Leonardtown Wrongful Death Lawyer Helping Families Who Have Lost a Loved One

If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, these claims can be incredibly complex for non-lawyers to pursue and only certain people may pursue them. And it is important to pursue the claim correctly – even a seemingly minor mistake can jeopardize your case. A knowledgeable Leonardtown wrongful death lawyer can help you build a strong case so that you can get fair compensation for your losses. 

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death claim is a civil claim for monetary damages brought by the victim’s family for losses that were caused by the victim’s death. A wrongful death claim may be pursued if the victim was killed by another person intentionally or as a result of negligence. Wrongful death actions commonly arise from the following types of personal injury claims: 

• Car, truck, bus, and motorcycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Nursing home abuse and neglect
• Defective products such as dangerous pharmaceuticals

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions or negligence, a Leonardtown wrongful death attorney can review your case and determine whether you have a claim. 

Who Can File a Claim? 

Under Maryland law, only the spouse, children, or parents of the victim can pursue a wrongful death claim. The claim can be brought by an individual family member on their own behalf (such as the surviving spouse) or can be brought by the victim’s estate. Determining how to pursue the claim is a critical decision, so we strongly recommend that you consult with a Leonardtown wrongful death lawyer before taking any action. 

In order to be successful, you will need to prove the following three elements: 

1. The person who is responsible for your loved one’s death owed them a duty of care; 
2. That person breached that duty; and
3. The breach of their duty of care caused your loved one’s death. 

This means that you will need to provide evidence that establishes all three elements of your claim. This is much more challenging than many people realize, but a Leonardtown wrongful death lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case. 

The Value of Your Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland

It is also important to understand what your claim may be worth. You are entitled to compensation for several losses, including funeral and burial expenses, as well as loss of companionship and loss of future earnings. Factors such as the victim’s age and health will also play a role at the time of death. You should also be aware that while there is no cap on economic damages, there is a cap on non-economic damages. A Leonardtown wrongful death lawyer can estimate what you can reasonably expect to receive in compensation if your claim is successful. 

Call Leonardtown Wrongful Death Lawyer Thomas E. Pyles Today

With over 30 years of experience, we know how to get fair compensation for families who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. To discuss your case and how we can help, call us today at 301-705-5006 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help.