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Wrongful Death Lawyer in Maryland
The sudden loss of a loved one is a profoundly devastating experience. When their death is due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, the shock and grief can be even more overwhelming. If you find yourself in this incredibly difficult situation, a compassionate Maryland personal injury lawyer can provide the guidance and protection you need during such a trying time.
The Jaklitsch Law Group’s team of dedicated wrongful death lawyers has the experience and compassion necessary to navigate the complex legal matters surrounding wrongful death cases, helping families hold responsible parties accountable and obtain financial compensation for their loss.
overview
What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a situation where a person’s death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. This can occur in various contexts, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or the use of defective products, among others.
Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits brought by the surviving family members of the deceased to seek compensation for their losses. While there is no way to get your loved one back, this type of lawsuit allows you to seek justice, find closure, and gain financial relief to help ease the immense burden of their loss. Wrongful death lawsuits share many similarities with personal injury claims. To successfully win your case, you will need to demonstrate four key elements:
- Duty of Care: This means the at-fault party had a legal obligation to act responsibly and exercise a reasonable amount of caution to prevent harm to your loved one. For example, a driver must obey traffic laws, or a property owner must maintain safe premises.
- Breach of Duty: This occurs when the at-fault party fails to uphold their duty. They either acted carelessly, engaged in reckless behavior, or neglected to take necessary actions, thereby disregarding the safety they owed to the deceased.
- Causation: You must show a direct link between the at-fault party’s breach of duty and your loved one’s untimely death. Their negligent actions, or inaction, must have been the direct cause of the fatality.
- Damages: Once liability is established, the at-fault party must provide compensation to the deceased’s family members. These damages are meant to provide restitution for the financial and emotional losses incurred due to the death.
To meet these legal requirements and build a strong case, discuss your situation with an experienced Maryland wrongful death lawyer. They can help you gather as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the other party’s negligence and strengthen your claim. The more compelling evidence you have, the greater your chances of a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Examples of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
At Jaklitsch Law Group, we have been handling wrongful death lawsuits since 1999, representing families who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. While every case is unique, we have encountered various common scenarios that tragically lead to these types of claims. Some of the more frequent examples of wrongful death cases we handle include:
- Car Accidents: A drunk driver causing a fatal crash, or a driver distracted by texting leading to a fatal accident with other drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
- Medical Malpractice: A doctor’s negligent treatment, such as misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of a condition, leading to a patient’s death.
- Workplace Accidents: A worker was killed because of unsafe working conditions or faulty equipment.
- Nursing Home Negligence: A resident dying due to neglect or abuse within a nursing home.
- Defective Products: A product malfunction causing injury or death, such as a faulty car part or medication.
- Premises Liability: A death occurring on someone’s property due to a dangerous condition, like a slippery floor or inadequate security.
These are just a few examples, as the scope of wrongful death cases is broad. For instance, in Maryland, there have been recent high-profile settlements related to wrongful deaths resulting from police chases, highlighting how diverse these cases can be. If you are wondering if your unique circumstances qualify for a wrongful death claim, we encourage you to contact our experienced team to discuss your case. We can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim?
While a decedent may be beloved by many, not everyone can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland. Under Maryland law, wrongful death lawsuits can generally be filed for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person. If there are no individuals in the primary class, then the action may be for the benefit of any relative by blood or marriage who was substantially dependent upon the deceased.
While a wrongful death claim benefits these designated family members, the lawsuit itself must often be brought by a personal representative of the deceased. This individual may be a surviving family member, the executor of the will, or another applicable party appointed by the court.
If you are unsure about who this may be, consider reaching out to wrongful death attorneys in Maryland to receive clarity and determine the best course of action to move forward. The Jaklitsch Law Group’s wrongful death attorneys can help you determine your eligibility to file a claim and have the resources to guide you through the entire process.
Compassionate and Capable Representation for Wrongful Death Cases
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions is a traumatic and painful experience. In such situations, a wrongful death claim may be pursued to hold the responsible party accountable and obtain financial compensation for the family members left behind. The Jaklitsch Law Group and its team of dedicated lawyers specialize in wrongful death cases and have the expertise and compassion necessary to navigate these complex legal matters. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the concept of wrongful death, the process involved, and why the Jaklitsch Law Group is the most capable law firm to handle your case.
