Maryland Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one is never easy, but it is even worse when the death happens because a person or company was careless, negligent, or did something wrong intentionally that caused the death to occur. In situations like this one, you need a compassionate personal injury lawyer who can fight hard to get you fair compensation for an unimaginable loss. JD James Law can help.
We bring decades of experience to the table and have a long history of satisfied clients who know we treated them as more than just another case during their time of grief, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Give us a call at (844) 455-2637 to schedule your free consultation with a Maryland wrongful death attorney who can offer the help and support you need to fight for your future.
Who Can Make a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim?
When negligence or wrongdoing results in injury, the victim of the carelessness or bad behavior can pursue a claim to recover compensation for injuries. When the victim sadly passes away from their injuries, however, it is left to the family members to pursue justice.
Maryland Code Section 3-904 establishes the rules for bringing a wrongful death claim, including making clear that the claim should be brought on behalf of surviving spouses and children, or, if there are no surviving spouses and children, on behalf of those related to “the deceased person by blood or marriage” and/or who were “substantially dependent upon the deceased.”
JD James Law can assist you in understanding who has legal standing to pursue a claim in order to help ensure that the right party navigates the civil justice system to ensure justice is done.
How to Prove a Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland
If you have a legal right to pursue a Maryland wrongful death claim, you will need to demonstrate that the defendant:
- Owed a legal duty: For example, a driver must obey traffic signals, stop at stop signs, and follow the speed limit and other safety rules. Drivers must also exercise reasonable care behind the wheel, as this is a duty every driver owes to others sharing the road. A property owner, on the other hand, has a duty to make the premises reasonably safe for invited guests.
- Breached a legal duty: A defendant can be held liable for a wrongful death only if the defendant failed to live up to his basic obligations to follow safety rules, not to be unreasonably careless, and not to intentionally cause harm to others. Victims can show a breach of duty by demonstrating negligence in the form of a rule violation or showing the defendant behaved less carefully than a hypothetical average reasonable person would have under the circumstances.
- Caused the death to occur as a result: The negligent actions of the defendant must have been the direct cause of the fatality.
- Suffered damages: The deceased and surviving loved ones left behind must have suffered damage or harm. This can include economic damage, such as loss of the deceased person’s wages, as well as non-financial damages, including loss of companionship and emotional distress. Damages can also be collected for medical bills incurred prior to death, as well as for funeral costs.
Often, defendants accused of causing a wrongful death don’t want to take responsibility for what they have done, nor do the insurers representing them. As a result, it will be up to you to build the strongest claim possible, both by showing the defendant caused the death and demonstrating the extent of your damages.
If you have clear evidence that the defendant was the cause of the fatality and you can show clearly how substantial your losses are, you should be able to maximize the compensation you can recover.
What Does a Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
At JD James Law, our wrongful death attorneys have decades of experience representing clients who have lost loved ones.
We understand the ins and outs of the law, but just as importantly, we know how stressful the aftermath of losing a loved one can be. Our goal is to take the weight off your shoulders and do everything possible to get you the funds needed to move forward while you are focusing on recovery.
Some of the tasks our Maryland wrongful death lawyers cover include:
- Determining all the parties liable for losses: Sometimes, there are multiple defendants who share blame. If a person causes a death while negligently performing work tasks, for example, then the company that employs the careless individual could be held liable for losses
- Negotiating a settlement when possible: We aim to avoid the stress of going through a full trial for your wrongful death claim. We have stood up to some of the biggest insurance companies serving the Maryland area, and insurers know to take us seriously when we advocate for our clients.
- Litigating in court: We are ready to put together a very strong and compelling claim if no settlement is reached, so we can convince the court to award the compensation that you need, including a lifetime of lost wages and lost companionship
We will start from day one, gathering evidence to build a strong claim, and you will have 24/7 access to your attorney so you can always get your questions answered and your needs met as you go through the process of pursuing justice.
Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney at JD James Law For Legal Guidance Today
Maryland wrongful death claims can result in substantial compensation because there is a tremendous amount lost when someone you love faces an untimely death.
You need to get the right legal help to make sure you are maximizing the compensation you collect so you can have the financial security you deserve, even when your loved one and their contributions were taken from you.
JD James Law is ready to fight for you to hold those who caused the death accountable. Contact us today to talk with a Maryland wrongful death attorney to learn about the services we provide. Not only is your consultation free, but there are no legal fees charged unless you win.