When a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, the pain and confusion can feel overwhelming. At CHASENBOSCOLO, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help you pursue the compensation your family deserves. An experienced Waldorf wrongful death lawyer from our firm has recovered millions of dollars for families in Maryland, and we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Choose CHASENBOSCOLO for Your Wrongful Death Claim
Losing a family member is never easy. A wrongful death claim shouldn’t add to your burden. CHASENBOSCOLO has been serving families in Waldorf and throughout Maryland since 1986. Our team includes multiple Super Lawyers and AV-rated attorneys. We have recovered over $1.1 billion for injured clients and grieving families. We’ve handled hundreds of wrongful death cases involving car accidents, workplace fatalities, medical malpractice, and nursing home neglect.
Our Commitment to Personalized Service
What sets our Waldorf personal injury lawyers apart is our commitment to personalized service. We don’t treat your case as just another file. Our attorneys take time to understand your family’s needs. We answer your questions and keep you informed every step of the way. We have a local office in Waldorf at 3010 Crain Highway, Suite 301. We’re right here in your community. We’re available 24/7 because grief doesn’t follow business hours. Call (301) 220-0050 to speak with a Waldorf wrongful death attorney today.
Our Track Record of Results
Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and a proven track record. We have recovered millions of dollars for families through settlements and jury verdicts. Our team includes multiple Super Lawyers recognized by Thomson Reuters. We hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. These credentials reflect our commitment to excellence and our success in helping families recover compensation. Our results page showcases the verdicts and settlements we’ve achieved for our clients.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Waldorf, Maryland?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action filed when someone dies as a result of another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct. In Maryland, the law recognizes that when a person’s death results from someone else’s careless or intentional actions, the deceased’s family members have the right to seek compensation. Maryland law provides specific statutes governing these claims, including Maryland Code § 3-904, which outlines the legal framework for wrongful death actions. Additionally, Maryland Code § 5-101 establishes the statute of limitations for filing these critical claims.
Wrongful Death vs. Criminal Cases
It’s important to understand that a wrongful death claim differs from a criminal case. A criminal case focuses on punishing the person who caused the death. A wrongful death claim is a civil matter. It focuses on compensating the family for their losses. The person responsible doesn’t have to face a criminal conviction for you to file a wrongful death claim. Understanding this distinction helps families pursue justice through the appropriate legal channels.
The Statute of Limitations
Maryland law gives families three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you wait longer than three years, you may lose your right to pursue compensation forever. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your loved one’s death. Our Waldorf personal injury lawyers can guide you through this critical timeline and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Waldorf
Wrongful deaths can happen in many different situations. Some of the most common causes we handle include:
- Car accidents caused by distracted, reckless, or drunk drivers
- Workplace accidents, including construction site falls and equipment failures
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis
- Premises liability incidents, like slip and falls or inadequate security
- Defective products that cause fatal injuries
- Criminal acts where the property owner failed to provide adequate security
How We Investigate Your Case
Each case is unique. The circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death will affect how we approach your claim. We investigate thoroughly to identify all responsible parties. We gather evidence to support your case. Then, we will work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build a strong case on your behalf. Our Maryland wrongful death attorneys have the experience and resources to handle even the most complex investigations. We understand the nuances of how to prove negligence in these sensitive matters.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Maryland law allows families to recover several types of compensation in a wrongful death case. Understanding what you may be entitled to helps you make informed decisions about your claim.
Economic Damages
You can recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses. You can also recover medical bills and end-of-life care costs incurred before your loved one’s death. If your family member was the primary earner, you can recover compensation for lost wages. This includes the financial support they would have provided. It covers not just past earnings, but also future earnings your loved one would have made. Our attorneys can help you document pain and suffering to maximize your claim and ensure all economic damages are properly calculated.
Non-Economic Damages
Beyond financial losses, Maryland law recognizes the emotional impact of losing a loved one. You can recover compensation for loss of companionship. This recognizes the relationship you had with the deceased. You can also recover for emotional pain and suffering, recover for loss of care and counsel, and loss of guidance. In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Understanding the full scope of non-economic damages is essential to maximizing your recovery.
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions
Many families are confused about the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action. Understanding this distinction is important because both may apply to your situation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by the family members who survive the deceased. It compensates the family for losing their loved one. This includes lost financial support, lost companionship, and emotional pain and suffering. Our Maryland wrongful death lawyers can explain how these claims work in your specific situation and help you understand your family’s rights.
What Is a Survival Action?
A survival action focuses on what the deceased person suffered before death. If your loved one was conscious and in pain after the accident but before death, a survival action applies. You can recover compensation for that pain and suffering. The recovery from a survival action goes to the deceased’s estate. This is distinct from the wrongful death claim, which benefits the surviving family members. Both types of claims may be pursued simultaneously in Maryland.