Damages In a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim
The primary purpose of a wrongful death claim is to seek compensation for the losses experienced by the surviving family members as a result of their loved one’s untimely death. Maryland law allows for the recovery of both economic and non-economic damages to account for the losses suffered by the deceased and their surviving family members. Economic damages include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s income and benefits, and loss of inheritance. Non-economic damages encompass the emotional pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance and support.
The specific compensation you can recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your loved one’s suffering and, by extension, your own. The total settlement amount will be based on the calculated value of these expenses and other losses. Maryland law does have a cap on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases, which is adjusted annually. Speak with a wrongful death lawyer from The Jaklitsch Law Group to calculate the comprehensive value of your case and guide you on increasing your settlement value.
The Importance of Experienced Lawyers in Wrongful Death Cases
Coping with the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult; navigating legal complexities or dealing with insurance companies is likely the last thing on your mind. However, having an attorney handle your wrongful death case may significantly improve your outcome, allowing you to focus on healing. Finding the right personal injury lawyer to advocate for you is crucial.
When you are looking to hire an attorney, make sure to:
- Inquire About Their Experience: Ensure their background aligns with the needs of your wrongful death claim.
- Discuss Their Successes: Learn about their track record in similar cases.
- Understand Their Communication Style: You will want an attorney who keeps you informed.
- Review Their Case Strategy: Ask how they plan to approach your specific situation.
- Assess Your Case’s Strengths and Weaknesses: A wrongful death attorney will provide an honest evaluation and discuss whether a settlement or litigation is more likely.
The Jaklitsch Law Group’s attorneys have a wealth of experience in handling wrongful death cases and will take the time to listen to your story, thoroughly investigate the incident, and gather vital evidence. We can help you secure and prepare witnesses and provide strong representation, whether your case proceeds to a settlement or trial.
Why Choose the Jaklitsch Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case
At the Jaklitsch Law Group, we understand that dealing with the loss of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time. Our Maryland wrongful death lawyers approach each case with empathy, offering compassionate and supportive legal representation to help you through this difficult period. We are committed to ensuring that your family receives the justice and compensation it deserves while providing the emotional support you need during this trying time.
- Proven Track Record: We have a proven track record of success in wrongful death cases, having helped many families recover the compensation they rightfully deserve. Our attorneys have earned national acclaim for their abilities in these complex claims. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every client, so you can trust that your case is in the most capable and experienced hands when you choose us.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: At the Jaklitsch Law Group, we recognize that every wrongful death case is unique, and we tailor our legal strategy to the specific circumstances of each case. Our attorneys work closely with clients to understand the nuances of their situation and develop a personalized approach to pursuing justice and compensation. By doing so, we ensure that our clients’ needs and objectives are at the forefront of our legal representation, leading to better outcomes for those we represent.
- Open Communication and Trust: Our core values of open communication, trust, and empathy are at the heart of the Jaklitsch Law Group’s approach to wrongful death cases. We believe that maintaining open lines of communication with our clients is essential to building trust and fostering a strong attorney-client relationship. Our wrongful death attorneys are always available to address your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed about the progress of your case. By prioritizing transparency and communication, we strive to make the legal process less daunting and more manageable for our clients.
- Pursuing Justice for Your Loved One: We are dedicated to pursuing justice on behalf of those who have lost their lives due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Our wrongful death lawyers work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and seek the maximum compensation available for our clients.
By choosing the Jaklitsch Law Group to represent you in your wrongful death claim, you can trust that our attorneys will be relentless in their pursuit of justice for your loved one and your family. Do not delay in starting your claim, as time is limited.
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Maryland's Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
The ability to pursue a claim against the party responsible for causing the death in Maryland is time-limited. Generally, you must file your lawsuit within 3 years of the decedent’s death to recover compensation for their loss.
However, some exceptions may apply. For instance, if the death resulted from an occupational disease involving exposure to toxic substances, the statute of limitations could be extended to ten years from the date of death or 3 years from the date the occupational disease was identified as the cause of death, whichever is shorter. If the identity of the person who caused a criminal homicide was concealed, the clock might start ticking when that identity was discovered.
Because of these strict deadlines and potential exceptions, it is crucial to talk with a wrongful death attorney in Maryland as soon as possible to ensure the statute of limitations does not run out, which could prevent you from seeking justice.
