No one is ever prepared for the loss of a loved one. When that loss is the result of another person or company’s negligence, however, grief is often mixed with anger and the desire to hold that person accountable for their actions. To make matters worse, grieving families are often left behind to deal with financial burdens and uncertainties alone.
The Emotions Involved with a Wrongful Death Case
During this difficult time, it is important to know that you are not alone. It is difficult to imagine moving on in life without your loved one. In addition, after a wrongful death, families often realize that they have too many unanswered questions. How will I pay for our home? Who will watch the children? How will we survive?
Wrongful Death in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia
In Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, surviving family members are allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party to help recover both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the jurisdiction, surviving spouses, children, parents, and family members are allowed to seek the recovery of:
- Loss of potential earnings by the deceased person
- Loss of benefits (private pensions, Social Security, etc.)
- Loss of companionship and emotional support (but not in the District of Columbia)
- Loss of advice and guidance (especially important where the deceased person left behind children)
- Loss of household services that the deceased person had been providing
- Loss of inheritance
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Punitive damages
- And more
Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death
Every state has their own statute of limitations or legal deadline on wrongful death claims. A statute of limitations is a time limit or how long an injured party can file a claim. In Washington DC and Virginia, grieving family members only have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. In Maryland, family members have up to 3 years to file a wrongful death claim.
Types of Wrongful Death Claims
Any type of accident that is caused by another person’s negligence can result in a wrongful death. Wrongful death claims can be brought against individuals, businesses, corporations, and even government entities. Types of accidents that most frequently result in wrongful death claims include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Trucking accidents
- Bicycling accidents
- Train accidents
- Construction accidents
- Hit and run accidents
- DUI accidents
- Defective product accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- Dangerous medications
- Criminal assault and battery
- Homicide
- And more
If someone you love was killed due to another person’s negligence, you and your family have a right to seek justice. An experienced wrongful death attorney can review your situation and help you determine the best course of legal action. Never agree to any settlement with an insurance company before speaking to an experienced wrongful death lawyer. Even if you do not wish to file a lawsuit, there are ways your lawyer can assist you and your family during this difficult time.
Al Clarke of Patrick Malone & Associates represented our family well during a tragic loss of life matter. The firm is very professional. Excellent time management, thoughtful and thorough discussions of the case with the family. Even with the right expectations for conclusion were put forth to our family, the outcome was better than all of us anticipated. Peaceful process overall. Thank you so much.
– Natalie H.
Contact Wrongful Death Lawyers
At Patrick Malone & Associates, our compassionate wrongful death lawyers have helped grieving families in the Washington, DC metro area, Virginia, and throughout the State of Maryland. We know that no amount of compensation could ever replace the loss of your loved one. Yet we also believe that grieving families should not be financially burdened because of another person’s negligence. Call us at 1-202-742-1500 or fill out our confidential contact form for a FREE Consultation and review of your case.
The wrongful death attorneys at Patrick Malone & Associates have successfully represented grieving families in Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Annapolis, Rockville, Baltimore, Richmond, Fairfax, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and other locations throughout Maryland and Virginia.
