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Losing a loved one is devastating, leaving families emotionally shattered and searching for answers. When that loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the trauma is compounded by feelings of injustice and anger. During this overwhelming period, families often face mounting financial pressures—unexpected medical bills, funeral expenses, and the sudden loss of income—all while trying to navigate their grief. The emotional toll can be immeasurable as family members struggle to accept their new reality while managing practical concerns. This combination of emotional distress and financial strain can make the aftermath of wrongful death particularly challenging, leaving families feeling lost and uncertain about their future.
The Chevy Chase wrongful death attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC can help families through this difficult time by providing compassionate legal representation, thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your loved one’s death, managing complex legal proceedings, and fighting tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation available under Maryland law, allowing you to focus on healing. At the same time, we pursue justice on your behalf.
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The wrongful death attorneys at Regan Zambri Long help families seek accountability and compensation. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling wrongful death lawsuits in Maryland, and we effectively advocate for our clients, whether through settlement negotiations or in court.
Wrongful death claims allow family members to seek compensation for losses resulting from another party’s negligence or misconduct. Maryland law governs who can file, what damages are available, and the timeline for legal action.
Types of Claims
Surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for losses related to their loved one’s passing. These claims focus on the impact of the death on the family. The estate files survival actions to recover damages for medical expenses, pain, and suffering that the deceased endured before passing.
Maryland Regulations and Damage Caps
Maryland places a cap on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases, limiting compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. There is no cap on economic damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, and other financial losses.
Maryland Law Differs from Laws in Washington, DC and Virginia
Maryland imposes stricter limitations on damages than Washington, DC and Virginia. Maryland also follows contributory negligence laws, meaning if the deceased is found even partially at fault, the claim may be dismissed.
Maryland’s Legal Time Limits for Filing Wrongful Death Claims
Maryland’s legal time limits, known as the statute of limitations, require that wrongful death claims be filed within three years of the death.
Difference Between Wrongful Death and Survival Actions
Wrongful death claims provide compensation to surviving family members for the financial and emotional impact of their loved one’s passing. Survival actions recover damages for the pain, suffering, and expenses the deceased incurred before death.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases and the Burden of Proof
Criminal cases focus on penalizing the responsible party; civil cases aim to recover financial losses for the victim’s family. In a civil wrongful death claim, the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case, requiring only proof of negligence by a preponderance of the evidence.
Maryland law allows certain individuals to file a wrongful death claim based on their relationship to the deceased:
In a wrongful death claim, individuals can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include lost wages, future earnings, medical expenses, and funeral and burial costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of parental guidance.
At Regan Zambri Long, our firm has experience and knowledge representing our clients in a variety of wrongful death cases. These include:
The legal process for filing a wrongful death claim involves several steps, including:
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In addition to legal advocacy, Regan Zambri Long helps families access resources to cope with their loss.
Our firm has built a reputation for delivering strong legal representation with compassion and diligence.
