Here are some important things to know about filing a wrongful death claim in Maryland.
Defining Wrongful Death in Maryland
According to Maryland law, wrongful death is any death directly caused by a “wrongful act.” A wrongful act refers to “an act, neglect, or default including a felonious act which would have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages if death had not ensued.” Put simply, this means that a death is “wrongful” if it is caused by the intentional, negligent, or criminal actions of another person.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Maryland law, only close family members of the deceased have the legal right to bring forth a wrongful death claim. This immediate family member can be a spouse, parent, or child. If the deceased did not have a parent, spouse, or child, anyone related by blood or marriage could bring forth a claim.
What are the Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that puts a time limit on how long you have to file a claim after an accident or injury occurs. In Maryland, this type of suit must be filed within three years of the person’s death. If your family has suffered a wrongful death, it is a good idea to begin preparing your claim as soon as possible.
What Damages Can Be Claimed?
There are many different types of damages that the deceased’s family members can claim. Economic damages can be claimed in the form of medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs. People can also sue for non-economic damages, which account for things that do not have a discernible monetary value. For instance, the spouse and children of the deceased can receive compensation for emotional distress and loss of companionship.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.