Waldorf Maryland Attorney
When someone you love dies as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve justice.
No amount of money can repair the hole that is left in your heart after the loss of someone dear, but the compensation that you can receive through a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burden that can change the course of your life forever.
If you have lost a family member, experienced and compassionate Maryland wrongful death attorney Alison Mason Heurich, Esq., is here to help you and your family during this difficult time. Attorney Heurich represents victims and their families in wrongful death claims in Waldorf and Charles County Maryland.
Wrongful Death and Survival Actions
Typically, families will pursue both a wrongful death claim and a survival action. Wrongful death is for the survivors, and the harm they have suffered as a result of losing a family member. A survival action compensates the estate for the harm done to the person who died. The money that goes to the estate may ultimately benefit the same family members who are eligible as wrongful death beneficiaries, but it can also be a way for loved ones who are not eligible to receive compensation.
Wrongful Death Beneficiaries
Maryland law is very specific s to who can receive compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Surviving spouse
- Minor or adult child of a deceased parent
- Parent of a deceased minor or adult child
- Dependents who are related by blood or marriage if there are none of the above
The limits on who is eligible for wrongful death compensation can be very cruel, and do not always honor the memory of the deceased. For instance, unmarried significant others are not eligible, no matter how long the couple was together, what the deceased’s wishes were, or if they had a child together.
Wrongful Death Damages
A wrongful death lawsuit is meant to compensate the family members for the harm they suffer as a result of the death of their loved one. Damages can include economic damages such as lost financial support and the cost to replace lost services such as childcare and maintaining the home, non-economic damages including your emotional pain and suffering, mental anguish and as appropriate, loss of:
- Society
- Companionship
- Comfort
- Protection
- Care, marital care, parental care, or filial care
- Attention
- Advice
- Counsel
- Training
- Education
- Guidance
Survival Action Beneficiaries and Damages
A survival action pays the estate for harm suffered by the person who died. If there is a will, the damages will go to those named in the will. If there is not will, damages as distributed according to Maryland’s intestate succession law, which is very specific. Under Maryland’s intestate succession laws, the estate can go to the surviving spouse, minor children, adult children, parents, and siblings, depending on which heirs exist.
Damages in a survival action can include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses of the deceased between the time of injury and time of death
- Lost wages between time of injury and time of death
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, of the deceased between time of injury and time of death
- Property damage
- Punitive damages, when available
You have a limited amount of time to get started on a wrongful death lawsuit or you will lose your right to pursue compensation. Please, call experienced Maryland wrongful death attorney Alison Mason Heurich, Esq., at 240-346-4883 today or email her right away to schedule your free consultation.
Attorney Heurich represents wrongful death victims in Waldorf and throughout Maryland.