When Both Claims Apply
In many cases, both a wrongful death claim and a survival action apply. For example, if someone is injured in a car accident and dies days later in the hospital, the family can pursue both claims. The wrongful death claim compensates the family for their loss. The survival action compensates for the deceased’s pain and suffering during those days in the hospital. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand which claims apply to your situation.
How CHASENBOSCOLO Handles Your Wrongful Death Case
When you contact CHASENBOSCOLO, we begin with a free, confidential consultation. During this meeting, we listen to your story and answer your questions. We explain your legal rights. We discuss what compensation you may be entitled to. There’s no pressure and no obligation. Call (301) 220-0050 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with our Waldorf wrongful death lawyers.
Our Investigation Process
If you decide to work with us, we handle everything. We conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your loved one’s death. We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. Then, we identify all responsible parties. This may include a negligent driver, a property owner, a manufacturer, or a healthcare provider. Our team of experienced attorneys brings decades of combined experience to every case. We understand the importance of documenting evidence early in the process.
Settlement Negotiations and Trial
We then negotiate with insurance companies and the responsible parties’ attorneys. Most wrongful death cases settle without going to trial. We work hard to reach a fair settlement. This settlement fully compensates your family for your losses. If the other side won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients through jury verdicts. We understand the complexities of settlement negotiations and are prepared to advocate aggressively for your family.
Keeping You Informed
Throughout the process, we keep you informed. We answer your calls and emails promptly. We explain legal concepts in plain language. You understand what’s happening with your case. We handle all the legal work. You can focus on grieving and healing. Our commitment to communication sets us apart from other Maryland personal injury firms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Maryland?
You have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim in Maryland. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you don’t file within three years, you lose your right to pursue compensation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule in certain circumstances. It’s important to speak with an attorney right away. Our Waldorf wrongful death lawyers can review your specific situation and ensure you meet all critical deadlines.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Waldorf?
Maryland law specifies who can file a wrongful death claim. Primary beneficiaries include the deceased’s spouse, children, and parents. If there are no primary beneficiaries, secondary beneficiaries such as siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives may be able to file. The specific rules can be complex. It’s important to discuss your situation with an attorney. Our Maryland wrongful death attorneys can determine who has standing to file in your case. Learn more about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland.
What do I need to prove in a wrongful death lawsuit?
To win a wrongful death claim, you must prove four things. First, you must show that the defendant owed a duty of care to your loved one. For example, all drivers owe a duty to drive safely. Second, you must show that the defendant breached that duty. This happens through negligent or wrongful conduct. Third, you must show that the breach caused your loved one’s death. Finally, you must show that your family suffered damages as a result of the death. Understanding how to prove negligence is critical to your case’s success.
How much is my wrongful death claim worth?
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on many factors. These include your loved one’s age, earning potential, health status, and life expectancy. They also include the nature of your relationship with the deceased. They include the financial support they provided. Cases involving young children or high-earning professionals typically result in higher compensation. We evaluate all these factors to determine what your claim may be worth. Our results page demonstrates the range of compensation we’ve recovered for families.
What if the person who caused the death was also killed?
If the person responsible for your loved one’s death was also killed in the same incident, your wrongful death claim can still proceed. The fact that the defendant died doesn’t eliminate their liability. It doesn’t eliminate your family’s right to compensation. We would pursue the claim against the defendant’s estate or their insurance company.
Do I have to go to trial?
Most wrongful death cases settle without going to trial. We work hard to negotiate a fair settlement. We work with the insurance company or the responsible party’s attorney. However, if they won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We aren’t afraid to fight for your family in front of a jury. Understanding your options between settlement and litigation is crucial to making the right decision for your family.
What should I do immediately after a loved one's death?
After your loved one’s death, take these important steps. First, seek medical attention for anyone injured. Second, contact law enforcement to file a report. Third, gather contact information from witnesses. Fourth, take photos of the accident scene if it’s safe to do so. Fifth, preserve evidence such as clothing or damaged property. Finally, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights. Learn more about why you should always call the police after an accident.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
The timeline for a wrongful death case varies. Some cases settle within months. Others take a year or more. Cases that go to trial typically take longer than cases that settle. We work as efficiently as possible while ensuring we pursue maximum compensation for your family. We keep you informed about the expected timeline throughout the process.
Contact CHASENBOSCOLO for a Free Wrongful Death Consultation
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Call (301) 220-0050 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Waldorf wrongful death lawyer. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Let CHASENBOSCOLO help your family get the justice and compensation you deserve.