In Maryland, if a person is killed through the actions of another, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by surviving family members. The death could have been caused by the negligent/accidental behavior of the at-fault party or could have been caused by intentional criminal conduct. Some common causes of wrongful death resulting from negligence include:

• Maryland auto and other vehicular accidents — such accidents are not intended by the wrongdoers but result in fatalities; these accidents are different from deaths caused by criminal conduct
• Premises accidents — these occur because of unsafe and dangerous conditions that exist on property owned by a person or business; these cases might involve a business, for example, or a lawsuit against a landlord
• Defective products — in Maryland, making or selling dangerous and defective products can lead to wrongful death actions if a death results; examples include unsafe prescription drugs, dangerous toys or clothing for children, faulty machinery or parts, etc.
• Nursing home or other facility neglect — nursing home patients (and others confined to the care of similar facilities) can be neglected to such a degree that death results; in those cases, the facility can be sued for wrongful death
• Medical malpractice — wrongful death actions can also be brought where medical malpractice results in a fatality
• Workplace accidents — accidents that occur in a workplace setting can also result in death

As noted, wrongful death cases can also be brought when criminal acts or behavior cause death. An example might be when a person is killed during a home burglary. Maryland police will prosecute the offender for homicide. But a civil lawsuit can also be brought to hold the accused legally responsible to pay compensation for the wrongful killing.

Some circumstances are a combination of both negligent and criminal behavior. An example would be a traffic fatality where the at-fault driver was engaged in reckless and grossly negligent driving behavior, like speeding excessively over the speed limit.

If you think that the death of your loved one was caused by the negligent or criminal/intentional conduct of some other person or company, your best chance for obtaining the maximum compensation for you and your family is to seek legal assistance from experienced wrongful death attorneys like those here at the Law Office of Robert Castro. Use our contact page or call us at (301) 870-1200. Wrongful death cases are complex, and you will need good legal services to obtain justice and full compensation. We have offices in Waldorf, Maryland, and offer wrongful death legal services throughout Southern Maryland.

The types of damages that can be sought in a wrongful death action are damages suffered by the surviving family members. These include categories like:

• Loss of financial support — loss of earnings contributed to the family’s support
• Loss of society — loss of the comfort, nurturing, and companionship of the deceased
• Loss of other benefits like health insurance
• Loss of consortium — for spouses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Mental distress and emotional pain

In some cases, particularly those involving criminal conduct, the surviving family members may be able to obtain punitive damages.

Contact Waldorf, MD, Personal Injury Attorney Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Personal Injury lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.