--- description: If you have lost a loved one as the result of another’s negligence or wrongful act, our Washington, D.C., wrongful death lawyers can help. title: Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer | Wrongful Death Attorneys --- Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer | Wrongful Death Attorneys # Wrongful Death Lawyer Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 4 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » Wrongful Death Lawyer What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $35.6 Million Medical Malpractice $18.8 Million Car Crash $17.1 Million Medical Malpractice $15 Million Neck & Spine Injury $14.25 Million Class Action $6 Million Brain Injury [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) He exemplified compassion, loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to my case. Felecia D. Witcher Wrongful Death Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* When negligence or misconduct takes a life, surviving families deserve more than sympathy — they deserve justice. Our wrongful death lawyers have spent over 50 years fighting for families who have lost loved ones in preventable accidents, from car crashes to medical errors to nursing home abuse. We compassionately guide families through the legal process while aggressively pursuing full accountability. The firm’s attorneys discuss their approach to personal injury litigation — from thorough case investigation to securing expert resources for trial. For families who have lost a loved one due to negligence, the firm brings over 50 years of experience, the capacity to litigate against insurance companies and government entities, and more than $1 billion in recovered compensation. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Allan Siegel (00:02):** We are a personal injury law firm. That is the only type of work that this law firm does. If you were injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence, then that’s a case that we would handle. So what does that include? Car crash cases. It includes bicycle crash cases, scooter cases, pedestrian accident cases, truck crash cases. It includes bus cases, all of those things, but it also includes situations where you might be hurt on somebody else’s premises. For example, maybe you were hurt at a business, maybe you slipped and fell because they didn’t maintain their floor in a safe condition. **Ira Sherman (00:40):** The insurance company knows that we are aggressive, we are creative. We have the funds to fund a case and hire experts, and as a result, they distinguish us in a category of law firms that they need to know and do know that we can take the case from day one all the way through trial successfully. **Stephen Ollar (01:05):** Insurance is an important factor, not just the insurance coverage on the vehicle that struck you, but also if you have additional insurance coverage that may compensate you if you have very serious injuries. The degree of your injury is important. **Joseph Cammarata (01:21):** Our approach is victim oriented in the sense that we are concerned for the wellbeing of our clients. We do everything to better their lot in life. A person that’s injured in a crash or bike accidents or pedestrian accidents, their life typically gets turned upside down. And we try to right that balance. We make sure that they’re getting the medical treatment that they need, that they’re following through, and that we understand the medicine, we understand just what the person is going through so we can articulate that. We could present that effectively. **Allan Siegel (01:57):** If you’ve been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence or as a result of somebody else’s intentional act, that’s a case that we would handle and that’s a case that you should call us to consult with us on. ## Washington, D.C. Wrongful Death Attorneys [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/). 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, D.C. 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wrongful-death/best-attorney-for-a-wrongful-death-case/): - 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 the Wrongful Death Lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel For Your Case At[ Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.,](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/why-choose-us/) 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury-claims-process-in-washington-dc/) 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/do-i-have-a-case/) a wrongful death[ lawsuit](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-is-a-personal-injury-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. ## Damages in a Washington, D.C. 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 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/premises-liability/) 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/washington-dc-statute-of-limitations-for-personal-injury/). 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas-examples/) where someone has been killed through wrongful behavior or negligence. Most claims result from: - [Car accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) - [Medical errors](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/medical-malpractice/) - [Product liability](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury/personal-injury/product-liability/) - [Nursing home neglect](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury/nursing-home-abuse/) - [Drunk driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/drunk-driving-accidents/) - [Truck accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/) - [Defective roadways](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/roadway-defects/) - [Vehicle defects](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/vehicle-defects/) ## 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 $1 billion 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. No matter when you call, our call center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wrongful-death/alexandria/), and Woodbridge), and Maryland (Bethesda, [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wrongful-death/rockville/), Laurel, Montgomery County, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Frederick County, and Hyattsville). ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/)  ([Northern Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/),  [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/),  [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/),  [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/),  and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria-car-accident-lawyers/)), and [Maryland](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/maryland/)  ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda-car-accident-lawyer/),  [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/),  [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/car-accident-lawyer-rockville-md/),  [Laurel](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/laurel/),  [Montgomery County](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/montgomery-county/),  [Prince George’s County](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/prince-georges-county/),  [Waldorf](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/waldorf/),  [Upper Marlboro](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/upper-marlboro/),  [Frederick](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/frederick/),  [Bowie](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bowie-md/),  and  [Silver Spring](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-lawyers-in-silver-spring-md/)). Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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