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Baltimore, Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyer
Compassionate Attorney for Wrongful Death Claims in Baltimore
Attorney Spotlight A.J. Serafini
- Elite Lawyer, 2024 - Present
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2021 - Present
- The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40
- Herald-Mail Readers' Choice Award for Best Attorney, 2018
- Herald-Mail Media's "Best of the Tri-state", 2019 and 2020
When an unexpected accident claims the life of a loved one, it can be immensely difficult to process the feelings of sorrow, shock, and anger in the months that follow. During this grieving process, you should know that Maryland allows certain surviving family members to file a claim for compensation against the party at fault. With the help of a Baltimore, Maryland wrongful death lawyer, you can pursue legal action to get payment for funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages.
At Serafini Law, we provide personalized service to every client. As a solo practitioner, Attorney Andrew Serafini will work with you one-on-one to explore your options for obtaining compensation, handling the paperwork and investigation on your behalf.
GET JUSTICE FOR YOUR INJURIES –– CALL 240-744-1600
When Can You Bring Forward a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Maryland, a wrongful death claim may be brought when a person dies due to another party's negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. If the deceased would have had the right to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, then their surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death action. These cases are not limited to violent incidents. A fatal car accident, a surgical mistake, or an act of neglect in a nursing home may all form the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit.
Under Maryland law, specific family members have the right to bring a claim. Primary beneficiaries include the deceased person's spouse, children, and parents. If no primary beneficiary exists, secondary beneficiaries such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or cousins may file the lawsuit—provided they were substantially dependent on the deceased. A Baltimore wrongful death attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible to file and what steps to take if other family members may be involved.
Wrongful Death Claims We Handle
Wrongful death can happen suddenly or after weeks of suffering. Our firm handles a wide range of claims on behalf of grieving families, whether the cause was a collision on I-95 or a fatal error in a Baltimore medical facility. Each case requires a careful review of the facts and a clear legal strategy that reflects the unique losses of the family left behind. We represent families in wrongful death claims arising from:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Premises liability claims
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
In fatal motor vehicle crashes, we work quickly to secure police reports, witness statements, and crash reconstruction evidence. In medical malpractice and nursing home cases, we consult with medical experts and obtain all relevant records. These cases can become complex when institutions or corporate defendants are involved. Our attorneys build strong claims to pursue accountability through settlement or trial.
What Is My
Case Worth? Let's Find Out
The value of a personal injury case depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and medical expenses. At Serafini Law, we evaluate each case to determine the potential compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses Coverage for past and future medical bills related to your injury.
- Lost Wages Compensation for the income you have lost due to your inability to work.
- Pain & Suffering Financial compensation for physical and emotional distress.
- Property Damage Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle or other property.
- Punitive Damages In cases of extreme negligence, additional compensation may be awarded as a form of punishment.
Think you
have a case?
Mr. Serafini was great about keeping us informed every step of the process of our case. He was always available to answer our emails or phone calls with concerns or questions. Mr. Serafini's Paralegal, Joanne, was also ex-tremely helpful and responded quickly to our concerns. Serifini Law shows their clients compassionate understanding.
Compensation Available in Baltimore Wrongful Death Cases
No amount of money can replace the person you lost. However, financial compensation can ease the burdens that arise in the aftermath of a loved one's death. Funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of financial support can destabilize a grieving family. Emotional losses, such as the loss of companionship, guidance, and protection, are equally important to address.
In Maryland, wrongful death damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Loss of companionship, care, and comfort
- Loss of parental or filial guidance
In many cases, a survival action may also be filed alongside the wrongful death claim. This separate cause of action allows the estate to recover for the pain, suffering, and medical expenses the deceased incurred before death. Our Baltimore wrongful death lawyer can advise you on both types of claims and help maximize the compensation your family may receive.
Injured? Call 240-744-1600 Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maryland is one of the few states that follows the contributory negligence rule. If the deceased person is found to have contributed in any way to their own death—even one percent—then the surviving family members may be barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies often use this rule to deny valid claims. A skilled wrongful death attorney can investigate the facts and fight back against attempts to shift blame onto the deceased.
In most cases, wrongful death claims must be filed within three years from the date of death. This time limit is strictly enforced. If you miss the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong the evidence or proof of liability. Certain exceptions exist in cases involving occupational diseases or hidden causes of death, but they are rare. Speaking with a lawyer promptly can help preserve your rights and evidence.
If the insurance company or responsible party refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit. Litigation does not always mean the case will go to trial. However, it does allow your attorney to use formal discovery tools, including depositions and subpoenas, to build a stronger case. If a trial becomes necessary, a jury will hear the evidence and determine fault and damages. Our firm is always prepared to go to court when negotiations fail to produce justice.
Minors cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit on their own, but they may be named as beneficiaries in a case filed by a surviving parent or legal guardian. If the minor is entitled to receive compensation, those funds may be placed into a trust or managed by a court-appointed guardian until the child reaches adulthood. The courts take care to protect minor beneficiaries' interests in these cases.
Maryland law provides a hierarchy of beneficiaries. First, primary beneficiaries—spouses, children, and parents—have the right to file and receive compensation. If no primary beneficiary is living, then a secondary beneficiary may file, but only if that person was substantially dependent on the deceased. Beneficiaries may receive different shares of the damages based on their relationship and level of dependency. A lawyer can help determine who may be entitled to damages and how to proceed if there are disputes within the family.
Contact a Baltimore, MD Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you have lost a loved one due to somebody else's carelessness, reach out to Serafini Law. We can help you pursue a full remedy that addresses all of the harm you have suffered. Call us at 240-744-1600 or contact our Baltimore wrongful death lawyer to schedule a free consultation. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, so you will only pay if we win.
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