Wrongful Death Lawyer Baltimore

Maryland Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims are based upon the emotional losses that the deceased person’s loved ones experience upon his or her death. Only beneficiaries designated by statute can file a wrongful death case, such as the spouse, parent, or children of the victim. The same law provides that damages are recoverable for mental and emotional anguish; loss of society, companionship, comfort, and protection; parental care and guidance; and similar losses.

Why Choose a Wrongful Death Lawyer at Bob Katz Law? 

• We have successfully represented injured clients for more than 40 years.
• We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and we fight every day for clients to help make sure they are fairly and fully compensated for their losses.
• We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have more than 285 five-star reviews amassed from prior satisfied clients. 

Who Can Make a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim?

In Munger v. United States, 116 F. Supp. 2d 672 (D. Md. 2000): The court interpreted Maryland law to indicate that only a spouse, parent or child of the deceased would have standing to sue for wrongful death. The court notes that in other jurisdictions, the claim for wrongful death may belong to the estate of the deceased instead. In Maryland, the statute provides that if there is a surviving spouse, parent or child, another person may not bring a wrongful death action on behalf of the deceased. The statute does allow such claims by persons who are not a spouse, child or parent in certain instances such as where there are no surviving spouses, children or parents.

What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

If a family member has suffered a tragic loss and died as a result of the negligent actions of another party, whether by a motor vehicle accident, a work-related accident or a medical error, the victim’s surviving dependents and relatives may be entitled to compensation for the medical bills of your family member before he or she died. The surviving parties may also be able to obtain compensation for any conscious pain and suffering sustained by the deceased family member between the time of the accident and the time of death. Other forms of compensation may include compensation for loss of income resulting from the death of the family member or provider. In addition, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for mental anguish.

Statutory Caps on Noneconomic Damages in Maryland

In Maryland, limits on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases vary depending on the type of case and the number of people involved:

For a single claimant

For wrongful death cases with one claimant, the maximum amount recoverable for non-economic damages is $920,000. However, in 2024, the cap for pain and suffering damages in injuries and wrongful death lawsuits is set at $935,000. This wrongful death cap increases by $15,000 every year on October 1.

For two or more claimants

If there are two or more claimants, the cap is 150% of the amount for one claimant, which means the limit is $1,380,000.

It’s important to note that Maryland doesn’t place any limits on economic damages (such as lost wages or medical bills) or on punitive damages. The cap on non-economic damages applies in most wrongful death cases related to negligence, but it doesn’t apply in medical malpractice cases. In those cases, the non-economic damages cap in 2024 is $890,000, or $1,112,500 if there are two or more surviving family members involved in the wrongful death claim.

It is important to understand that the statutory cap applies when the cause of action arises; in a Maryland car accident case, that would be the date the accident occurred.

Case Settlements 

Settled a case for $4,000,000.00 involving a wrongful death arising out of a motor vehicle accident

Recreational Boating Accident Causes Wrongful Death

4.2 Million Dollar Settlement For Family Of Victim Who Died In A Train Crash

$1,250,000 Settlement For Maryland Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting In Wrongful Death

1.3 Million Dollar Settlement From Maryland Wrongful Death After Car Accident

If You Need Help, Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Baltimore

If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s negligence, whether the death occurred in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC, it is important to retain an attorney who will assist with each potential cause of action (whether wrongful death or survival) and properly oversee administration of the deceased individual’s estate. There are frequently different theories of liability and complicated legal issues involved in such cases, but an experienced attorney can help with appointing a personal representative and in pursuing the responsible party for the appropriate damages.

Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle:

• Baltimore Workers Compensation Lawyer
• Baltimore Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Baltimore Dog Bite Lawyer
• Baltimore Brain Injury Lawyer
• Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Baltimore County
• Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore
• Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Rideshare Accident Lawyer Baltimore Md
• Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer
• Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer
• Baltimore Work Injury Lawyer
• Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyer
• Maryland Premises Liability Attorney
• Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyer
• Maryland Pool Injury + Drowning Attorney

Timothy J. Capurso

Timothy J. Capurso is chair of the firm’s Personal Injury Practice Group. He concentrates his practice on personal injury cases of all types, focusing on automobile accidents. His background includes litigating personal injury cases from inception through trial and settlement negotiations. 25+ years of experience.

Contact Timothy J. Capruso