The Caring and Personalized Support Your Family Deserves
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest challenges anyone can face. Aside from the emotional hardship, families may feel unmoored without someone they relied on for financial support, emotional reassurance, and countless types of assistance every day. If your loved one was killed by someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, you may be able to hold this person or company liable for the irreparable harm they’ve done to your life.
Ashcraft & Gerel is here to help you file a wrongful death suit against the party whose actions led to the death of your loved one. Our attorneys, with a deep understanding of what you are going through after a loss, are here to provide full-service support and personal reassurance where we can. If you are wondering whether a wrongful death case is the right choice for you, we provide free, no-obligation consultations.
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Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death suit can be brought when a person dies due to the negligence or mis-action of another person. If you are not sure whether this applies to your situation, consider whether the wrongdoer might face a lawsuit if your loved one had survived. If the answer is yes, the law allows for a wrongful death suit.
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Examples of Wrongful Death Claim Types
Wrongful death claims are as varied as personal injury claims. Our attorneys can help you file a suit if your loved one’s death was caused by:
- A car accident
- A defective drug or medical device
- A faulty product
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- A pedestrian accident
- A trucking accident
- A workplace accident
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Know Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland
However, these claims cannot be filed by just anyone. You must have a direct familial relationship with the deceased or be otherwise dependent on them to be eligible. Wrongful death cases can be filed by what the law considers the primary beneficiaries:
- a spouse,
- a parent, or
- a child
of the deceased. In cases where no primary beneficiary starts a suit, the right to file a claim passes to secondary beneficiaries—any relative of the deceased (by blood or marriage) who was their dependent.
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Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim
Because a wrongful death claim is meant to help a family recover compensation for the hardships brought on by the loss of a loved one, the damages awarded to beneficiaries are based on both financial and other costs. We can help you request compensation to make up for:
- Loss of wages
- Loss of health insurance or other benefits
- Loss of retirement or inheritance
- Mental anguish
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of society and companionship
- Loss of marital, parental, or filial care
- Loss of counsel, guidance, and education
While no amount in damages can undo the pain your family is facing, making the most of your claim can provide an essential financial safety net while you find a way to move forward. Our attorneys want to ensure you have the means to support yourself and any dependents, no matter what.
The Difference Between Wrongful Death Claims and Survival Actions
Though wrongful death claims and survival actions are typically handled concurrently, the former is filed on the behalf of surviving beneficiaries while the latter is on the behalf of the estate of the deceased. Unlike wrongful death claims, survival actions look at the damages to the decedent themself. While in practice some of these losses and expenses may be passed on to the survivors, these claims are kept separate by Maryland courts.
In a survival action, a representative of the decedent’s estate can request damages including:
- Pain and suffering and/or mental anguish before death
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
- Property damages
- Lost wages (before death)
- Funeral and burial expenses
We can help you determine who is eligible to bring a survival action and handle this claim alongside your wrongful death case.
We Stand with Your Family During Hard Times
While navigating legal issues is likely the last thing on your mind after the loss of a loved one, filing a wrongful death claim can help you find justice and hold those whose negligence killed your loved one accountable. The courts provide a remedy specifically for people in your situation—and our team at Ashcraft & Gerel wants to make sure you and your family receive the support you need during this time. Not only can the financial compensation be life-changing after a loss, but the chance to make wrongdoers face their actions may offer a sense of closure.
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience that help us understand what you are going through and how we can best provide support during this time. Our goal is to do whatever we can to make your life easier. When you work with a highly respected firm like Ashcraft & Gerel, you may find insurers or corporations are more likely to offer a fair settlement because they know we are not afraid to litigate when necessary. You will also benefit from our firm’s vast resources and caring approach.
If you are considering a wrongful death case, we’re here to help you understand your rights and options. Reach out for your free consultation today.