WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | August 8, 2025 | Wrongful Death
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can create tensions in families that are already grieving the death of a loved one. Understanding Maryland’s laws regarding who receives the money in a wrongful death lawsuit may help alleviate the strain on relationships.
Who Is Entitled to Compensation in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Maryland Law, certain parties are granted the ability to pursue a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one after a wrongful death. First, the kind of legal relationship you had with the deceased victim will be important to establish. In Maryland, primary beneficiaries are typically identified as the victim’s spouse, parent, or children (legally adopted or biological).
If the victim has no surviving primary beneficiaries, anyone financially dependent on the victim or related by marriage or blood may be eligible to file the lawsuit. Examples of this type of beneficiary may include:
- Cousins
- Nieces/Nephews
- Siblings
- Other relatives
All known beneficiaries must be notified and allowed to participate when the lawsuit is filed. Primary beneficiaries have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit first, and secondary beneficiaries could be prohibited from claiming compensation.
There are exceptions to this if enough supporting evidence is supplied to prove the dependency on and strong relationship with the deceased. Speaking with a wrongful death lawyer in Baltimore, MD, can help you understand where you stand.
Potential Compensation Family Members May Receive
The average wrongful death settlement in Baltimore can vary greatly. Every case is unique, and calculating the amount of potential compensation can be challenging. In cases where the liable party acted with extreme carelessness, the survivors may be entitled to receive more compensation, due to the trauma of the experience and the impact on the surviving family.
If you need help understanding the value of your wrongful death lawsuit, speak with a lawyer who has experience with accidental death claims.
When Do I Need to File My Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Baltimore, MD?
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland can be tricky, especially with the caveat that all potential beneficiaries should be notified. Getting started as soon as you can after the death of a loved one may improve your chances of receiving compensation. Evidence and testimony will be fresher, and you do not risk missing the due date to file your case.
Under Maryland law, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the victim’s death. Failing to meet this deadline may permanently bar you from recovering compensation for your family.
What Are Survival Actions?
Survival actions differ from wrongful death lawsuits in what kind of compensation may be claimed and who can claim it. Unlike wrongful death lawsuits that attempt to compensate for the losses caused by the death of a victim, survival actions attempt to compensate for the harm done to the victim prior to their death. Survival actions can include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
Both survival actions and wrongful death lawsuits may be pursued at the same time. A personal representative is necessary to file, as the deceased cannot represent themselves. Any financial amount awarded from survival actions will be parsed out as part of the deceased’s estate. If the deceased has a will, their beneficiaries will receive the money. Without a will, Maryland’s intestacy laws will determine who gets the money.
Hiring a local wrongful death lawyer may help you understand who is eligible to receive compensation after the wrongful death of a loved one. They will calculate the estimated amount that your lawsuit is worth and assist in contacting all potential beneficiaries. Contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Baltimore wrongful death attorney.
Contact the Baltimore Wrongful Death Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore wrongful death law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
