Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyers

Wrongful death laws vary from State to State. The experienced lawyers at Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester, LLC handle wrongful death claims in Maryland, as well as Washington D.C. and Virginia.

The death of a loved one is devastating to family members both emotionally and economically. When a person dies as a result of the negligent act of another, multiple legal claims arise. First, the dead person’s estate generally has a claim. The estate’s claim is typically called a Survival Claim, and this is brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. Most jurisdictions, including Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, also allow certain family members of the decedent to recover damages as a result of the fatality of a loved one. The claim brought by the decedent’s family members is typically referred to as a Wrongful Death Claim. Each state typically has a Wrongful Death Statute that sets forth who may bring a negligent death claim, what damages are recoverable, and when the claim must be brought. Our lawyers are well versed in Maryland's laws and can help you bring your case to court.

Are you dealing with the fatality of a beloved family member resulting from the negligence of another party? If so, contact our Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free Case Evalusation today!

In Maryland, a Wrongful Death Claim typically must be filed within three years after the death of the injured person. The good news is that damages recoverable include all economic losses and compensation for non-economic losses such as grief, sadness, and loss of society, affection, marital care and guidance. The bad news is that there is a cap on the non-economic damages recoverable in personal injury cases. Click here to see Maryland’s Wrongful Death Act.

In Washington, D.C. claims relating to the death of an individual are brought by the personal representative of the person’s estate. There is not a cap on the non-economic damages that a decedent suffers prior to death in Washington, D.C. Therefore, if there is provable conscious pain and suffering, the damages recoverable can be substantial. Unfortunately though, Washington, D.C.’s Wrongful Death Act does not allow relatives of the decedent to receive compensation for grief or non economic damages relating to the death of their loved one. It is important to note that negligent death claims in Washington, D.C. must be brought within one year of the date of the death. Survival Claims in Washington, D.C. typically have a 3 year statute of limitations. Our Washington D.C. lawyers can help you win the compensation you deserve. To see part of Washington, D.C.’s Wrongful Death and Survival law, click here.

In Virginia, claims for negligent death and survival must be brought by the personal representative of the decedent within two years of the date of the death of the individual. The damages recoverable include economic losses and non-economic losses. There is not a cap on damages unless it is a medical malpractice case. For medical malpractice cases that result in a fatality, the Virginia Legislature has imposed a cap on damages recoverable. Our lawyers can help you win the compensation you deserve. To see Virginia’s Wrongful Death and Survival Law, click here.

It is essential that a family who feels that the fatality of a loved one was the result of negligence retain the services of a knowledgeable lawyer to immediately address these serious issues. Although monetary compensation received cannot substitute for a lost family member, our lawyers will do what we can to be sure that your legal rights are protected.

Are you dealing with the fatality of a beloved family member resulting from the negligence of another party? If so, contact our Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free Case Evalusation today!