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After a sudden loss, many families hesitate before filing a lawsuit, unsure whether legal action is the right step, which is when an award-winning Washington, DC wrongful death lawyer can help explain what filing a claim involves. These cases are rarely simple, as insurance companies and corporate defendants often push back early when liability or damages are significant. Regan Zambri Long prepares cases with that reality in mind, working with medical and financial experts to prove how negligence led to a wrongful death and to document its full impact.
That preparation has led to over $1 billion in recoveries, including wrongful death awards of $77 million, $19.5 million, and $15.2 million. We bring nearly 200 years of combined experience to wrongful death litigation and are consistently named among the Best Law Firms in America. Our founding partners are board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Are you considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a loved one? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will personally call you back. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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Wrongful death claims are lawsuits brought under the wrongful death statute of your state. Washington, DC, defines wrongful death as a death following an injury that was “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or corporation,” according to DC Code §16-2701.
Each state has its own rules on wrongful death, but generally, only immediate family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit, and the money awarded will go to the family members or the victim’s estate.
When a person is killed by the wrongful act of another person, their close family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. In Washington, DC, wrongful death lawsuits must be brought in the name of the Personal Representative of the deceased person. DC Code § 16-2702. The beneficiaries of compensation from a wrongful death claim in Washington, DC, generally include:
If the victim was not married, the victim’s parents were no longer living, or the victim did not have children, another family member such as a sibling or other next of kin can recover compensation if they can prove that they were dependent on the victim financially.
A lawyer’s role is to help you understand the legal process. The first step in filing a claim is the preliminary work, such as determining fault and calculating damages. After this phase is finished, the next step is filing the claim. Making a mistake in the filing process could cost you and making a mistake about the statute of limitations could result in losing the right to your claim. It’s important to have a lawyer coach you through this process, as the consequences of filing incorrectly can be significant.
The next step is the discovery phase, where both sides gather evidence and prepare for trial. The last step is either settling with the other party ahead of trial or presenting your case to a judge or jury. The trial lawyers at Regan Zambri Long are experienced with both negotiating settlements and presenting the case at trial and have the resources to represent you well. You can call or message today to get advice about your claim and schedule a free consultation.
Wrongful death claims can result from many types of accidents or negligence. Some of the most common types of wrongful death claims are:
Wrongful death is a type of tort, which is a type of civil action for negligent or reckless actions brought on behalf of the deceased person. Wrongful death claims can be complicated to prove without an attorney. You must show that the accident caused the death, meaning you will need to gather evidence, understand the value of the case, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
To prove wrongful death, you must show each element of a tort claim:
This will depend on the age, health, and future earning capability of the deceased loved one. If your loved one was young or had dependents, you could recover more than if the victim was older, in poor health, retired, or single with no dependents. Then, the proceeds are divided to adequately compensate each party based on their loss when it comes to the lost loved one.
There is not an average settlement number for a wrongful death claim because each claim is different and small factual differences can create very different settlement amounts. However, after an initial consultation, an attorney can predict an amount of compensation based on the specific facts of your case. Wrongful death settlements generally range from several thousand to millions.
Regan Zambri Long has significant experience litigating wrongful death claims and has been assisting clients for almost 30 years. Some of our most successful wrongful death verdicts and settlements are:
There is no set amount of time it takes to settle a wrongful death claim. Like the amount of compensation, there are many variables. When liability (duty, breach, and causation) is already established or is not in question (like in a strict product liability claim), the only variable left to decide is what compensation is reasonable.
Claims like this will move much quicker than claims with complicated liability issues, evidence issues, or discovery disputes. Sometimes, a wrongful death claim will settle in just months, but most wrongful death cases take longer. Depending on the length of the discovery phase of the lawsuit and how busy the court’s schedule is, it can take years to reach a resolution.
Damages in wrongful death cases are awarded to compensate the family of the victim for any expenses from the accident and to compensate the family for future expenses or lost wages based on the loss of the loved one. Common damages in wrongful death claims are:
If you have lost a loved one and you are thinking about filing a wrongful death action, consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer.
An attorney will provide support, and they will advocate for your family’s rights. Our wrongful death lawyers have been representing survivors in wrongful death suits for almost thirty years and have the experience, knowledge, and resources to secure compensation for wrongful death claims. We have recovered millions of dollars in wrongful death claims, and take pride in providing the highest quality legal representation for families who have lost loved ones.
That experience has been built case by case and over time, and it has also been consistently recognized by independent legal organizations that focus on trial work and complex civil litigation.
Beyond case results, we remain actively involved in the trial-lawyer community and the professional standards that shape civil litigation in Washington, DC.
For families considering a wrongful death claim, this background matters because it reflects lawyers who regularly handle complex cases, understand how these claims are evaluated, and are prepared to see them through when accountability is contested.
Call today to schedule a free consultation.
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.