One of the most dreadful things that can happen in an individual’s life is losing a loved one. This is especially so in the event of an abrupt and unexpected wrongful death. Wrongful death is when an individual dies as a result of another person’s misconduct. When this happens, families sometimes seek justice and any necessary financial aid for the life that was taken from them. With the help of an experienced attorney, they may seek the answers and compensation they desire their loss.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is when someone dies because of another individual’s negligence, carelessness, or behavioral misconduct. These deaths occur as a result of many things. This may include an automobile accident, product malfunction, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, etc. When this happens, families are left to handle the outcome of such a tragic event. In addition to dealing with a loss of life, they also battle with the loss of an income.
Types of Cases
There are many ways in which a wrongful death could happen. Lawsuits are usually pursued in the event of the following situations:
- Defective products: If a product is faulty, has a poor design, or lacks warnings it may cause harm and even death to consumers.
- Automobile accidents: When an accident and death occurs because of the negligence of another driver.
- Medical negligence: If a patient dies because a health care professional fails to provide them with the standard of care that is required of them.
Compensation
Pursuing a wrongful death case can leave a family with great financial burdens. It requires many expenses that must be taken care of. Because this can often become overwhelming, loved ones are able to seek compensation. Doing so can be a complicated process, which is why it is important to contact an experienced attorney for assistance while seeking reparations for wrongful deaths. In Maryland, compensation may be sought for the following:
- Medical expenses before death
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages for the deceased’s future earnings
- Anxiety and emotional distress
- The value of the services the deceased provided to the family
- The loss of guidance a parent provided a child
- The loss of support from a deceased spouse, parent, or child
It is important to know there is a statute of limitations on filing a claim for wrongful death. A statute of limitations allows an amount of time to pursue legal action for wrongful deaths. Those who file a claim are usually a surviving spouse or domestic partner. Other times, a claim may be filed by children, parents, or siblings. The statute of limitations to file a claim in Maryland is three years from the date of the individual’s death.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know experienced a loss as a result of a wrongful death, contact theLaw Offices of Timian & Fawcett, LLC. today.
If you are in this situation, it is important to discuss this situation with an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
