After the sudden loss of a loved one, families are often left with more questions than answers. In the middle of grieving, they may be trying to understand how the incident happened, who was responsible, and whether it could have been prevented.
If your family is looking for answers after a preventable loss, a Bethesda wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your rights and the legal options available. At Shore Law, we know that every family’s situation is different.
As trusted Bethesda personal injury lawyers, we help clients investigate fatal accidents, uncover critical evidence, and pursue accountability when a wrongful act leads to a tragic loss. With more than 40 years of combined experience, we have the resources and knowledge needed to handle complex wrongful death claims.
Wrongful Death Claims and Survival Actions in Maryland
Maryland law allows certain families to pursue compensation when a loved one’s death is caused by negligence. In some situations, there may actually be two separate legal claims arising from the same incident. Maryland recognizes both wrongful death claims and survival actions, but they address different types of losses.
A wrongful death claim is intended to compensate surviving family members for the impact the death has had on their lives. A survival action allows the deceased person’s estate to pursue damages connected to the injuries and losses suffered before death. Depending on the circumstances, those entitled to recover compensation may include:
- A surviving spouse: The husband or wife of the deceased.
- Children: Biological and legally adopted children.
- Parents: In certain cases involving the loss of a child.
- Other eligible relatives: Family members who may qualify under Maryland law.
Depending on the circumstances, these claims may involve medical expenses, lost financial support, and other damages suffered by surviving family members and primary beneficiaries. A Bethesda wrongful death attorney can help determine which claims may apply and who may be entitled to recover compensation.
Questions Families Often Have After a Fatal Accident
Many families come to us with the same concerns. They want to know what happened, whether the loss could have been prevented, and who should be held responsible.
Families are often forced to rely on information provided by an insurance carrier, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, or other parties involved in the incident. Unfortunately, those initial explanations do not always provide a complete picture.
Whether the death resulted from motor vehicle collisions, medical errors, or a defective or hazardous condition, identifying the underlying cause is often one of the most important parts of the investigation. Taking a closer look at the circumstances surrounding a death can help families better understand what happened and whether legal action may be appropriate.
Why Investigations Matter in Wrongful Death Cases
A wrongful death claim is only as strong as the evidence supporting it. That is one reason early investigation is often so important.
Our team works to identify and preserve evidence that may help establish liability. Depending on the circumstances, that may include:
- Medical records: Information that may help establish the extent of a person’s injuries, the treatment they received, and the events leading up to their death.
- Accident reports: Records created by law enforcement or investigating agencies that document the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Witness statements: Information from people with firsthand knowledge.
- Physical evidence: Photographs, videos, and other materials connected to the case.
In some cases, expert testimony may be needed to explain complicated medical issues, accident reconstruction findings, or questions involving a defendant’s duty of care.
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule can create additional challenges, making a thorough investigation especially important from the start.
How Our Bethesda Wrongful Death Attorneys Approach These Cases
Fatal accidents can happen in many different ways, from motor vehicle collisions and truck accidents to medical malpractice injuries, premises liability claims, defective products, and distracted driving crashes.
As Bethesda wrongful death attorneys, we take time to understand the details instead of assuming that the first version of events is complete. We review the evidence, consult qualified experts when needed, and look for facts that may have been missed early on.
Our firm is known for taking a thorough approach to case preparation. We use available technology, detailed analysis, and extensive litigation experience to build strong claims on behalf of our clients and their families.
Why Families Choose Shore Law
Most wrongful death lawsuits begin with confusion. It’s not uncommon for families to be given conflicting information regarding what occurred by an insurance company and even by investigators. The family may be left wondering what actually happened.
Our Bethesda wrongful death lawyers help families get the true facts and discover what actions might be taken in the future. We carry out thorough investigation work, examine the evidence at hand, and try to determine who was responsible for such damage.
No matter what type of incident it was, whether it was related to medical negligence or an accident, our goal remains the same.
Contact Shore Law Today
You may still have questions about what happened and what options are available moving forward. Speaking with an attorney can help you better understand your legal rights and whether a claim may be appropriate under Maryland law.
At Shore Law, we have recovered more than $250 million for clients and their families while handling a wide range of injury and wrongful death matters. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If you have questions about a wrongful death suit, survival action, or your family’s legal rights under Maryland law, we encourage you to contact Shore Law today. Our wrongful death attorneys in Bethesda are ready to discuss your situation and explain how we may be able to help.
