Though many of us spent the majority of 2020 in our homes as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, there was still a significant uptick in auto accident fatalities from 2019. In fact, while there were over 39,000 auto accident deaths in 2019, there were over 42,000 auto accident deaths in 2020. This number may seem shocking, though we can infer that it is a result of people failing to observe the rules and regulations of the road as vigilantly as they normally do. If your loved one recently lost his or her life in an auto accident, our Maryland personal injury attorneys are here to help you through every step of the wrongful death claims process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Maryland?

Though certain people do have the legal right to file wrongful death claims on behalf of their loved one, not everyone has the right to do so. In Maryland, the only parties who may file a wrongful death claim are the decedent’s wife, husband, child, or parent. That being said, if the decedent did not have a spouse, child, or parents, then any other relative who was significantly dependent on the decedent may file a wrongful death claim.

What damages can I recover in a wrongful death claim in Maryland?

If you lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, you should recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. For example, your compensation should cover the cost of your loved one’s medical bills before his or her passing, the cost of funeral expenses, the financial loss your family incurred as the result of your loved one losing his or her life, and more. You may also recover compensation for loss of companionship, the loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Maryland?

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Maryland is, generally, three years, which means that in most cases, you will have three years from the date of death to take legal action against the negligent party. Though we understand the last thing you want to do at this time is get caught up in the legal process, time is of the essence, and our compassionate legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Contact our experienced Maryland firm

If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you must reach out to one of our knowledgeable attorneys. At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C., and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to assisting our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.