Wrongful Death Lawyers serving Bowie, MD

A fatal accident can occur anywhere and at any time. A pedestrian could be killed by a drunk driver speeding down Central Avenue. A motorcyclist may get run off the road by a drowsy semi-truck driver on Crain Highway. A surgeon could make a critical mistake that costs a patient their life.

When tragedy strikes, grieving families need someone who can help them seek justice. When you are ready to share what happened, the Jaklitsch Law Group is ready to listen. We will hold the liable party responsible for their actions and seek justice for you.

Our attorneys have a reputation as Big Dogs in the local legal community. We’re here to fight for grieving families throughout Prince George’s County during this difficult time. For a free consultation with our wrongful death lawyers near Bowie, contact the Jaklitsch Law Group today.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil claim filed by the family or estate of a deceased person against the party responsible for the decedent’s death. The fatal injury or illness is often the result of negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits vs. Survival Actions

Wrongful death claims and survival actions can both be filed after a fatal accident. However, they differ in important ways:

• Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by families of the deceased for losses they experience associated with the death of a loved one.
• Survival actions are filed by the estate of the deceased for losses the deceased experienced between an accident and their death.

At the Jaklitsch Law Group, our attorneys near Bowie can help with wrongful death lawsuits and survival actions.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland?

In Maryland, the following people are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• The spouse of the deceased
• The parents of the deceased
• The children of the deceased

If these parties are not available to file a lawsuit, a wrongful death claim can be filed by an individual who was dependent on the deceased and is related by blood or marriage.

For those who aren’t sure if they can file a wrongful death claim, our lawyers near Bowie can review your case and provide answers. 

Common Causes of Fatal Injuries

These are some of the most common causes of fatal accidents in and around Prince George’s County.

• Car Accidents: Fatal collisions can occur while driving down Annapolis Road or at a busy intersection. Motorists and pedestrians must keep an eye out for one another.
• Trucking Accidents: When 18-wheelers get into crashes on John Hanson Highway or other major highways, these large trucks can cause major collisions that affect multiple lanes.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Even if a motorcyclist is careful and wears a helmet, they could suffer fatal injuries in a crash, simply given how vulnerable they are to trauma.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: A major fall or unfortunate trip could prove fatal, especially if the victim suffers head trauma or is a senior citizen.
• Defective Products: When companies put profits over safety, that could lead to dangerous vehicles, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, appliances, and electronics on the market.
• Workplace Accidents: When a family member is killed in a workplace accident, you may be able to file a third-party claim for damages to supplement death benefits received through workers’ compensation.
• Medical Malpractice: Fatal medical errors cover everything from surgical mistakes and anesthesia mistakes to failing to diagnose cancer or another terminal illness.
• Nursing Home Abuse: Abuse or neglect at assisted-living facilities can be fatal, especially when an elderly resident is infirm or vulnerable.

What Compensation Can Families Recover in Wrongful Death Claims?

Surviving loved ones can seek economic and non-economic damages related to the death of their family member. These include:

• Funeral Costs: This includes the cost of burial, cremation, and a ceremony or memorial service.
• Damage to Property/Belongings: This covers any vehicles or personal belongings damaged in the fatal accident.
• Loss of Income: This includes current as well as future earnings that your loved one would have added to the household.
• Grief Counseling: This covers any therapy or mental health services to aid in bereavement and the mourning process.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes any mental anguish associated with the grieving process, including anxiety and depression.
• Loss of Companionship and Service: This covers the loss of the deceased’s care as a parent, social company, and other contributions to the home.

In rare cases, families can also be awarded punitive damages for the death of their loved one. Also referred to as exemplary damages, punitive damages are used to punish negligent individuals or parties for their actions rather than compensate family members for their losses.

Can I Still Seek Compensation If My Loved One Was Partly at Fault?

Unfortunately, no. The state of Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means grieving individuals cannot receive any compensation if their family member was just 1% at fault for what happened.

Insurance companies may use this strict contributory negligence standard against families to avoid payouts. At Jaklitsch Law Group, our wrongful death lawyers near Bowie can dispute claims of partial fault so you can seek compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland?

In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. When this three-year statute of limitations has expired, you will no longer be allowed to take legal action.

There are exceptions to this three-year statute of limitations. The discovery rule could extend the three-year time limit if the cause of the fatal injury or illness is discovered after the fact. Conversely, you may have just a year to take legal action if a fatal accident involved a state agency or employee.

No matter the cause of the fatal accident, it’s best to contact our wrongful death attorneys near Bowie as soon as possible.

Why Choose Jaklitsch Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case

When you’re in mourning and need someone to turn to for help, you need the Jaklitsch Law Group on your side. Here are a few reasons why Maryland families trust our law firm in their time of legal need.

• We Have Decades of Combined Experience: The team at the Jaklitsch Law Group brings almost 70 years of combined experience to every case. We combined our diverse legal backgrounds to find strong solutions for accident victims.
• We Have a Record of Helping Maryland Families: Over the years, the Jaklitsch Law Group has won more than 9,000 cases and secured over $1 billion for clients.
• We Are Ready and Willing to Go to Trial: Settlement mills will accept an offer from the insurance company without fighting for more. Our attorneys are willing to go to trial if it means maximizing your compensation.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Near Bowie Today

After a tragedy, you need attorneys who can provide emotional support while aggressively advocating for your rights and best interests. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Prince George’s County, the Jaklitsch Law Group is here to help. For a free consultation with our wrongful death lawyers in Bowie, MD, contact our law firm today.