What is wrongful death?
Wrongful death refers to a situation where someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. Examples of wrongful death cases include car accidents caused by a drunk driver, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. In Maryland, wrongful death lawsuits are governed by the Maryland Wrongful Death Act.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland?
Under Maryland law, only certain family members are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. If there are no surviving family members in these categories, the next of kin may be able to file a lawsuit. It’s important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland is three years from the date of the person’s death.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit?
The damages that can be recovered in a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include things like medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and benefits, and the value of household services the deceased would have provided. Non-economic losses include the emotional pain and suffering of the surviving family members, loss of companionship and guidance, and loss of consortium.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit?
The damages that can be recovered in a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include things like medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and benefits, and the value of household services the deceased would have provided. Non-economic losses include the emotional pain and suffering of the surviving family members, loss of companionship and guidance, and loss of consortium.