Wrongful Death
Waldorf Wrongful Death Attorneys
What is Considered a Wrongful Death?
The state of Maryland defines a wrongful death as one resulting from "an act, neglect, or default including a felonious act which would have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages if death had not ensued."
The Waldorf, Maryland experienced wrongful death lawyers at the Farmer & Klopfer can help you understand your legal rights and options. Our team has decades of combined legal experience, as well as a proven track record of success, having secured tens of millions of dollars on behalf of families throughout Southern Maryland.
Our Waldorf, MD wrongful death attorneys are here to help. Call today at 301-241-0221 or fill out our online contact form to request a free and confidential consultation.
the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death
There is nothing more difficult than dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one.
Those left behind face unimaginable challenges when an individual is killed in a:
- Car accident
- On-the-job accident
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Or as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful behavior
In such instances, surviving family members also have the right to pursue justice in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit brought against the liable party.
What Compensation Is Available for Wrongful Death Claims?
At Farmer & Klopfer, our wrongful death lawyers serving Waldorf believe that no one should ever die as a result of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness.
However, when these tragedies do occur, our personal injury team is prepared to assist surviving family members obtain justice on behalf of their loved one. We strive to ensure that the liable party/parties are held responsible, both criminally and civilly.
Our personal injury team can help you seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Funeral, burial, and/or memorial service costs
- Lost wages/income—past, present, and future
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of expected income/inheritance
- Loss of consortium, support, and household services
In some instances, we may also be able to assist you in seeking punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to hold especially negligent parties responsible and ensure that such tragedies do not occur again in the future.
Call our wrongful death lawyers today at 301-241-0221 or fill out and submit an online contact form to request a completely free and confidential consultation.
Wrongful Death FAQ:
What is the Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland?
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
How do you prove negligence in a wrongful death case?
- Duty of Care: Show that the defendant owed a legal obligation to the deceased individual to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the defendant failed to meet the expected standard of care, such as through reckless behavior or negligence.
- Causation: Establish a direct link between the defendant's actions or negligence and the wrongful death, showing that it would not have occurred otherwise.
- Foreseeability: Prove that a reasonable person could have anticipated the harm resulting from the defendant's actions or negligence.
- Damages: Provide evidence of the financial losses and emotional suffering experienced due to the wrongful death.
What's the difference between a wrongful death claim and a criminal case?
A wrongful death claim and a criminal case in Maryland have distinct purposes and standards:
Wrongful Death Claim:
- Purpose: Seeks compensation for the losses suffered by surviving family members due to the death.
- Burden of Proof: Based on a preponderance of the evidence, showing it is more likely than not that the defendant's negligence or wrongful conduct caused the death.
- Outcome: Successful claim can result in financial compensation for various damages.
- Defendant: Typically a person, company, or entity whose negligence or intentional actions contributed to the death.
Criminal Case:
- Purpose: Holds an individual accountable for violating criminal laws and seeks punishment.
- Burden of Proof: Requires proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a higher standard.
- Outcome: Conviction may lead to criminal penalties like imprisonment or fines.
- Prosecutor: Represents the state or government in bringing charges against the accused.
While both can arise from the same incident, evidence in a criminal case can impact a subsequent wrongful death claim.
Put an Award-Winning Legal Team on Your Side
At Farmer & Klopfer, our wrongful death lawyers serving Waldorf employ an aggressive approach to negotiations and trial. However, when it comes to working with our clients, we understand that you are going through perhaps the most difficult time in your life. Our wrongful death lawyers in Waldorf are consistently available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the caring, compassionate, and personalized legal guidance you need and deserve. You can rely on our team to serve as your zealous legal advocate throughout every stage of the process.
We provide our services on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs for you; instead, our attorneys only collect fees if/when they secure compensation on your behalf. Incidental costs may apply.
For a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, contact us online or by phone at 301-241-0221
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