Open Communication And Trust
Our core values of open communication, trust, and empathy are at the heart of the Jaklitsch Law Group’s approach to wrongful death cases. We believe that maintaining open lines of communication with our clients is essential to building trust and fostering a strong attorney-client relationship. Our wrongful death attorneys are always available to address your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed about the progress of your case. By prioritizing transparency and communication, we strive to make the legal process less daunting and more manageable for our clients.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Maryland
The Jaklitsch Law Group is dedicated to ensuring our clients feel safe, comfortable, and heard throughout the entirety of their case. Our team of wrongful death attorneys provides compassionate support and representation to help you start healing after the death of your loved one. Do not delay in getting started. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.
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The best customer service I've experienced in a long time. The staff is very professional. The staff is knowledgeable helpful patient and goes above and beyond what is expected of them. Once I met Mr. Jaklitsh I was very pleased, the nicest person to do business with.
I am a Paralegal and have been for over 17 years. Therefore, I know first hand what skills and attention to detail a law group must have to win any case. Having said that, I highly recommend the Jaklitsch Law Group and the professional and dedicated staff they have. Look no further, they are IT.
I wanted to thank you for all the hard work that you have done to help settle my case. When I first called, I was hurt both physically and mentally from the trauma of my car accident. Over three years and several surgeries later, your office's support and determination truly made a difference and I was able to focus on getting better. Thank you for working so very hard on my behalf. I couldn’t have asked for a better team on my side!!! I will recommend your office to anyone and everyone for years to come.
There aren't any words to describe Rick until you get the pleasure of meeting him.Trust me if you need a lawyer you can talk to and put all your trust in and feel like your talking to a family member then make Rick your attorney. He will never make you feel second best. Rick will fight to win you your case. He will be right there for you Regardless of your situation. Rick has always been straight forward and always will be..Thanks Rick for all you do.God Bless.
If you're in need of a personal injury attorney after a car accident or crash, look no further than The Jaklitsch Law Group. This law firm is home to some of the best personal injury attorneys in the business, and I had the pleasure of working with one of their top-rated trial attorneys, David Jaklitsch.
From the very beginning, David was attentive, responsive, and dedicated to my case. He took the time to understand the details of my car crash and the injuries I sustained, and he fought tirelessly to ensure that I received the compensation and verdict I deserved.
David's expertise and experience as a personal injury trial attorney were evident throughout the entire process. He kept me informed every step of the way, and he was always available to answer any questions or concerns I had.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Jaklitsch Law Group and David Jaklitsch to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Their commitment to their clients and their exceptional legal expertise truly set them apart.
The best customer service I've experienced in a long time. The staff is very professional. The staff is knowledgeable helpful patient and goes above and beyond what is expected of them. Once I met Mr. Jaklitsh I was very pleased, the nicest person to do business with.
I am a Paralegal and have been for over 17 years. Therefore, I know first hand what skills and attention to detail a law group must have to win any case. Having said that, I highly recommend the Jaklitsch Law Group and the professional and dedicated staff they have. Look no further, they are IT.
I wanted to thank you for all the hard work that you have done to help settle my case. When I first called, I was hurt both physically and mentally from the trauma of my car accident. Over three years and several surgeries later, your office's support and determination truly made a difference and I was able to focus on getting better. Thank you for working so very hard on my behalf. I couldn’t have asked for a better team on my side!!! I will recommend your office to anyone and everyone for years to come.
There isnt any words to describe Rick until you get the pleasure of meeting him.Trust me if you need a lawyer you can talk to and put all your trust in and feel like your talking to a family member then make Rick your attorney.He will never make you feel second best.Rick will fight to win you your case.He will be right there for you Regardless of your situation.Rick has always been straight forward and always will be..Thanks Rick for all you do.God Bless.
If you're in need of a personal injury attorney after a car accident or crash, look no further than The Jaklitsch Law Group. This law firm is home to some of the best personal injury attorneys in the business, and I had the pleasure of working with one of their top-rated trial attorneys, David Jaklitsch.
From the very beginning, David was attentive, responsive, and dedicated to my case. He took the time to understand the details of my car crash and the injuries I sustained, and he fought tirelessly to ensure that I received the compensation and verdict I deserved.
David's expertise and experience as a personal injury trial attorney were evident throughout the entire process. He kept me informed every step of the way, and he was always available to answer any questions or concerns I had.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Jaklitsch Law Group and David Jaklitsch to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Their commitment to their clients and their exceptional legal expertise truly set them apart.
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