Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland: A Guide for Grieving Baltimore Families
Losing someone you love due to another’s negligence is a devastating experience, one too many Baltimore families are familiar with. In the aftermath of this type of tragedy, survivors are left not only with grief but with financial burdens and unanswered questions about what comes next.
Maryland law gives the surviving family the right to seek a sense of justice through a wrongful death claim. If your family lost a loved one in a Baltimore accident that happened due to another’s negligence, contact our experienced Maryland wrongful death lawyers. Find out what qualifies as a wrongful death in Baltimore and your rights in holding those at fault accountable.
How a Wrongful Death in Baltimore Happens
Under the Maryland Code, wrongful death cases arise when a person loses their life due to another party’s intentionally reckless and negligent conduct. These tragic cases can happen under a wide range of circumstances. Common causes of wrongful death in Baltimore include:
- Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents caused by reckless motorists, mechanical failures, or other causes.
- Pedestrian or bicycle fatalities resulting from driver inattention, speeding, DUI, or failing to yield.
- Medical malpractice may involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or failure to treat a serious condition.
- On-the-job accidents due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence.
- Premises liability incidents, such as fatal slip-and-fall accidents or structural failures.
When these or other so-called “accidents” happen and claim the life of a loved one, filing a Baltimore wrongful death claim can provide some sense of justice and the compensation you need to recover.
How Maryland’s Wrongful Death Law Works
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that accidents are the third leading cause of death in Maryland, falling just somewhat behind heart disease and cancer.
When this happens to your family, you may be entitled to compensation in a Baltimore wrongful death claim. Here’s what you need to know about how it works:
- Primary beneficiaries, including spouses, children, and parents, have the first right to file a wrongful death claim.
- Secondary beneficiaries, such as siblings or other relatives, may file if no primary beneficiaries exist.
- Families may be entitled to compensation for outstanding medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship.
- You may also be able to get compensation for the pain and suffering surrounding your loved one’s death.
To protect your rights and hold those at fault liable, keep all records related to your loved one’s accident, medical treatment, and final expenses. Contact our experienced Baltimore wrongful death lawyers before engaging with any insurance representatives or defense attorneys.
For Trusted Help in Filing a Claim, Consult Our Experienced Baltimore Wrongful Death Lawyers
When a wrongful death in Baltimore happens, there is nothing that can erase the loss or ease your grieving. However, a wrongful death claim does help hold those at fault accountable and provides the compensation you need to move forward.
For caring support and trusted legal help throughout the claims process, contact Maryland Injury Lawyers. Request a consultation with our experienced Maryland wrongful death lawyers today.
Sources:
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=3-901&enactments=False&archived=False
cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/accidents.html
