When Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits Appropriate?

If you have lost a loved one, our sympathies go out to you and your family. Losing a loved one is always hard, and your life changes forever. When that loss is caused by someone else’s wrongful act or negligence, it can be even more difficult to bear. People who suffer this kind of loss often seek justice, and in some cases, they can pursue it through a wrongful death lawsuit.

“Wrongful death” and “wrongful death lawsuit” may sound like foreign phrases, so below we explain what wrongful death means and when a wrongful death lawsuit might be appropriate.

“Wrongful Death” Defined

In Maryland, a wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the wrongful act of another. A wrongful act may be either negligent or intentional. It is an act that would have entitled the deceased to file a lawsuit seeking compensation had they survived.

The absence of criminal charges does not mean there is no wrongful death case. Criminal charges are filed in only some cases, and a wrongful death lawsuit is a separate civil matter.

When Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits Appropriate?

Generally, a wrongful death lawsuit may be appropriate whenever a personal injury results in death. Examples include:

• A grandmother dying due to a doctor misdiagnosing her condition (medical malpractice)
• A driver dying as the result of a truck collision caused by the truck driver’s negligence
• A man dying as the result of a defective or malfunctioning product
• A woman dying as the result of a workplace accident caused by someone’s negligence
• A mother being intentionally killed by her boyfriend

These are just a few examples of personal injuries resulting in death.

If you have additional questions about wrongful death lawsuits or have lost a loved one, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can answer your legal questions and would love to talk with you.