Connect With DC And Columbia’s Trusted Wrongful Death Attorneys
When negligence or wrongdoing takes a loved one from you, the law allows you to seek justice in the form of compensation for everything you’ve lost. Our dedicated wrongful death lawyers stand ready to offer both legal guidance and emotional support as you do so.
For over two decades, our legal team at The Ingram Firm, L.L.C., has stood beside grieving Maryland and D.C. families from our Columbia office. While we understand that a wrongful death lawsuit cannot bring back your loved one, we believe in pursuing accountability from those responsible for your loss. Wrongful death lawsuits often provide both much-needed financial support and emotional closure during a difficult time. We will handle every detail of your wrongful death case with the compassion, dignity and determination your loved one’s memory deserves.
What Is A Wrongful Death Claim?
When someone dies because of another person’s careless or harmful actions, the family can ask for help through what we call a wrongful death claim. This type of claim is a civil case separate from any criminal charges the at-fault party may face.
Many of these heartbreaking losses result from preventable incidents. We see this in fatal car accidents and truck collisions caused by reckless drivers. We also see it in deadly pedestrian accidents where a driver was not paying attention. In any wrongful death case, our job is to prove that another party’s actions directly caused your loved one’s death.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Maryland?
Maryland law establishes a priority system for wrongful death claims, giving the first right to the closest family members. These individuals are called primary beneficiaries and include the deceased’s surviving spouse, surviving parents and surviving children.
If the deceased person has no primary beneficiary, the law allows other family members to step forward to file a wrongful death claim. These other family members include relatives by blood or marriage if they were substantially dependent on the deceased for financial support.
Is It Difficult To Win A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death lawsuits do present significant challenges. To succeed, we must prove that another party’s negligence or wrongful act directly caused your loved one’s death. Insurance companies and their legal teams often work hard to dispute wrongful death claims and minimize the amount they are required to pay. We understand that facing this kind of opposition seems impossible while you are grieving. This is where our team steps in.
We take on the entire legal burden for you. Our skilled personal injury attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. We gather critical evidence such as police reports, witness statements and medical records. We aim to build a strong and persuasive case that clearly shows why the other party is at fault for the wrongful death.
What Is Needed For A Wrongful Death Case?
When someone you love dies because of another person’s actions, we need to gather specific information to build your wrongful death case. We take on this work so you can focus on your family during this painful time. Here’s what we need for your case:
- Proof of duty of care: We first show that the at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act with reasonable care. For example, every driver on the road has a duty to operate their vehicle safely and avoid harming others.
- Evidence of negligence or wrongdoing: Next, we prove that the person or company failed to uphold their responsibility through a careless or wrongful act. A driver who was texting or speeding has breached their duty of care, for example.
- Direct causation: We must then connect that breach of duty directly to the wrongful death. This critical step involves proving that the fatal incident would not have occurred without the other party’s negligence or wrongful action.
- Documentation of damages: We need to document the full range of your family’s losses resulting from the wrongful death. This includes financial burdens like lost income and funeral expenses, as well as noneconomic damages, such as the loss of companionship and emotional suffering.
- Expert testimony: We often work with professionals to explain key parts of your wrongful death case. An accident reconstructionist can show how a crash occurred, for example. Meanwhile, a financial analyst can project a lifetime of lost income.
Bringing these elements together in a wrongful death case is a detailed and demanding task. Our firm manages all this legal work from filing the right papers to arguing your case. We are here to carry that legal weight for you.
How Long Does A Wrongful Death Case Take?
While we know you want a clear answer to this question, the truth is that every wrongful death case follows its own unique timeline. Some cases may resolve in several months through a settlement. Others can take a year or longer, especially if we must take the case to trial.
Throughout this journey, our team works to move your case forward as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of our work. While we cannot rush the legal system, we promise to stand with your family every step of the way.
Schedule A Free Consultation For Your Wrongful Death Case In Maryland
We bring over 25 years of experience to help your family find justice and peace through a wrongful death lawsuit. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explain how we might help your family. We know that the pain of losing someone you love cannot be measured in words or money. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case with care and dedication. Call our office at 410-541-1570 or complete this online form to schedule an appointment.
