When you lose a loved one due to the negligent or intentional act of another, the pain is unimaginable. That kind of loss rips a hole in the very fabric of a family and its repercussions can often last a lifetime. Not only does it create emotional upheaval, it often creates financial distress, especially when the lost loved one is the breadwinner of the family.
Unfortunately, wrongful death happens all too often in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (“NHTSA”), more than 32,000 car accidents result in fatalities every year. Medical negligence – another cause of wrongful death – kills another 100,000 people every year.
When someone you love suffers a wrongful death, knowing where turn makes all the difference. While nothing can bring them back, a wrongful death attorney can help you and your family get justice and the financial compensation you deserve to get your life back. If you believe that you have a wrongful death claim, contact a Maryland wrongful death attorney today at the Law Office of Nancy Miller and Mark Miller for a free consultation.
Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim is a claim brought by either the surviving family members or the representatives of a decedent’s estate against a person or entity who caused a loved one’s death, whether intentionally or through negligence.
Wrongful death claims usually arise from situations where, had they lived, the decedent would have had a personal injury claim against the culpable party for their negligent or intentional conduct. These claims typically arise in the following contexts:
- Car Accidents – More than 100 people die in auto accidents each day. Since Maryland is an at-fault state, those who cause fatal car accidents can be sued by the victims’ loved ones for wrongful death.
- Truck Accidents – Death as a result of an accident involving at least one truck. Due to the size of the vehicles involved, it’s not surprising that this type of accident is often fatal. These fatalities can give rise to wrongful death claims.
- Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled than drivers and occupants of passenger cars. Some of these deaths became the subject of wrongful death claims.
- Medical Malpractice – Since medical malpractice is one of the top 5 leading causes of death in the United States and is a claim based on negligence, it follows that this matter often involves wrongful death claims.
How We Advocate for Victims and their Families
A wrongful death claim arises when the decedent’s death is caused by a breach of a duty of care. Examples of a “duty of care” include:
- Drivers have a duty to drive safely and to follow and obey traffic laws.
- Doctors and medical healthcare providers have a duty to provide adequate medical care so as not to misdiagnose, fail to diagnose, or commit medication or treatment errors.
At the Law Office of Nancy Miller and Mark Miller, we look at all the facts, evaluate the actions and omissions of those who owe a duty to the decedent, and identify potentially responsible parties. We then hold the drivers and medical professionals accountable for their actions and help our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Contact a Maryland Wrongful Death Attorney
The Law Office of Nancy Miller and Mark Miller has a proven track record of successfully representing the families and loved ones of victims of wrongful death for over 40 years. If you believe you may have a wrongful death claim, contact us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.