The loss of a loved one is always difficult to come to terms with, but it’s even worse if the death occurred because of someone else’s negligence. In those instances, you may have a right to file a wrongful death claim to get compensation.
Read on to learn about Baltimore, MD’s wrongful death statistics and why you need a lawyer if a loved one has died in an accident. If you need legal assistance, contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers at (410) 837-2144 for a free consultation with a Baltimore wrongful death lawyer.
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How WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Wrongful Death Claim in Baltimore, MD
Many types of negligent incidents can lead to the death of a loved one, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and slip and fall accidents. If you’ve suffered a loss of this kind, turning to experienced attorneys allows you to get the compensation you deserve. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we can offer the guidance you need during this difficult time.
We provide services that include:
- Assessing your claim during a free initial consultation
- Investigating your loved one’s death
- Gathering evidence to prove the claim
- Negotiating with other parties
- Advocating for you and your loved one in court if necessary
Our Baltimore personal injury lawyers have over 80 years of combined experience. Our team can provide the compassion you need while still aggressively advocating for your rights. Contact our law office to discuss your wrongful death case in Baltimore, Maryland.
Understanding Wrongful Death Statistics in Baltimore, MD
Wrongful death refers to an act of negligence or wrongdoing that led to someone’s death; if the person had lived, they would be able to collect damages. Wrongful death can occur as a result of a variety of actions.
Vehicular accidents lead to a significant number of wrongful deaths in Maryland. In 2023, there were 238 fatalities due to collisions in the state. In 2022, Baltimore City experienced 45 fatal crashes, resulting in 46 deaths. Many types of driver errors can lead to collisions, including intoxicated, distracted, and fatigued driving.
Medical malpractice also leads to wrongful deaths. In the U.S., between 235,000 and 440,000 people die each year because of preventable adverse events while in the hospital. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Maternal death rates are particularly high in Maryland compared to the rest of the country.
Workplace accidents are also a cause of wrongful deaths, especially on construction sites. The Maryland private construction industry sector had the highest number of worker fatalities in the country in 2021. In 2020, there were 59 fatal work injuries throughout Maryland.
Another cause of wrongful deaths in Maryland is defective products. These can lead to burns, falls, and many other injuries — all of which could be fatal.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland
Unlike other kinds of personal injury claims, the victims of wrongful death can’t speak for themselves, so it is up to their families to do it for them. Some states pose limitations on who can file a wrongful death claim, but that’s not the case in Maryland.
The parents, spouse, or children of the deceased can file a lawsuit. If the person had no spouse, children, or parents, any person related by blood or marriage who was dependent on the deceased can file the claim.
To begin, you need to have a Maryland wrongful death lawyer helping you. The complexities of these claims require experience. Although this isn’t a criminal case, and you don’t have to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, you still have to demonstrate that the other party is liable. This often involves providing proof of their negligence.
This entails first proving that they had a duty of care toward the deceased and that they breached it. For example, anyone driving a vehicle has a responsibility toward everyone else on the road to obey traffic laws and drive safely. If they engaged in behaviors like intoxicated or distracted driving, they breached that duty of care.
You then have to show that their actions led to your loved one’s death. In the above example, you’d have to prove that driving intoxicated or distracted led to the fatal accident. And, finally, you must show that you’ve suffered damages due to your loss.
None of this is simple, especially if you’re dealing with grief. Your lawyer will work with you to gather evidence and, if necessary, take your case to court.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Baltimore Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one in Baltimore because of someone else’s negligence, you need the help of skilled personal injury attorneys. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer the support you deserve after these kinds of losses. Contact our team to speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland.