Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one is devastating. Losing a loved one due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person can be even more traumatic. It is almost unimaginable that your life will ever feel normal again. Coping with a sudden loss can be made even more complicated when you are suddenly thrust into economic instability and have to worry about paying bills and keeping your family together.

At the Law Office of Paul A. Samakow, P.C., our legal team knows that justice for your family member can feel out of reach. We want you to know that our dedicated attorneys will fight to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions while also seeking meaningful compensation for your losses. We know that money can’t replace your family member, but it can offer you the stability you need to move forward with your life.

To learn more about how the Maryland and Virginia personal injury attorneys of the Law Office of Paul A. Samakow, P.C. can help you, call our office today at 703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515. The consultation is free and confidential.

Do I Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer? 

Yes. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you need to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Suddenly losing a loved one can send you on an emotionally turbulent journey. The last thing you want to do while mourning a family member is worry about paying bills or negotiating with an insurer. Yet, these are exactly the tasks that tend to fall on grieving family members’ shoulders. Hiring a wrongful death attorney means someone else can shoulder these heavy responsibilities, giving you the time and space to grieve in peace.

A wrongful death attorney can help you manage a wrongful death claim from start to finish. That may involve negotiating with an insurer on your behalf, or it could mean preparing a wrongful death lawsuit for civil court. At the Law Office of Paul A. Samakow, P.C., we’ll thoroughly review the circumstances of your case and will direct you toward legal options that offer you the best chance at a favorable outcome. With our team by your side, you can focus on your family and feel confident that your case is in good hands.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

While family members may be the ones most impacted by the death of a loved one, in Virginia, a wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed by the personate representative of the deceased’s estate. The personal representative is also sometimes referred to as an executor. The personal representative or executor of a person’s estate is typically named in the deceased person’s will.

Although the executor may file a lawsuit on the deceased individual’s behalf, any compensation recovered from a successful lawsuit will be distributed to the deceased person’s beneficiaries. Family members who may receive compensation recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit can include:

• Surviving spouse
• Surviving children or grandchildren
• Parents, siblings, or dependents who shared a household with the deceased

In Maryland, laws surrounding wrongful death are different. A deceased person’s spouse, parents, or children are generally permitted to file a lawsuit on behalf of a lost loved one.

Accidents that Can Result in a Wrongful Death 

Sometimes accidents can happen for seemingly no reason at all. Other times, accidents are the direct result of someone else’s negligent actions. When someone else is responsible for causing an accident, they can be held accountable for their actions through a wrongful death insurance claim or lawsuit. Some of the most common types of accidents that can trigger a wrongful death action include:

• Car accident
• Truck accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Pedestrian accident
• Workplace accident
• Medical malpractice
• Slip and fall accident
• Construction accident
• Defective products
• Dog or animal attacks
• Nursing home abuse or neglect

If your loved one was involved in an accident that caused their death, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney to discuss your legal options.

Compensation for a Wrongful Death Claim 

While money can’t bring back your family member, it can help provide you and your family with much-needed financial stability during an uncertain time. The amount you may be able to recover will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. However, you may be able to seek money for the following:

• Funeral costs
• Burial costs
• Medical bills from care before passing
• Lost income
• Loss of future income
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of companionship and support
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering

All claims are unique. A compassionate wrongful death attorney can review the specifics of your case and give you a more accurate assessment of what your claim may be worth.

Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims 

Grief has no time limit. Unfortunately, wrongful death cases do. In Virginia, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident victim’s death. Cases not filed in this timeframe can be dismissed without being heard, meaning you will have very few options available for recovering compensation.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits allows three years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions in cases where a person dies from an occupational disease. If you have questions about how long you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit, get in touch with a skilled wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.

Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney Immediately 

Losing a loved one may be one of the most painful experiences you go through in life. At the Law Office of Paul A. Samakow, P.C., we understand what a difficult time this can be for you and your family. You need advice, but more importantly, you need to be able to lean on someone you can trust.

At the Law Office of Paul A. Samakow, P.C., we move forward with wrongful death cases discreetly and professionally. Talk to one of our attorneys today to learn more about how we can help you navigate this difficult and confusing time. Call our office at 703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515 for a free and confidential case evaluation.