Towson Wrongful Death Lawyers
The unexpected loss of a loved one involves pain in any circumstance. The pain can be even worse when it happens because another person or organization was negligent. The pain can be more than emotional. It can also be financial. All of which means the people left behind deserve support. They deserve compassionate and professional legal guidance, and they certainly deserve a fair financial settlement. The attorneys at Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC have served the people of Towson, Timonium, and the Greater Baltimore Area since 2004, helping them get what’s fair and just in these sad situations.
Call our wrongful death lawyers at (410) 755-5801 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll meet either in the office or virtually, whatever is best for you.
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
While the impetus for a wrongful death lawsuit is the fault of one person or institution in the loss of another person’s life, it is important to emphasize that this is not a murder charge against the party alleged to be at fault. Murder charges are handled by the criminal prosecutors in the District Attorney’s office and focus solely on the potential consequences for the defendant.
In contrast, a wrongful death case is done through the civil courts and deals with financial compensation for those the victim left behind. It will have a similar dynamic to other forms of personal injury cases, as we seek to prove that the defendant was negligent.
Strictly speaking, the criminal and civil cases do not intertwine—in fact, a wrongful death lawsuit can be brought even if no criminal charges are filed. That said, a conviction or guilty plea in a corresponding criminal case can certainly be introduced as evidence in the civil proceedings.
What Sets Us Apart
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Thousands of Happy Clients
Our attorneys have successfully served thousands of clients, delivering personalized and effective legal solutions.
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Former Prosecutor Experience
With Mike LaFleur’s background as a former prosecutor, we bring unique insight into both sides of the law, giving us a strategic edge.
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Wide Range of Services
Our firm offers a wide range of experience across criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and estate planning, ensuring comprehensive legal support for your needs.
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Teamwork With A Track Record
At Alex and LaFleur, our strong teamwork and collaboration comes with a consistent track record of success, delivering positive outcomes for our clients,
With experience on both sides of the court system, we're prepared for whatever direction your case takes. Contact us today to get started.
Financial Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
There are different types of damages, each addressing different consequences of the deceased’s death, its attendant impact on loved ones, and even the community as a whole:
Economic Damages
These are intended to cover the quantifiable financial losses resulting from the deceased's untimely death. This includes medical expenses incurred prior to the death, such as hospital bills and treatment costs. Funeral and burial expenses also fall under this category, easing the financial burden on the family during a difficult time.
Additionally, economic damages encompass the loss of income that the deceased would have provided had they lived. This calculation considers the deceased’s expected earnings over their lifetime, including potential raises and benefits, adjusted for expected inflation. The goal is to provide financial stability for dependents who relied on the deceased’s income for their standard of living.
Non-Economic Damages
These address the intangible losses that are harder to quantify, but are no less significant. These include loss of companionship, affection, and emotional support that the deceased would have offered. Such damages recognize the profound emotional impact on the family, compensating for the void left by the deceased’s absence.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages aim to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. To qualify for punitive damages, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant acted with actual malice or had a specific intent to cause harm.
Ultimately, all financial damages in a wrongful death lawsuit are vital in providing justice and support to the deceased's family. They help alleviate the financial strain and honor the memory of the loved one, allowing the family to rebuild their lives after a tragic loss.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland?
To file a lawsuit, there must be some connection to the deceased. The state of Maryland allows the following parties to bring a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The primary beneficiaries are the deceased’s spouse, children, and parents.
- Secondary beneficiaries, such as siblings or other extended family members, may bring a lawsuit if they can demonstrate their financial dependence on the deceased.
This list can be extended to include tertiary beneficiaries—other relatives, including grandparents, who may be able to file so long as they can prove financial dependence. In the case of the wrongful death of a minor, the parents or guardians are also eligible to take legal action.
Experienced and Compassionate Legal Guidance
Dealing with legal issues can be difficult for people at any time, but particularly when coping with the grief of losing a loved one. What people need is confidence that their wrongful death lawyer has a firm grasp of the law, is conscientious about their work, and is detail-oriented in their investigations. The attorneys in our Towson office, with experience going back to 2004, offer you all of that, along with compassionate support.
Call (410) 755-5801 today. We work on contingency, so if we don’t get you a settlement, you don’t owe us a thing.
