Losing a loved one prematurely is painful and tragic, and even more so when it was preventable. If a loved one you depended on has died needlessly due to someone's negligence, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to receive compensation. That said, proving wrongful death can be complicated, collecting a settlement may be difficult, and every state has different rules about who is entitled to a wrongful death claim. The entire process may seem more overwhelming what those that are left behind are dealing with.
For more than twenty years, the attorneys at RG Law, PLLC, has been helping people who have lost their loved ones due to someone else's negligence. We know how hard this time is for you and your family, which is why we offer compassionate legal representation that will help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can move on with your life.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought against the person or entity responsible for causing the untimely death of a loved one. The settlement in a wrongful death claim can help cover funeral costs and other expenses related to the loss, unpaid medical bills, future lost income, etc., as well as compensating family members for their grief and suffering. Examples of situations where wrongful death may occur include:
- Vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Work-related accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents/premises liability
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
To file a wrongful death claim, you must have a legal right to do so—and every state has its own laws to determine eligibility. In some states, only immediate family members may file for compensation in the death of a loved one. In others, the list extends to domestic partners or other beneficiaries. Within our practice area, the State of Maryland prioritizes "primary beneficiaries" (spouse, parents, children) for wrongful death claims and only allows other dependents to file as "secondary beneficiaries" if no one else is eligible. In both Virginia and Washington, DC, only the personal representative or executor of the estate can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of any eligible beneficiaries. (You can see how complicated things can get.)
How We Can Help
At RG Law, we have extensive knowledge and experience with wrongful death claims. We have a track record of success, even in complicated situations where the beneficiaries are unclear, or it's difficult to hold the responsible party accountable. We realize every person and every case is unique, so we make a point of listening and evaluating carefully to ensure your case gets the personalized attention it deserves.
Suffering the loss of a loved one is difficult enough without losing the support that person would have provided. We work to make sure you get the compensation you deserve so you can avoid additional losses and begin to move forward. For a free initial consultation to discuss your case and determine whether you're eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, contact us today.