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A Washington, DC wrongful death lawyer can help families seek accountability after a loss that financial compensation alone can never replace. In these cases, the law focuses on responsibility and the practical consequences that follow, and Regan Zambri Long brings nearly 200 years of combined experience to wrongful death litigation. We are consistently named among the Best Law Firms in America, and all six of our partners are recognized among the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the nation.
Our board-certified trial lawyers have recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, including wrongful death recoveries of $77 million, $19.5 million, and two awards of $15.2 million. We have the resources to take on large insurance companies and corporations, and we work with top experts to establish what happened and document the full scope of losses.
Have you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our award-winning personal injury attorneys will personally call you back. We have over 100 5-star Google reviews, and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We front all case costs, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
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A wrongful death action is brought when a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. Negligence is a legal term that refers to an activity that is careless, irresponsible, or without reasonable care. When negligence plays a part in Washington, DC wrongful death cases, the deceased’s surviving family members may take legal action against the responsible person.
Under Washington, DC law, a wrongful death suit can be filed if the death of an individual was “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or corporation.” Nearly 222,700 people died of unintentional injuries in 2023, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Examples of wrongful death lawsuits include:
Traffic-related incidents continue to account for a significant share of fatal injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 39,345 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, including 47 fatalities in the District of Columbia. Pedestrians remain particularly vulnerable, with the Governors Highway Safety Association reporting that drivers killed 7,148 pedestrians across the United States in 2024, including 19 pedestrian deaths in Washington, DC.
Workplace hazards also lead to fatal outcomes in some cases. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 5,283 fatal work-related injuries nationwide in 2023. Acts of violence may likewise form the basis of a wrongful death claim. Reporting by the Washington Post shows that Washington, DC recorded 186 homicides in 2024, a decrease from 274 the year before.
An experienced injury attorney from Regan Zambri Long will file your wrongful death lawsuit and get you and your family the compensation you need.
Regan Zambri Long has represented families in wrongful death lawsuits for decades. Our Washington, DC personal injury lawyers know that a lawsuit is not just about compensation but about justice.
We will take the burden off your shoulders and fight for your loved one’s rights. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
A spouse or legal domestic partner can file a lawsuit on behalf of their deceased spouse. Unmarried partners are limited in their ability to file a claim. Otherwise, the wrongful death lawsuit can be brought by the next of kin, including:
In many cases, the victim’s dependents will receive damages. Damages are awarded to surviving family members based on the losses they experienced following the death of their loved one.
If the deceased had a will, the estate’s representative will distribute the damages among the family members. If the victim died without a will, known as intestate, then the damages will be distributed to the surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings in accordance with legal guidelines.
Wrongful death damages cover any expenses from the accident causing the death and the death itself, including:
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for their conduct and discourage any other individual or organization from acting similarly.
In Washington, DC, beneficiaries are not awarded any damages for grief, mental distress, or the loss of affection. DC places no maximum value on damages for a wrongful death lawsuit.
DC wrongful death claims require proving negligence. Your wrongful death lawyer will need to establish that:
While proving negligence can seem straightforward, insurance companies and opposing legal counsel will be working hard to counter negligence claims. They may even try to say that, under DC’s contributory negligence law, your family is not entitled to compensation because your loved one shared responsibility for the accident.
Regan Zambri Long’s DC wrongful death attorneys will make sure your family’s rights are protected while proving negligence. Call our law office today for a free case review.
Multiple parties may be held responsible for the death of a loved one, depending on your specific case.
When you call Regan Zambri Long for your free case evaluation, we will review the facts of your case to identify all liable parties. We will bring lawsuits against everyone who contributed to your loved one’s death, including individuals, corporations, and even government entities.
Our DC wrongful death lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to investigate and prosecute your wrongful death claim. Choosing the best personal injury lawyer to represent your family can be overwhelming, but it can make all the difference in your claim.
Regan Zambri Long’s decades of experience have taught us what evidence is necessary to prove your case before a jury. Our nationally recognized team gathers evidence efficiently and promptly, giving your family the time and space you need to grieve. When expert testimony is required, we consult our network of expert witnesses who can testify to the validity of your claim.
Our personal injury attorneys make sure justice is served without adding another burden to your family. Our Washington, DC wrongful death law firm handles your whole claim, fighting the legal battle while your family heals.
Over the last three decades, we have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims, including dozens of million-dollar awards in wrongful death cases. These outcomes reflect our ability to take on complex cases involving serious safety failures, corporate negligence, defective products, and dangerous property conditions. Our wrongful death results include eight-figure results, such as:
Our trial experience is backed by credentials that few firms can match. All three of our founding partners are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction held by only about 4% of lawyers nationwide. Each is also AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer recognition for legal ability and professional ethics.
We are consistently recognized by Best Lawyers, which has named us among the Best Law Firms in America year after year. Our attorneys have also been honored as Lawyer of the Year in practice areas closely tied to wrongful death litigation, including Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Personal Injury Litigation.
All six of our partners have been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America list. Here in Washington, DC, three of our partners are recognized among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, with senior partner Salvatore Zambri named to the prestigious Top 10.
The experience and recognitions listed above matter because wrongful death cases demand careful investigation, credible experts, and the ability to present detailed evidence in court. Board certification, peer ratings, and long-standing trial experience reflect the work required to prove negligence, establish damages, and hold responsible parties accountable. We bring that level of preparation to every wrongful death case we handle.
If you lost a loved one in an accident and need help filing a wrongful death claim, contact a DC wrongful death lawyer at Regan Zambri Long today to schedule a free consultation.
According to D.C. Code § 16–2702, you have two years after the death of a loved one to file a lawsuit. Exemptions do apply, such as when the cause of death isn’t immediately determined or when government entities are involved. Your best course of action is to consult with Regan Zambri Long’s DC wrongful death attorneys right away to make sure your claim is filed on time.
Our lawyers cannot provide a case value without a thorough review of the facts. Every case’s value is different. However, cases can range from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars.
Wrongful death claims can take months or years, depending on the quality of evidence, the willingness of the liable party to make a fair settlement, and the court’s caseload if a trial is necessary.
Regan Zambri Long takes wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. We don’t charge you any legal fees until we’ve made a financial recovery in your favor. Our fees are calculated into the value of your claim, so you never have to worry about paying for quality legal counsel.
Yes, if your loved one’s death was caused by someone’s criminal act, you can still file a wrongful death claim. A civil wrongful death claim may proceed even if the person is facing criminal charges.
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.