Wrongful Death Lawyers serving Bowie, MD

Major accidents could result in tragedy. If a drunk driver runs a red light on Leonardtown Road, it could cause a fatal T-bone accident. A doctor may miss the telltale warning signs of cancer or a terminal illness. There may even be a defect in a device with a lithium-ion battery that triggers a fatal house fire.

If you have lost a loved one, you have our sincerest condolences. When you feel ready to share what happened, you can count on our attorneys to listen. The Jaklitsch Law Group is here to help you hold the liable party accountable and secure compensation that can help with mourning and healing.

Our law firm has developed a reputation as Big Dogs in the local legal community. We’re prepared to help grieving families throughout Charles County during this extremely difficult time. For a free consultation with our wrongful death lawyers near Waldorf, contact our law firm today. 

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil claim filed by the estate or family of the deceased against the party responsible for the death of the decedent. These fatal injuries or illnesses are often the result of recklessness, negligence, or acts of intentional harm.

Wrongful Death Claims vs. Survival Actions

Both wrongful death lawsuits and survival actions are filed following someone’s death. However, they differ in an important way:

• Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by families for damages they experience that are linked to the death of a loved one.
• Survival actions are filed by the deceased’s estate for damages the deceased experienced before their death.

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

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland?

In the state of Maryland, the following people are allowed to file a wrongful death claim:

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

If none of these parties are available to file a claim, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by an individual who was dependent on the deceased and is related by marriage or blood.

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

Common Causes of Fatal Injuries

These are some of the most common causes of preventable fatalities in Charles County.

• Car Crashes: Fatal crashes can happen anywhere around Waldorf, whether it’s a high-speed wreck on U.S. Route 301 or a hit-and-run on St. Charles Parkway.
• Semi-Truck Accidents: Tractor-trailers can cause major crashes due to truck driver fatigue or a failure to check blind spots/No-Zones before turning or merging.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to fatal injuries, even if they wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: A bad fall can lead to fatal injuries, particularly falls from great heights, a fall on the head, or a fall involving an elderly person.
• Defective Products: Dangerous or faulty products can result in fatal injuries or illnesses. This includes unsafe vehicles as well as deadly pharmaceuticals.
• Work Accidents: If you lose a loved one in a fatal on-the-job accident, families may be eligible for workers’ comp death benefits and may be able to file a third-party claim.
• Medical Malpractice: Mistakes by doctors, nurses, surgeons, and pharmacists can result in failed diagnoses of terminal conditions and fatal mistakes during an operation.
• Elder Abuse: Mistreatment of residents in a nursing home or assisted-living facility could result in the death of a vulnerable senior.

What Compensation Can Families Recover in Wrongful Death Claims?

Surviving family members can seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses related to the death of their loved one. This includes:

• Funeral Costs: This includes the cost of a burial, cremation, and memorial service.
• Property Damage: This includes damage to any property during a fatal accident, such as a damaged vehicle or personal belongings.
• Loss of Earnings: This includes current and future earnings that your loved one would have contributed to the household.
• Grief Counseling: This covers any therapy or mental health counseling to aid in processing the death of a loved one.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers any emotional distress associated with grief, including anxiety and depression.
• Loss of Guidance and Companionship: This covers the loss of the deceased’s parenting, company, and help around the home.

It’s also possible to receive punitive damages in rare cases. Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party rather than compensate surviving family members for losses.

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

No, unfortunately. This is because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence system. This means a person is ineligible for compensation if their deceased loved one was just 1% to blame for a fatal accident.

This strict standard is why you need our wrongful death lawyers near Waldorf on your side. The Jaklitsch Law Group will help dispute claims of partial liability so you can receive compensation.

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

In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Once this three-year statute of limitations has passed, you will not be able to take legal action.

There are a few exceptions to this three-year statute of limitations. If the fatal accident involved a state agency or employee, you may have just one year to file a wrongful death claim. Conversely, there may be an extension of the three-year time limit under the discovery rule in certain cases.

Regardless of what happened or the parties involved, it’s best to contact our wrongful death lawyers near Waldorf as soon as possible.

Why Choose Jaklitsch Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case

When Maryland families are hurting, they know they can turn to the Jaklitsch Law Group for help. Our team of lawyers has built trust in the community and a strong reputation for legal excellence over the years.

• We Have Decades of Combined Experience: Our attorneys have nearly 70 years of combined experience practicing law. We bring our diverse legal backgrounds together to develop strong strategies for Maryland families in need.
• We Have a Record of Helping Families: Our law firm has won more than 9,000 cases over the years. In the process, we have secured more than $1 billion for our clients.
• We Are Ready and Willing to Go to Trial: Some firms settle as soon as possible. Not us. The Jaklitsch Law group will fight for maximum compensation, even if that means going to trial.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Near Waldorf Today

The Jaklitsch Law Group is here when you need us. You can trust our team to listen if you do not feel heard and to look out for your best interests throughout the legal process. This is part of us being Big Dogs in the local legal community and taking care of the underdog. To request a free case review with our wrongful death lawyers near Waldorf, contact our law firm today.