When someone dies because of another party’s negligence, DC law gives surviving family members the right to hold that party accountable. A Washington, DC wrongful death lawyer can recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages. These cases are complex, and the window to file is two years from the date of death.
We have recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, including multiple eight-figure wrongful death awards. We front all case costs, and there is no fee unless we win.
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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.
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.
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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.
Wrongful death cases require prompt evidence gathering, credible expert witnesses, and the ability to prove negligence before a jury. Regan Zambri Long has handled these cases for decades, and our team moves quickly to preserve evidence and build the record your family needs.
Over that time, 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. Results include:
All three founding partners are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy — a distinction held by roughly 4% of lawyers nationwide — and each holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. All six partners appear on the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Three are recognized among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, with Salvatore Zambri ranked in the Top 10. Best Lawyers has named the firm among the Best Law Firms in America year after year, with Lawyer of the Year honors in Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Personal Injury Litigation.
Contact our firm 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.