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Wrongful Death

Waldorf Wrongful Death Attorneys

What is Considered a Wrongful Death?

family members at funeral mourning loss of loved one

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) 265-2220 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:

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) 265-2220 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?

In the state of Maryland, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is three years from the date of death. IF you do not file a claim within this time frame than you will lose your right to do so. That is why you should contact our wrongful death lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer right away to get started.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Maryland’s wrongful death laws allow surviving loved ones to seek fair compensation for damages in the wake of their loss. While no amount of money can ever “compensate” you for your loss, a fair recovery can help you navigate an uncertain future and help ensure that similar tragedies don’t occur again in the future.

How do you prove negligence in a wrongful death case?

To prove negligence in a wrongful death case, certain key elements must be established:
  • 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) 265-2220. 

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    James Farmer and his team exceeded all expectations! I had a very serious criminal case and his firm was recommended to me by a family member. I was incarcerated during this time and he and his associate Stephanie came to update me on multiple occasions on the progress of my case. They were not only professional but the amount of time and energy they put into my case showed me true dedication that goes far beyond a paycheck! They prepared for trial, but in the end was able to work out a plea deal that did not include any jail time. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. I highly recommend Mr. Farmer and his team for any criminal case!
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    I couldn’t be happier with the service I received from this law firm. I felt comfortable from the minute I first walked through the door. I had less than two weeks before the expiration of my personal injury filing date and was overwhelmed. My first appointment was with Elizabeth who took my huge stack of papers with a smile and said, “Let me take care of this for you.” Although all of the staff that I encountered were wonderful, my main experience was with Mr. Farmer and Elizabeth who were both kind, sympathetic, reassuring and more importantly, very knowledgeable. My case was handled professionally and in a timely fashion. My case was recently concluded and I am very happy with the outcome and would not hesitate to use them again or recommend them to my friends and family in the future. Need a good law firm, no need to look further.
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    Mr. Farmer and his team were impressive through their work effort and detailed approach in every phase the Civil Court Personal Injury case. They also were responsive to any questions/concerns, supportive and communicated well through out the process. In the end, a satisfactory settlement was achieved. Mr. Farmer would be a wise choice for anyone pursuing legal justice and/or a defense.

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