How to Find a Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me

Finding the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Maryland

When faced with the devastating loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intent, Maryland residents should seek the assistance of a wrongful death lawyer. Representation by an experienced Maryland wrongful death lawyer can significantly affect the outcome of a wrongful death claim.

The experienced Maryland wrongful death attorneys at Regan Zambri Long can help you and your family find some semblance of justice and financial relief during a deeply painful time. Call us today for your free consultation.

How to Find the Right Lawyer for Your Wrongful Death Action in Maryland

Take the following steps to help find the best wrongful death lawyer for your case:

• Talk to friends and family. Somebody knows somebody who has. See what information you can gather.
• Check on online for an attorney local to Maryland. See who is local. An attorney in your area is far more likely to know the judges and clerks.
• Check with the Maryland Bar Association as well as other credentialed legal directories, like Martindale-Hubbard.

Choosing the right lawyer for a wrongful death case will help ensure the best possible outcome. Here are some factors to consider:

• Specialization: Look for a lawyer representing plaintiffs in wrongful death or personal injury law, as they’ll have relevant experience.
• Experience: Ask about their track record in handling wrongful death cases. Experience in the courtroom and familiarity with local laws and courts can be invaluable.
• Consultations: Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. Use this time to assess their expertise, communication skills, and willingness to explain complex legal terms.
• Client Reviews: Check reviews or testimonials from previous clients to gauge the attorney’s reputation.
• Resources: Make sure the attorney or firm has the resources to take on your case. Wrongful death cases can require a lot of time and specialized expertise like forensic experts and investigators.
• Fees: Understand their fee structure. Many wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
• Good Communication: Make sure your attorney is available and accessible and will keep you updated on your case’s progress.
• Comfort Level: You’ll be working closely with this person, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable with them on a personal level.
• Interview Multiple Lawyers: It’s usually a good idea to meet with more than one attorney to compare your options. Ask plenty of questions before making a decision. Given the complexity and emotional toll of wrongful death cases, having the right legal representation is critical.
• Trust Your Gut: After all your research, go with the lawyer who feels right for you. You should feel confident in their abilities and their commitment to your case.
  

  Choosing the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer

  Losing a loved one triggers grief, sadness, and sorrow, especially when the death is sudden and caused by a negligent act. During this time of grieving, your family may see income diminish and experience significant financial debt from medical bills. Unfortunately, creditors will be unsympathetic about your circumstances, and at a time when you need to be mourning the loss of a loved one, you will need to contend with the debt.

  Hiring a successful and experienced Maryland wrongful death lawyer at Regan Zambri Long will have someone on your side to fight the battle while your family takes the time to heal. Contact us today for your free consultation.

  Why is hiring an attorney for a wrongful death action in Maryland important?

  An experienced attorney can maximize the compensation received, providing essential support to grieving families and ensuring the claim is filed within the state’s statute of limitations.

  A skilled wrongful death attorney will provide legal guidance

  Maryland has specific laws governing wrongful death claims. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand and adhere to these regulations.

  Build your wrongful death case.

  • Collect sufficient evidence to prove negligence or misconduct.
  • Wrongful death attorneys use a combination of legal expertise and professional networks to secure expert witnesses and medical records.
  • Multiple steps establish negligence or intentional misconduct in a Maryland wrongful death case.
  • Assist in gathering all necessary documentation and testimonies and work with experts.

  Negotiate with insurance companies.

  Insurance companies or opposing parties may attempt to offer a low settlement. A skilled lawyer can negotiate effectively to maximize compensation.

  Meet important deadlines.

  Statute of Limitations: In Maryland, the timeframe for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of death. Legal representation ensures that you meet this deadline.

  Fight for fair compensation.

  Attorneys can help identify and quantify economic and non-economic damages, ensuring a more comprehensive claim. Your attorney will ask for:

  • Economic Damages: These include lost wages that the deceased would have earned, medical expenses incurred before death, and funeral and burial costs.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These cover emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of parental guidance for children.
  • Punitive Damages: Although not always available, some jurisdictions allow for punitive damages to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
  • Loss of Consortium: Spouses may claim damages for the loss of marital benefits, including companionship and sexual relations.
  • Loss of Parental Support: Children may seek compensation for losing financial support and emotional and educational guidance.
  • Inheritance Loss: In some cases, beneficiaries can claim for the loss of expected inheritance due to premature death.

