The grief is unimaginable after a fatal accident, but there are implications that you might not realize when you lose a loved one under shocking, devastating circumstances. The true cost of wrongful death in Maryland includes lost income, funeral expenses, medical bills, and emotional suffering. Families may also face long-term financial strain.
Fortunately, Maryland law allows compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The key is knowing the full extent of your losses, a concept that your Baltimore County wrongful death lawyer will explain in detail. A summary about the trust costs of a fatal accident also offers guidance.
How Maryland Law Calculates Wrongful Death Compensation
Maryland’s wrongful death statute considers both financial and emotional losses when calculating wrongful death compensation. Eligible damages may include:
- Economic losses such as lost income, funeral costs, and medical bills
- Non-economic damages for grief, loss of companionship, and mental anguish
- Punitive damages are intended to penalize the at-fault party
Note that there are statutory caps on non-economic damages, which are adjusted annually in Maryland.
Economic and Emotional Costs of Wrongful Death
The implications of a wrongful death go far beyond medical bills and funeral expenses. Families often lose a primary source of income, long-term financial support, and the future benefits their loved one would have provided.
On the emotional side, survivors experience deep grief, trauma, and in some cases, lasting mental health struggles. These emotional burdens can also lead to lost wages or therapy expenses. Maryland law tries to reflect both these tangible and intangible losses when awarding damages to the family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland?
State law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim. Primary beneficiaries include the deceased person’s:
- Surviving spouse
- Adult and minor children
- Parents
If none of those exist, a secondary beneficiary may be eligible if they were financially dependent on the deceased. Also, time limits apply under Maryland’s statute of limitations, so the claim must typically be filed within three years of the date of death.
The Hidden Financial Impact of a Fatal Accident in Maryland
Many families in Maryland underestimate the long-term financial impact of a wrongful death. Beyond immediate costs like burial and hospital fees, surviving loved ones often face years of financial strain. Lost earning potential, college savings, and retirement contributions vanish in an instant. Some families even fall into debt trying to maintain their lifestyle without that income. Insurance may not cover everything, especially in cases of underinsured drivers or low policy limits. Understanding these hidden costs helps families prepare for a future reshaped by loss.
A Maryland Wrongful Death Attorney Will Support Your Legal Needs
Now that you realize the true cost of wrongful death in Maryland, you can see why legal representation is critical. The Law Offices of Michael A. Freedman focuses on helping families pursue justice in wrongful death cases with care and experience. From our offices in Owings Mills and Glen Burnie, our team is ready to assist with your claim. Please call 410.363.6848 or check out our website to schedule your free consultation today.
