When a person dies at the hand of another, or when a family member suffers such cruel destiny, the matter usually ends up as a type of personal injury lawsuit. In this case, the personal injury case becomes a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawyer in Harford County, MD helps clients with this tragic matter. The following are some things people should bear in mind when handling the case.
Understanding Legal Facts About Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Maryland
Every state or Commonwealth has a statute of limitations when it comes to filing a lawsuit for a personal injury or any civil matter. In Maryland, the time limit is three years from the date of the death of the loved one. If the parties who have responsibility for filing the lawsuit fail to file it in the proper Maryland civil court in that time frame, any opportunity for the case to be heard will be gone. No damages will be able to be awarded in that case.
More About the Damages
The damages are determined by whether the amount is for a survival claim or wrongful death claim. Damages in a survival claim would include matters like funeral and burial expenses, damages for what the deceased person suffered, and medical bills related to the deceased person’s injury or illness. Damages related to wrongful death are due to a loss of wages because of the survivors losing the income. They are also due to the survivors losing the companionship of the deceased.
Who Is Able to File Wrongful Death Claims?
Not every individual related to a person can rightfully file a wrongful death lawsuit. Examples of those who can file include primary beneficiaries (which would be the spouse, parents or children), and the secondary beneficiaries (siblings, nieces and nephews). In some cases, cousins may also be given the right to file the lawsuit.
Who Can Help with the Lawsuit?
There are many competent attorneys in the Towson, Maryland area who can assist clients with filing cases. The Law Offices of Stephen A. Markey, III helps clients file their wrongful death lawsuits. If any potential clients are looking for a wrongful death lawyer in Harford County, MD, this law firm is available. Visit the website at Markeylawfirm.com for more information.
