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A Rockville wrongful death lawyer provides essential guidance and advocacy when you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. At Regan Zambri Long, we understand that no legal remedy can truly compensate for your devastating loss, but pursuing justice can provide financial stability and a sense of closure during this difficult time.
Wrongful death cases in Maryland require specialized legal knowledge and experience to navigate effectively. Our team approaches each case with both legal precision and genuine compassion, recognizing that behind every claim is a family experiencing profound grief and uncertainty about the future.
When you partner with our firm, you gain advocates who will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death, identify all responsible parties, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation your family deserves. This may include recovery for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering your family has endured.
During this overwhelming time, let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory. Call today to schedule a free consultation with our Rockville, MD wrongful death attorney.
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Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another individual or entity. This could range from medical malpractice to car accidents. Understanding what constitutes wrongful death is the first step in seeking justice.
For a wrongful death claim to succeed, the plaintiff must generally prove:
Wrongful death cases are complex. They require a deep understanding of state laws and the specific circumstances surrounding the death. With over three decades of experience, Regan Zambri Long is the firm you can trust to handle your case with the utmost care and expertise.
Wrongful death cases happen when someone dies because of someone else’s carelessness, recklessness, or even intentional actions. Here are some common situations that lead to wrongful death claims in Rockville, MD:
In these situations, families can seek compensation to cover things like lost wages, funeral costs, and the emotional pain caused by the death. Contact Regan Zambri Long’s wrongful death attorneys to discuss your case.
Maryland law establishes a clear hierarchy of who may receive compensation in wrongful death cases filed in Rockville and throughout the state. Primary beneficiaries include the spouse, parents, and children of the deceased. These individuals have the first right to file a claim and receive compensation for their losses. In cases where the deceased was married, the surviving spouse and minor children typically take precedence in any settlement or judgment distribution.
Maryland law allows secondary beneficiaries to pursue compensation if the deceased had no spouse, parents, or children. These may include siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, or other blood relatives financially dependent on the deceased person. However, these secondary beneficiaries can only bring a claim if no primary beneficiaries exist.
Maryland’s wrongful death statute distinguishes between “wrongful death” claims and “survival actions.” Wrongful death claims compensate family members for the losses resulting from the death, such as lost companionship, mental anguish, and financial support. Survival actions, by contrast, are brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate and seek compensation for damages the deceased suffered before death, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Any compensation from a survival action becomes part of the deceased’s estate and is distributed according to their will or Maryland’s intestacy laws if no will exists.
It’s important to note that Maryland imposes a three-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, meaning eligible beneficiaries must file within three years of the date of death. Working with an experienced Rockville wrongful death attorney is essential to ensure all eligible beneficiaries are properly represented and that claims are filed within the required timeframe.
Regarding wrongful death lawsuits, the term “damages” refers to the monetary compensation that may be awarded to the plaintiff. However, these damages are not just about money but justice, closure, and financial security for the surviving family members.
Several factors can influence the amount of damages awarded, including:
Here are some of the key types of damages you can claim:
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to economic and noneconomic damages. These are not meant to compensate the family but to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or malicious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.
Understanding the types of damages available can help you and your Rockville, MD, wrongful death attorneys build a stronger case. It’s not just about seeking compensation; it’s about finding some measure of justice and closure in the wake of a devastating loss.
In Maryland, under §3-904, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is three years in most cases. An exception exists to the standard rule if the individual passes away due to an “occupational disease.” This term refers to a disease resulting from exposure to toxic substances at the individual’s place of work contracted during their employment. In such instances, the lawsuit must be initiated within either:
Choosing the right Rockville, MD, wrongful death lawyer is crucial, especially during such a difficult time. Regan Zambri Long offers a range of services that go beyond mere legal representation. Here’s how we can help:
Regan Zambri Long has over three decades of experience in personal injury law, including wrongful death cases. Our expertise ensures that your case will be handled with the skill and attention it deserves.
The first step in any wrongful death case is a thorough evaluation. The team at Regan Zambri Long will review all the facts, consult with experts, and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
A strong wrongful death case relies on solid evidence. Regan Zambri Long excels in this area – gathering crucial documents, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to build a compelling case for your wrongful death representation.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Regan Zambri Long’s team has the negotiation skills to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, whether it’s for medical expenses, funeral costs, or emotional suffering.
If your case goes to court, you’ll want a seasoned litigator by your side. Regan Zambri Long has a proven track record in court, having secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
The emotional toll of a wrongful death case is immense. Regan Zambri Long understands this and offers emotional and psychological support throughout the process, ensuring you’re not alone during this difficult time.
Legal fees can be a concern, but Regan Zambri Long operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any fees unless you win your case, making top-notch legal representation accessible to everyone.
By choosing Regan Zambri Long as your Rockville, MD, wrongful death lawyer, you’re not just hiring an attorney; you’re gaining a supportive and skilled team committed to fighting for justice in your loved one’s name.
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Under §11-108 of the Maryland Code, “in any action for damages for personal injury or wrongful death in which the cause of action arises on or after October 1, 1994, an award for noneconomic damages may not exceed $500,000.” The statute further states that beginning October 1, 1995, the cap on noneconomic damages increases by $15,000 each September 30th thereafter.
As of September 30, 2024, the cap on a noneconomic damages award in a Rockville, MD, wrongful death case is $950,000. There’s no limit on economic damages, which cover things like medical bills, lost income, and funeral costs.
Since the caps on noneconomic damage awards change every year, it’s a good idea to talk to a wrongful death attorney in Rockville to get the latest information and see how the limits might affect your case.
Settling a wrongful death case in Maryland can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the situation. Some cases wrap up quickly, while others drag on, especially if there are disputes over what happened or how much compensation should be paid.
If the person or company responsible admits fault and is willing to settle, the process can move fairly fast—sometimes within six months to a year. But if they deny responsibility, things can slow down. Lawyers may need to bring in experts, gather evidence, and go back and forth with insurance companies, which can take much longer.
Insurance negotiations are another big factor. If the insurance company offers a fair amount early on, the case might settle quickly. But if they lowball the offer or fight the claim, it can take over a year just to reach an agreement. If both sides can’t agree, the case may end up in court, which means a trial and possibly years of waiting before a final decision.
The amount of money being claimed also plays a role. If the case involves lost wages, medical bills, or financial support for a family, lawyers and financial experts have to calculate exactly how much is owed. The more complicated the numbers, the longer it takes to sort everything out.
If the case does go to trial, it could take anywhere from two to five years before there’s a final ruling. Court cases take time, and delays are common. To avoid that, many families try to settle through mediation, which can speed things up and help reach a fair resolution without waiting years for a court date.
To keep things moving as quickly as possible, it helps to have solid evidence from the start—things like medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. Good wrongful death attorneys can also move things along by handling negotiations and keeping the case on track.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to take action. Our wrongful death attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Contact the Rockville personal injury lawyers at Regan Zambri Long for a free, no-obligation consultation.
