There is nothing quite as heartbreaking as losing a loved one. This is especially difficult if this loss was sudden, along with if this loss was due to the negligence of another party. Follow along to find out if you can file a wrongful death claim after your loss and how one of the proficient Howard County wrongful death attorneys at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can help you strategize your legal plan.
Can I file a wrongful death claim in the state of Maryland?
You must understand that, though you may have been impacted by the loss of your loved one, there is still a specific hierarchy of surviving beneficiaries that are eligible to receive wrongful death benefits in the state of Maryland. Notably, the first level of claimants includes the following relatives:
- The surviving spouse.
- The surviving children.
- The surviving parents.
But if there are no such surviving relatives, then anyone related by marriage or by blood may file a claim.
Under what circumstances should I file a wrongful death claim?
Once you confirm that you are a rightful claimant to wrongful death benefits, you must ensure that the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death constitute a claim. In other words, you may file a wrongful death claim under the following circumstances:
- Your loved one unexpectedly passed on due to the negligence of another party.
- Your loved one unexpectedly passed on under circumstances in which they would have otherwise been entitled to financial compensation.
- You, as a surviving beneficiary, have unexpectedly incurred damages as a result of this wrongful death.
What damages may I recover with a successful claim?
Not only are there emotional burdens that come with losing your loved one, but there are undoubtedly financial burdens as well. Rest assured, with a successful wrongful death claim, you may be able to retrieve the financial compensation that you require to heal. Though it will not make up for your loss, it may make up for the following damages:
- Your funeral and burial expenses.
- Your loved one’s medical expenses.
- Your emotional pain and suffering.
- Your mental anguish.
- Your loss of enjoyment of life.
- Your loved one’s lost wages, which they would have otherwise used to financially support their beneficiaries.
- Your loss of society, companionship, etc., which you would have otherwise received from your loved one.
- Your loss of marital care, parental care, filial care, etc., which you would have otherwise received from your loved one.
So, if you are ready to kickstart your claim, you must contact a talented Howard County personal injury attorney. Importantly, you must do so before the state of Maryland’s statute of limitations, which is typically three years from the date of your loved one’s death. Give us a call today.