  Provide emotional support.

  The legal process can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. A compassionate attorney can handle the legal complexities, allowing families to focus on emotional healing.

  What is considered wrongful death?

  Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, misconduct, or intentional actions of another individual or entity. In such cases, the surviving family members may be entitled to bring legal action to seek compensation for their loss. This can include various types of fatalities, such as those resulting from car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, or criminal activities.

  The key element is to prove that the death could have been prevented if the responsible party had acted reasonably.

  Who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim?

  In Maryland, the eligibility to file a wrongful death claim is generally restricted to “primary beneficiaries” like spouses, parents, and children of the deceased. However, if no such primary beneficiaries are available or willing to file a claim, “secondary beneficiaries” like siblings, cousins, or other relatives may be eligible to file. Some exceptions in Maryland’s wrongful death statutes include:

  • Same-Sex Partners: Maryland recognizes same-sex marriages so that a same-sex spouse would be eligible as a primary beneficiary.
  • Unborn Children: In Maryland, parents generally cannot file a wrongful death claim for an unborn child unless the child was viable outside the womb at the time of death.
  • Adult Children: Adult children can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased parent, but this might be secondary to a surviving spouse’s right to file.
  • Stepchildren and stepparents generally do not have the right to file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were primarily dependent on the deceased for financial support.
  • Estranged Spouses: In cases where spouses are estranged but not legally separated or divorced, the estranged spouse is typically still considered a primary beneficiary, which can complicate claims by other family members.

  Due to these complexities, consult with an attorney for help determining eligibility and exceptions.

  What is the timeframe to file a wrongful death claim in Maryland?

  As mentioned above, in Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of the deceased person’s death. Missing this deadline usually means the court will refuse to hear the case, and you’ll lose the opportunity to seek compensation. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all necessary steps are taken within this timeframe. Exceptions to this rule are rare, so acting promptly is important.

  What are survival actions for wrongful death action cases?

  In addition to wrongful death claims, some jurisdictions allow for what are known as “survival actions” or pre-death damages. These are claims made by the estate of the deceased for damages that the person incurred between the time of the negligent act and the time of death. Your attorney will discuss this with you.

  What are the benefits and risks of settling or going to trial in a Maryland wrongful death claim?

  Both settlement and trial are ways to resolve a wrongful death claim, but they have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

  Settlement:

  • Speed: Settlements are generally quicker than going to trial, often taking only a few months.
  • Privacy: Settlement negotiations are usually confidential and don’t become part of the public record.
  • Control: Both parties have more control over the outcome and can negotiate terms.
  • Certainty: A settlement guarantees some level of compensation.
  • Lower Costs: Legal costs are generally lower when you settle out of court.
  • Emotional Toll: Settling can be easier emotionally as it avoids a trial’s stress and uncertainty.

  Trial:

  • Duration: Trials can take years to complete, especially if there are appeals.
  • Public Record: The proceedings and outcome are public, which could be a disadvantage, depending on the circumstances.
  • No Control: The outcome is decided by a judge or jury, not the parties involved.
  • Risk of Losing: If you lose the case, you could walk away with nothing.
  • Higher Costs: Legal fees and costs can be much higher for a trial.
  • Potential for Higher Awards: Although riskier, successful trials may result in more considerable compensation than settlements, as a jury might award punitive damages in egregious cases.
  • Emotional Toll: Going to trial can be emotionally and mentally draining for all involved.

  A Maryland personal injury lawyer specializing in wrongful death claims can guide you on whether to go for a settlement or take the case to trial based on your case’s merits and circumstances.

  Call the Wrongful Death Attorneys at Regan Zambri Long

  The compassionate Maryland wrongful death attorneys at Regan Zambri Long will handle your case with care and fight to hold the at-fault party responsible. Call us today.