Chevy Chase Wrongful Death Lawyer

Chevy Chase, MD Wrongful Death Lawyer

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.

The Chevy Chase personal injury 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.

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Maryland's Wrongful Death Laws

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.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Maryland law allows certain individuals to file a wrongful death claim based on their relationship to the deceased:

  • Primary and Secondary Beneficiaries
    • Primary beneficiaries: Spouse, children, and parents.
    • Secondary beneficiaries: Siblings or other relatives if no primary beneficiaries exist.
  • Estate Representatives
    • The personal representative of the estate can bring a survival action to recover damages.
  • Multiple Beneficiary Considerations
    • When there are multiple beneficiaries, compensation may be divided among the eligible family members.
  • Special Circumstances and Exceptions
    • Some wrongful death cases involve exceptions for distant relatives or dependents.
Chevy Chase Wrongful Death Lawyer

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases in Chevy Chase

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.

Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

At Regan Zambri Long, our firm has experience and knowledge representing our clients in a variety of wrongful death cases. These include:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal crashes caused by negligent drivers, defective vehicles, or hazardous road conditions.
  • Medical Malpractice: Cases involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or inadequate treatment that result in death.
  • Workplace and Construction Accidents: Fatal workplace injuries, including falls, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous substances.
  • Premises Liability: Fatal accidents caused by unsafe conditions, such as slip and falls, fires, or security failures.
  • Product Liability: Defective or dangerous products, including faulty machinery, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods.
  • Nursing Home Negligence: Neglect or abuse in nursing homes that leads to death.
  • Complex Scenarios: Some wrongful death claims involve unique challenges, such as suing a government agency, handling cases with multiple responsible parties, or addressing international legal issues.

The Legal Process in Chevy Chase Wrongful Death Claims

The legal process for filing a wrongful death claim involves several steps, including:

  • Initial Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A thorough investigation is necessary to build a strong case. This includes gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to establish liability.
  • Filing Requirements: Wrongful death claims must meet specific legal criteria, including proper documentation and adherence to Maryland’s statute of limitations.
  • Expert Testimony: Medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts may provide testimony to strengthen the case.
  • Insurance Company Negotiations: Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts, making strong legal representation essential for securing fair compensation.
  • Settlement Evaluation: Attorneys assess settlement offers to determine if they adequately cover economic and non-economic damages.
  • Trial Preparation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, requiring extensive preparation and evidence presentation.
  • Timeline Expectations: The length of a wrongful death case varies based on complexity, negotiations, and court schedules, often taking several months to years.

Support Beyond Legal Representation in Chevy Chase

In addition to legal advocacy, Regan Zambri Long helps families access resources to cope with their loss.

  • Local Grief Counseling Services: Our attorneys connect clients with trusted local professionals who specialize in grief counseling and emotional support.
  • Support Groups in Chevy Chase: Our firm guides families to local support groups where they can share experiences and find comfort among others facing similar challenges.
  • Financial Planning Assistance: Our attorneys help families through the process of financial planning to make sure they can move forward without unnecessary burdens.
  • Estate Administration Help: Our firm assists with estate administration, helping families through the legal and administrative process.
  • Documentation Gathering Support: Our firm assists with gathering and organizing the necessary documents for your case, seeing that nothing is overlooked.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long for Your Chevy Chase Wrongful Death Claim?

Our firm has built a reputation for delivering strong legal representation with compassion and diligence.

  • Decades of Maryland Court Experience
    With years of experience in Maryland courts, our firm understands the nuances of local laws and regulations and handles your case with expertise.
  • Track Record of Successful Settlements
    We have a track record of achieving multimillion-dollar settlements for our clients, securing the compensation they deserve.
  • Thorough Investigation Resources
    Our firm employs a team of professionals to conduct in-depth investigations, making sure every detail is explored to build a strong case.
  • Compassionate Approach
    Our attorneys treat every client with empathy. We offer a personalized, compassionate approach to guide you through your legal journey.
  • No Fees Unless We Win
    Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we secure a successful outcome for you.
  • Free 24/7 Consultation
    Our firm is available around the clock for free consultations, so you can get the support you need when you need it most.

Contact Our Chevy Chase Wrongful Death Attorneys Today

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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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