Wrongful death lawsuits are often misunderstood and complicated.
Losing a loved one is devastating and difficult to cope with, especially when another person’s negligence directly caused that loss. Maryland law defines “wrongful death” as a wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another that lead to the victim’s death. Although nothing can bring back your lost loved one, you may have legal options for obtaining compensation to cover some of your losses. Wrongful death lawsuits are often misunderstood and complicated. Let’s go over the basics of wrongful death claims in Maryland.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is a death caused by an intentional act or negligence. It can include criminal acts but also result from personal injury cases. The deceased’s family can pursue a monetary claim against the negligent party for the victim’s death and related financial losses. As a result, wrongful death cases can arise from many types of incidents, including:
- Medical malpractice cases
- Car accidents
- Nursing home abuse and negligence
- Reckless criminal acts
- Drunk driving accidents
- Assaults
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions or negligence, be sure to speak with a wrongful death attorney immediately.
Proving a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death cases can be challenging to prove because they are governed by the law of negligence. More specifically, the claimant must prove that the deceased was owed a duty of care and that the defendant breached this duty, resulting in the victim’s death. Since the accident victim is deceased and, therefore, cannot testify, these types of evidence help to prove wrongful death:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Testimony of family members or friends of the deceased
- An accident reconstruction expert who can demonstrate the accident resulted in the victim’s death
- Expert advice of doctors and other medical providers who cared for the deceased
- Documented evidence of funeral expenses and additional costs associated with the victim’s death
Statute of Limitations
As with any legal claim, there are time limits, also known as statutes of limitations, for how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will not be able to file a claim at all. According to Maryland law, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the death. Contact the experienced attorneys at Snyder Law Group today to learn more.
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.