Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating, especially when their death was preventable. If you’re facing this unimaginable pain due to someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to seek justice through a Maryland wrongful death claim. While no amount of compensation can undo your loss, holding the responsible party accountable can provide financial support as you move forward.
The Frederick wrongful death lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC help grieving families pursue answers, justice, and compensation following a tragic loss. Our compassionate legal team can take over all aspects of your case so that you don’t have to worry about insurance companies, deadlines, or complicated procedures.
With years of experience representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, our law firm combines empathy, a proven track record, and determination to fight for maximum compensation while minimizing the stress on you.
We’re here in your time of need. Call or contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Frederick, MD.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Death in Frederick?
Maryland law regards as a wrongful death any death that occurs due to the negligent or wrongful act of another person or entity. Wrongful acts encompass actions (or inactions) resulting from a party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The at-fault party in a wrongful death case may be an individual, business, organization, or multiple parties.
Common incidents that may give rise to a wrongful death action include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Medical malpractice
- Fatal workplace accidents (in certain cases)
- Defective or dangerous product injuries
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Criminal acts, including assaults and shootings
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Maryland?
Certain family members are entitled to file a wrongful death claim under Maryland law, but not everyone affected by the loss can bring a lawsuit. Primary beneficiaries — the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents — have the first right to file.
If no primary beneficiaries exist, secondary beneficiaries who were financially dependent on the decedent may pursue a claim. This can include certain adult children or other close relatives, such as siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who were financially reliant on the deceased.
While only certain individuals may file the wrongful death lawsuit, any compensation recovered through a successful claim must benefit all eligible beneficiaries. This compensation is generally distributed among family members based on their relationship to the deceased and the extent of their financial loss. A wrongful death claim lawyer in Frederick can help identify the proper claimants and file claims correctly.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Financial compensation in a Maryland wrongful death case falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages – Compensates for measurable financial losses resulting from the death, such as funeral costs, burial expenses, lost income, and loss of financial support and household services.
- Non-economic damages – Addresses the emotional impact of the loss, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance.
While Maryland does not limit economic damages in wrongful death claims, non-economic damages are capped by state law. These caps are adjusted annually for inflation.
Survival Actions vs. Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland
Maryland recognizes two separate legal actions when someone dies due to a wrongful act:
- Wrongful death claim – Surviving family members file a claim to recover compensation for their own losses.
- Survival action – The deceased person’s estate files a survival action seeking compensation for damages the deceased could have claimed had they lived, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering before death.
Maryland wrongful death attorneys frequently file wrongful death suits and survival actions together so that both the family and the decedent’s estate can seek all the damages to which they are entitled.
Deadline for Maryland Wrongful Death Claims
The wrongful death statute of limitations in Maryland imposes a three-year deadline from the date of a loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to seek compensation, regardless of the strength of your case.
Some exceptions may apply, such as deaths caused by exposure to toxic substances or certain criminal actions. However, these exceptions are limited and fact-specific. To protect your rights and avoid missing critical deadlines, it’s best to consult a Frederick fatal accident attorney as soon as possible after your loss.
Why Choose Trollinger Law LLC for Your Frederick Case?
Selecting the right attorney to handle your family’s wrongful death claim is a decision that carries substantial weight. You need a lawyer with the experience, background, and resources necessary to prepare a strong claim and fight for full and fair compensation. At Trollinger Law LLC, our lawyers focus exclusively on injury cases and have recovered six- and-seven-figure settlements and verdicts for victims throughout Maryland.
Providing personalized legal support is at the heart of our mission to bring justice and peace of mind to each client we serve. That starts during a private, free consultation where we listen to your story, ask questions, and inform you of your legal options. If you choose to work with us, you can expect the same dedication and attention to detail throughout the legal process.
With over 300 five-star reviews, the feedback we receive is our guidepost, shaping how we deliver client-first, result-driven legal representation. As one satisfied client wrote:
“I cannot give enough positive praise for the care and attention afforded to me by Mr. Trollinger and his staff. They were incredibly responsive, empathetic, and produced positive results for me. The stress that was lifted from my shoulders through their care was immeasurable, and I am forever grateful. Thank you!”
— Catherine Sutton
Contact Us Today for a Confidential and Free Consultation
At Trollinger Law LLC, your satisfaction and comfort are our priority at every stage of our legal representation. If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Frederick, let us shoulder the legal burden while you take the space you need to grieve. Contact our office today to arrange a free initial consultation with a MD wrongful death attorney.
