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Losing someone you love is one of life’s most painful experiences. When that loss happens because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions, the grief can feel even more overwhelming. If you’ve lost a spouse, parent, child, or other family member due to another person’s negligence, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Speaking with a compassionate Calvert County, Maryland wrongful death attorney can help you understand your options and protect your family’s rights during this heartbreaking time. You may be able to receive compensation that can ease some of the financial burdens, allowing you to focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
At Regan Zambri Long, PLLC, we understand the deep pain you’re experiencing. We’re here to help. Call for a free consultation.
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In Maryland, “wrongful death” refers to a fatality caused by another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These cases allow surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses when their loved one can no longer bring a personal injury claim themselves. Understanding these legal definitions is where an experienced wrongful death attorney at Regan Zambri Long can provide invaluable guidance.
Maryland law specifically defines wrongful death under Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-901 through § 3-904. These statutes establish who can file claims, what damages may be recovered, and the timeframes within which cases must be initiated. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Regan Zambri Long can help you understand how these laws apply to your specific situation.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Maryland is generally three years from the date of death. This timeframe is strictly enforced, making prompt legal consultation essential. Certain exceptions may apply in cases involving governmental entities or when the cause of death wasn’t immediately discoverable, but these situations require specialized legal knowledge.
In Maryland, the spouse, parents, or children of the deceased have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If none of these immediate family members are alive, a relative by blood or marriage who was financially dependent on the deceased may pursue the claim.
Maryland classifies eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death lawsuit into two categories: primary and secondary beneficiaries.
Primary beneficiaries include the deceased person’s spouse, parents, and children. These individuals have the first right to file a wrongful death claim and receive compensation.
Secondary beneficiaries, including siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, may only file a claim if no primary beneficiaries exist. Their right to compensation depends on demonstrating financial dependence on the deceased.
A survival action is different from a wrongful death claim, though the two can be closely related. While a wrongful death claim is based on the losses suffered by the deceased person’s family, a survival action addresses damages suffered by the deceased person as a result of the injuries that resulted in their death. In Maryland, a survival action must be brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. This personal representative, typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court, manages this aspect of the legal proceedings while working closely with the wrongful death attorney.
Wrongful death cases in Calvert County can stem from various types of fatal accidents:
Whatever sort of event caused your loved one’s passing in Calvert County, a wrongful death attorney at Regan Zambri Long can help you understand your legal options and decide what to do next.
Compensation in wrongful death cases addresses various losses, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses, including:
Non-economic damages address intangible losses such as:
Survival action claims compensate for the deceased’s conscious pain and suffering between injury and death, along with related medical expenses and lost wages during this period.
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving particularly egregious conduct, serving to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
Maryland places a cap on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases, with the exact amount adjusted annually. This cap makes it all the more important to have skilled legal representation to secure maximum compensation.
Successful wrongful death claims require comprehensive evidence establishing that another party’s negligence directly caused your loved one’s death.
Essential evidence typically includes accident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and documentation of financial losses. Your attorney will methodically gather and preserve all relevant information.
Expert witnesses play a vital role in explaining complex aspects of your case. Medical professionals can clarify the cause of death, accident reconstructionists can demonstrate how incidents occurred, and economic experts can calculate lifetime financial losses.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts through various tactics. Your attorney will handle all communications with insurers, ensuring your rights are protected while pursuing fair compensation.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Calvert County, the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Regan Zambri Long can help you build a compelling case and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Each wrongful death lawsuit is different, so it is nearly impossible to say how long your case will take before evaluating and investigating your unique circumstances. However, most cases involve the same key phases. Here is what you can expect from the wrongful death claims process.
Every case begins with a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney. Initial case evaluation starts with a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the death, available evidence collection, and potential liability assessment. During this phase, your attorney will examine medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. Then, we will make a recommendation as to how you may wish to proceed.
Filing the wrongful death lawsuit involves preparing and submitting formal legal documents to the appropriate court in Calvert County. This initiates the legal proceedings and establishes the basis for your claims.
The discovery phase allows both sides to exchange information through document requests, written questions (interrogatories), and sworn testimony (depositions). This process typically takes several months as evidence is gathered and analyzed.
Settlement negotiations often occur throughout the case preparation. Your attorney will work to secure fair compensation without the need for trial, presenting evidence and arguments to insurance companies and opposing counsel.
Most Maryland wrongful death cases resolve within one to three years, though complex cases involving multiple parties or disputed liability may take longer.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines liability and damages. Following a verdict, either party may pursue appeals, potentially extending the timeline by months or years.
At Regan Zambri Long, we understand that legal proceedings cannot erase your loss, but they can provide financial security and a sense of justice. Our approach combines legal expertise with genuine compassion for grieving families.
We maintain regular communication throughout your case, explaining complex legal concepts in understandable terms and ensuring you’re informed about all developments. Our team handles the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.
Determining your legal options begins with a no-obligation case evaluation. Our wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family.
Contact our team to schedule your free consultation. Our office serves clients in Calvert County and throughout Maryland.
