What Are the Steps For Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Baltimore?

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence in Baltimore, MD, is a heartbreaking experience.

In addition to the emotional pain, families often encounter serious financial difficulties. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can offer both justice and financial compensation, but it’s important to understand the timeline and procedures involved.

At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, our Baltimore wrongful death attorneys bring 80 years of combined experience and have secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients. We can guide you through the process of pursuing a wrongful death case in Baltimore, Maryland, and help you take the necessary legal actions against the responsible party.

Contact us at (410) 837-2144 to find out how our Baltimore wrongful death lawyers can assist you during this challenging time. Your first consultation is free, and you won’t owe us any attorney fees unless we achieve results for you.

How Can WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Help With a Wrongful Death Case in Baltimore, Maryland?

How Can WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Help With a Wrongful Death Case in Baltimore, Maryland?

Handling the intricacies of a wrongful death lawsuit in Baltimore, MD, demands both legal knowledge and a compassionate touch. The Baltimore personal injury lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience in managing these delicate cases.

We’re committed to handling your case with the highest level of care and accuracy. Our aim is to provide full support, helping to ease your legal burdens so you can concentrate on healing and honoring your loved one. 

Here’s how our Baltimore personal injury attorneys can assist:

  • Gather crucial evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness testimonies
  • Identify all parties responsible for the wrongful death
  • Work with experts to strengthen your case
  • Draft and send a demand letter detailing the damages being pursued
  • Negotiate settlements with the liable party’s insurance company or legal team
  • Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be achieved

With a deep knowledge of Maryland’s wrongful death laws, we offer the distinct advantage of being a local law firm that knows the community and the court system, increasing the chances of a smooth process. 

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our Baltimore, MD, offices today to schedule your free case review with a Baltimore wrongful death lawyer.

Understand Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland

Wrongful death claims in Maryland are legal actions pursued by the surviving family members of an individual who has died as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.

These claims aim to compensate the family for their losses, which may include medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional pain. Maryland law permits specific relatives, such as spouses, children, and parents, to initiate these claims.

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Maryland is typically three years from the date of the individual’s death. However, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are upheld and that all deadlines are met.

A wrongful death case in Baltimore involves a structured approach designed to secure justice and compensation for the deceased’s family. 

Send a Demand Letter

Once sufficient evidence is gathered, we draft and send a demand letter to the responsible party or their insurance company, outlining the wrongful death claims and the compensation sought.

Negotiate

We engage in negotiations with the opposing party in an attempt to reach a fair settlement without the need for a trial. This includes several rounds of discussions and may involve mediation.

File a Lawsuit

If negotiations do not result in an agreeable settlement, we file a formal lawsuit in the appropriate court. This ensures you can fight for full compensation at trial if necessary. 

Pre-Trial Discovery

During the pre-trial phase, both parties engage in the discovery process, where they exchange all relevant documents, depositions, and other evidence. This phase may allow you to strengthen your claim as additional evidence may be discovered. 

Hearings and Motions

Before the trial, there are often several hearings where motions to resolve certain legal issues may be presented and decided by the court.

Trial

If the case goes to trial, it will be either before a judge or a jury who will evaluate the evidence and determine liability and damages.

Appeals

Depending on the outcome, either party may file post-trial motions or appeals to contest the court’s decision.

Potentially Recover Compensation

Once a settlement is reached or a judgment is entered by the court, we undertake steps to ensure the compensation is collected and disbursed appropriately to the family.

After a settlement is reached in a wrongful death case, the distribution of the funds begins.

The settlement amount is first deposited into a trust or escrow account. From there, legal fees and case-related expenses, such as attorney fees, court costs, and costs for expert witnesses and investigations, are deducted. The remaining funds are then distributed to the beneficiaries in accordance with Maryland law and any agreements made among family members.

Often, the court oversees this distribution to ensure it is fair. WGK Personal Injury Lawyers assists in managing this process, offering guidance on both legal and financial matters to ensure that the settlement is handled smoothly and the family receives compensation.

Contact a Baltimore Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you are dealing with the devastating loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, seeking legal assistance quickly is essential.

At every step, WGK Personal Injury Lawyers provides dedicated and empathetic legal representation, ensuring that all proceedings are handled with utmost diligence to secure the best possible result for you and your family.

We are ready to offer the compassionate and skilled representation you require. Our team is committed to assisting families in Baltimore, MD, through the complexities of wrongful death cases, fighting for justice and fair compensation.

Get in touch with our experienced Baltimore wrongful death attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.