Baltimore Wrongful Death Lawyer
The unexpected loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act is one of life’s most devastating experiences. When families in Baltimore face such tragic circumstances, they need compassionate yet aggressive legal representation from an experienced Baltimore wrongful death lawyer who understands both the emotional toll and the complex legal challenges these cases present. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our family of attorneys has been fighting for the rights of Maryland families for over 50 years, providing the personal attention and courtroom excellence that wrongful death cases demand.
Wrongful death claims arise when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of another party. These cases can stem from various circumstances, including medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace incidents, defective products, or criminal acts. The sudden nature of these losses often leaves families unprepared for the financial burden that follows, from medical expenses and funeral costs to the loss of future income and support.
Comprehensive Baltimore Injury Attorneys for all Types of Fatal Accidents
As attorneys with over 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Baltimore, our firm has the skill and background to take on wrongful death claims arising out of any type of negligence or misconduct, including:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Understanding Maryland Wrongful Death Law
Maryland’s wrongful death statute provides specific guidelines for who can file a claim and what damages may be recovered. Under Maryland law, only certain family members have the legal standing to pursue a wrongful death action. The primary beneficiaries include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. If none of these relationships exist, other relatives who were substantially dependent on the deceased may be eligible to file a claim.
The state imposes a three-year statute of limitations for most wrongful death cases, meaning families must act within this timeframe from the date of death. However, certain circumstances may affect this deadline, particularly in cases involving medical malpractice or situations where the cause of death was not immediately apparent. This is why consulting with experienced wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible is crucial for protecting your family’s rights.
Maryland law allows for two types of damages in wrongful death cases: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include quantifiable losses such as lost wages, benefits, and the value of services the deceased would have provided. Non-economic damages compensate for the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. Additionally, the estate may pursue a separate survival action for damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived, including pain and suffering experienced before death.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Baltimore
Motor vehicle accidents represent one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The busy intersection of I-95, I-83, and the Baltimore Beltway creates numerous high-risk areas where fatal collisions occur. Truck accidents on these major thoroughfares can be particularly devastating, often involving multiple vehicles and resulting in catastrophic injuries or death. Our attorneys have extensive experience investigating these complex cases, working with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability and secure maximum compensation for families.
Medical malpractice cases involving wrongful death require specialized knowledge of both legal and medical standards. Baltimore is home to renowned medical institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center, but even in these prestigious facilities, medical errors can occur. When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in a patient’s death, families deserve accountability and compensation for their losses.
Workplace fatalities, particularly in Baltimore’s industrial and construction sectors, represent another significant category of wrongful death cases. While workers’ compensation may provide some benefits, it often falls short of adequately compensating families for their losses. In cases where third-party negligence contributed to the death, or where safety violations were involved, additional legal remedies may be available beyond workers’ compensation claims.
Premises liability cases can also result in wrongful death when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions. This includes inadequate security leading to violent crimes, slip and fall accidents, or dangerous conditions that cause fatal injuries. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele have successfully handled cases involving negligent security, holding property owners accountable for their failure to protect visitors and tenants.
The Legal Process and Investigation
Building a successful wrongful death case requires immediate and thorough investigation. Evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and defendants often work rapidly to limit their liability. Our attorneys begin investigating immediately, preserving crucial evidence such as accident scene photographs, surveillance footage, medical records, and witness statements. We work with a network of expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, economists, and life care planners, to build a comprehensive case that accurately reflects the full extent of your family’s losses.
The discovery process allows our legal team to gather information from all parties involved, including internal documents, communications, and depositions from key witnesses. This phase often reveals critical information about negligence or wrongdoing that may not have been apparent initially. Our meticulous preparation and superior courtroom skills, developed over decades of practice, ensure that we are ready to present a compelling case whether through negotiation or trial.
Calculating damages in wrongful death cases requires careful analysis of numerous factors, including the deceased’s age, health, earning capacity, and the nature of their relationships with surviving family members. We work with economic experts to project lifetime earnings and benefits, while also addressing the immeasurable loss of companionship and guidance that families experience. Our goal is to secure compensation that truly reflects the magnitude of your loss and provides financial security for your family’s future.
How Our Experienced Baltimore Wrongful Death Lawyers can Help
One of the difficulties in many wrongful death cases is that the person who was killed may not have been able to offer any description of the accident before passing away, so that the defendant may be the only eyewitness to the incident. This makes it easier for defendants and their insurers to claim that the deceased was somehow at fault in causing or contributing to the accident, which under Maryland law can cause the dismissal of a wrongful death claim. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our experienced litigators work hard to thoroughly investigate the accident and build a strong case that convincingly demonstrates the defendant’s own negligence and responsibility for causing the death. We understand the family’s need for financial help as well as closure, and we strive to achieve both justice and peace through our efforts.
Baltimore Wrongful Death FAQs
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland law specifies that only certain family members can file wrongful death claims. The primary beneficiaries are the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. If none of these relationships exist, other relatives who were substantially dependent on the deceased may have standing to file a claim.
What is the time limit for filing a wrongful death case?
Generally, Maryland imposes a three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases, calculated from the date of death. However, certain circumstances may affect this deadline, particularly in medical malpractice cases or when the cause of death was not immediately apparent. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to protect your rights.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
Maryland allows for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include lost wages, benefits, and the value of services the deceased would have provided. Non-economic damages compensate for loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. The estate may also pursue a separate survival action for damages the deceased could have claimed.
How long do wrongful death cases typically take to resolve?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases may resolve within months, while complex cases involving multiple defendants or disputed liability may take several years. We work diligently to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring maximum recovery.
Do wrongful death cases always go to trial?
Most wrongful death cases settle before trial, but having attorneys prepared and capable of trying cases is crucial for achieving favorable settlements. Insurance companies and defendants are more likely to offer fair compensation when they know the opposing attorneys have proven trial skills and are prepared to present the case to a jury if necessary.
What costs are involved in pursuing a wrongful death case?
Our firm handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your family. We advance all case expenses, including expert witness fees and investigation costs, and are only reimbursed if we achieve a successful outcome.
Serving Throughout Baltimore
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Inner Harbor
- Canton
- Hampden
- Mount Vernon
- Roland Park
- Locust Point
- Charles Village
- Patterson Park
Contact a Baltimore Wrongful Death Attorney Today
The loss of a loved one leaves families facing not only overwhelming grief but also significant financial challenges and legal complexities. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, we understand that no amount of compensation can replace your loved one, but holding responsible parties accountable and securing your family’s financial future is an important step toward justice. Our two generations of attorneys have been protecting Maryland citizens’ rights for over 50 years, providing the aggressive representation and personal attention that families deserve during their most difficult times.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, contact our experienced Baltimore wrongful death attorney team for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.
