The Law Offices of Chaikin and Sherman, P.C.
Toll Free - 800.229.8384
Phone - 202.659.8600
Fax - 202.659.8680
Frequently Asked Wrongful Death Questions
Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Virginia
- When should I file my wrongful death claim?
- What is a wrongful death claim?
- Who can file a wrongful death claim?
- What damages can I recover as a result of a wrongful death?
- What causes a wrongful death?
When should I file my wrongful death claim?
You should file your wrongful death claim as soon as possible. Every state has a statute of limitations for any claim, whether it is wrongful death, personal injury, or an auto accident claim.
If one of your loved ones was the victim of a wrongful death, you should contact a lawyer at the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. to determine the statute of limitations which applies to your case, as they are different in every state. The wrongful death lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. will also provide you with a free consultation to determine what you may be able to recover as a result of the wrongful death in your family.
What is a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death claim is filed when the surviving members of the victim’s family believe that it is the defendant’s fault that the decedent (the victim) was killed. The wrongful death claim seeks to provide the surviving family members with monetary compensation for the death of their loved one.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
Generally, decedent’s immediate family can file a wrongful death claim. If the only person able to file the wrongful death claim is a minor, then the court may assign a guardian (guardian ad item) to represent their best interests in the case. All states have different rules and regulations concerning wrongful death claims. In some states, the ability to file the claim is extended to portions of the extended family.
If one of your loved ones has died as a result of someone’s negligence or medical malpractice in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington DC, bring your case to the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. The experienced wrongful death lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. will consult with you to evaluate your case at no cost or obligation to you.
What damages can I recover as a result of a wrongful death?
Each state has different rules that concern what you can recover through a wrongful death claim. That is why it is important to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after the death occurs. However, almost all states allow surviving members to recover from the following:
- Mental anguish, suffering, and pain
- Expenses associated with the death, like medical and funeral bills
- General and punitive damages
- Loss of care, companionship, or protection
- Loss of benefits if the victim provided medical, pension, dental, or other benefits to his/her family.
- Loss of the victims anticipated future earnings
To find out what restrictions Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia has on what you can recover from a wrongful death claim, contact one of the experienced wrongful death lawyers at the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C..
A wrongful death can occur from any number of factors. A wrongful death can be the result of another person’s negligence, carelessness, misconduct, or actions, including:
- Traffic accident
- Defective product (liability of the manufacturer)
- Hazardous substance
- Adverse reaction to a prescription drug
If a loved one in your family has died as a result of what you believe is a wrongful death in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia, contact the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. The wrongful death lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. will examine your case and consult with you to determine what damages may be entitled to recover at no cost to you.
