Wrongful Death Attorney

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Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer

wrongful death case washington dc

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. is dedicated to helping victims during some of the most challenging times in their lives. If you have lost a loved one as the result of another’s negligence or wrongful act, our wrongful death attorneys in Washington, DC, may be able to help you secure justice. In addition to holding a wrongdoer accountable, wrongful death claims can allow certain family members to recover financial compensation for their damages and future needs.

Our firm has extensive experience fighting for the injured, the wronged, and families who have lost loved ones in preventable accidents. Because of our exclusive focus on personal injury law, we can help families in various wrongful death suits, including car accidents, defective products, and nursing home abuse.

Due to the statute of limitations, you only have a limited time to file a wrongful death action. You can begin securing justice and pursuing the compensation you deserve by contacting a skilled wrongful death lawyer at our firm as soon as possible for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is when a person or their family files a lawsuit against another person, company, or organization after that person’s death. This can happen if someone was killed because of something the person responsible for their death did negligently or intentionally. For example, if a drunk driver hits your loved one and kills them, you could file a wrongful death suit against the driver because they were at fault for their death.

If successful, you may be awarded damages like pain and suffering, medical bills related to the accident/injury that led up to the decedent’s death, funeral costs, and more.

What to Expect from Your Wrongful Death Attorney in Washington DC

Working with a wrongful death attorney you can trust and who will always communicate with you and your family is essential. This can help ease the stress of wrongful death cases and make things run smoothly. To ensure this happens, looking at the bigger picture and considering how your case will move forward over time is necessary.

Here are some of the things you can expect from a skilled wrongful death lawyer:

  • They should always be prepared for trial and ready to go at any given moment. A trustworthy attorney always has a backup plan if needed; they don’t rely on “winging” it when something goes south (like missing witness testimony).
  • They should never hesitate or give up on their client even when times get tough—this shows dedication which builds trust between both parties involved in litigation processes like these concerning insurance companies who want nothing more than money from people who have already lost loved ones due to negligence while working under certain conditions set forth by employers.

Why You Should Hire Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel For Your Case

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we know families face many burdens after a tragic loss, and we strive to ease their strain as much as possible. The laws stipulate what types of claims can be brought after a wrongful death accident, and what kinds of damages can be claimed are complicated. Drawing from over 100 years of combined experience, our wrongful death attorneys can guide you step-by-step through the legal process as we work toward making a difference in your case.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington, DC?

A wrongful death claim can be filed when there is evidence that another party caused the decedent’s (the victim’s) death. A wrongful death claim seeks to provide monetary compensation to the decedent’s family for their loss.

While wrongful death statutes differ in each state, the general guidelines are the same. Eligible family members of the deceased person may include:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children
  • Parents

If you are unsure if you can file a wrongful death lawsuit, our legal team can help you understand your eligibility after reviewing your claim. We make it a point to ensure you have the information you need to understand wrongful death law in DC and the support and guidance you deserve at every step.

wrongful death damages

Damages in a Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawsuit

While no monetary compensation can compensate for such a loss, it can help ensure surviving relatives and those dependent on them secure the compensation needed to cover damages and their future needs.

Each state has different rules that concern what you can recover through a wrongful death suit. Consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after the death occurs.

Generally, family members can recover compensation for the following:

  • Expenses such as medical and funeral bills
  • Loss of care, guidance, and support
  • Loss of financial support, including benefits

The District of Columbia does not place a limit or cap on the damages surviving family members can recover. However, survivors cannot seek damages for grief, mental distress, sorrow, or the loss of affection and love.

Who Can I Sue for Wrongful Death?

You may be able to file a claim against anyone involved in your loved one’s death. Some of the most common defendants include:

  • Negligent drivers
  • The negligent driver’s employer (if they were driving on company time)
  • Automobile manufacturers, installers, and car distributors
  • Physicians or hospitals in medical malpractice cases
  • Government agencies that fail to maintain roadways or warn drivers against dangerous driving conditions
  • Commercial truckers and trucking companies 
  • Negligent property owners who fail to maintain their property in a safe condition.

Contact an attorney today if you are unsure how to proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit.

Will My Case Go to Court?

Most wrongful death cases can be settled out of court by reaching a settlement agreement with the parties who caused the death. However, any lawsuit can go to trial, so choose an experienced wrongful death attorney with the experience necessary to negotiate the best possible settlement.

How to Prove Negligence in Your Claim

negligence in a wrongful death claim

You can prove that a person or company was negligent by showing there were reasonable steps they could have taken to prevent the incident from happening. For example, if you live in an apartment building and your landlord does not install a fire alarm for some reason, then you may be able to file a claim against them if there is a fire and someone dies as a result.

You can also prove negligence by showing that the person or company did not exercise reasonable care in a way that led to an accident. For example, if you are driving on the highway and another driver blows through a red light into your path, causing you to crash into them, they may be considered negligent for not stopping at the intersection when it was clear they needed to.

Evidence you can use to prove negligence includes:

  • Witness statements
  • Police reports
  • Statements from your doctor or other medical professionals
  • Pictures of the scene and any damages caused

Time Limits on Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Washington DC

You should note that there are time limits on filing wrongful death claims, known as the statute of limitations. These limits could prevent surviving family members from being able to pursue legal action and recover compensation. Contacting a wrongful death lawyer immediately after the incident ensures you can receive compensation.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Most wrongful death claims in the District of Columbia are filed on behalf of a victim’s survivors for various instances where someone has been killed through wrongful behavior or negligence.

Most claims result from:

wrongful death claim in DC

Contact the DC Wrongful Death Lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C Today for Your FREE Case Review

If you are looking for the highest level of representation for your wrongful death case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. Washington, DC Super Lawyers® recognizes our partners, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC.

We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.



The personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and Woodbridge), and Maryland (Bethesda, Rockville, Laurel, Montgomery County, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Frederick County, and Hyattsville).

Contact Us Today For
A Free Consultation


Contact Us today to find out if we can help you get the compensation you deserve.


Practice Areas

 Bicycle Accidents

Bikeshare Accidents

Brain Injuries

Bus Accidents

Car Accidents

Catastrophic Injuries

Daycare Injuries

Explosions & Fires

Medical Malpractice

Motorcycle Accidents

Nursing Home Abuse

Premises Liability
Product Liability

Sexual Abuse

Scooter Accidents

Sports Injuries

Student Injuries

Truck Accidents

Train Accidents

Wrongful Death

Whistleblower Claims

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