When to Contact Attorneys for Wrongful Death – A Checklist

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. While no legal action can bring them back, seeking justice through a wrongful death claim can provide financial security and hold responsible parties accountable. Knowing when to contact attorneys for wrongful death is crucial to ensuring you take the right legal steps at the right time.

If you believe your loved one’s death resulted from negligence, malpractice, or intentional wrongdoing, this checklist will help determine whether you should consult an attorney.

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What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought when a person dies due to another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct. In Maryland, wrongful death cases allow surviving family members to seek compensation for financial losses, emotional suffering, and other damages.

Under Maryland law (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-901 et seq.), wrongful death claims may be filed by:

• The spouse, children, or parents of the deceased (primary beneficiaries).

• If no primary beneficiaries exist, other relatives who were substantially dependent on the deceased may file (secondary beneficiaries).

Maryland law imposes a three-year statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits, meaning legal action must be initiated within three years of the person’s passing.

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Checklist: When to Contact Attorneys for Wrongful Death

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1. Did the Death Result from Negligence or Intentional Harm?

A wrongful death claim is only viable if the death was caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Common scenarios include:

• Car Accidents: Caused by reckless, impaired, or distracted driving.

• Medical Malpractice: Errors by doctors, nurses, or healthcare providers.

• Workplace Accidents: Unsafe conditions leading to fatal injuries.

• Defective Products: Malfunctioning consumer goods causing fatal harm.

• Nursing Home Neglect: Abuse or negligence in care facilities.

• Criminal Acts: Assault, homicide, or other violent crimes.

If any of these apply to your loved one’s case, consulting attorneys for wrongful death is essential.

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2. Are You a Legally Eligible Beneficiary?

Only certain family members can file a wrongful death claim in Maryland. If you are the deceased’s spouse, child, or parent, you have the first right to file. If no such family members exist, you may still qualify if you were financially dependent on the deceased.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, an attorney can help determine your eligibility.

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3. Has the Statute of Limitations Expired?

Maryland law requires wrongful death claims to be filed within three years of the deceased’s passing. There are few exceptions, such as cases involving occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses, which may allow more time.

If you are close to the deadline, contacting an attorney for wrongful death immediately is critical to preserving your legal rights.

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4. Do You Have Evidence to Support Your Claim?

Successful wrongful death claims require evidence to prove negligence. Attorneys can help gather and analyze:

• Medical records to show cause of death.

• Police reports if an accident or crime was involved.

• Eyewitness statements confirming what happened.

• Expert testimony from medical or accident reconstruction specialists.

• Financial records showing lost income and expenses.

Even if you’re unsure whether you have enough evidence, an attorney can investigate on your behalf.

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5. Are You Facing Resistance from Insurance Companies?

Insurance companies often try to deny claims or offer low settlements to avoid paying fair compensation. If you receive a settlement offer that seems too low or an outright denial, do not accept it without consulting an attorney.

An experienced wrongful death attorney will negotiate aggressively to secure the maximum compensation possible.

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6. Are There Multiple Liable Parties?

Some wrongful death cases involve more than one responsible party, such as:

• Car accidents involving multiple drivers.

• Medical malpractice cases involving hospitals, doctors, and staff.

• Workplace accidents involving employers and third-party contractors.

• Product liability claims involving manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

If multiple parties may be liable, legal representation ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

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7. Is Financial Compensation Needed to Cover Losses?

A wrongful death lawsuit can help cover:

• Medical expenses incurred before death.

• Funeral and burial costs.

• Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided.

• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering.

If your family is struggling financially after your loved one’s passing, seeking legal help can secure the compensation you deserve.

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8. Do You Need Guidance on Maryland-Specific Laws?

Maryland has unique wrongful death laws, including caps on non-economic damages (pain and suffering). As of February 2025, the cap is $950,000 but it increases annually and will increase again on October 1, 2025.

An experienced attorney can explain these laws and how they impact your case.

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Why Contact SG Legal Group for Wrongful Death Cases?

At SG Legal Group, we understand that pursuing a wrongful death claim is an emotional and complex process. Our experienced attorneys for wrongful death provide:

Compassionate support throughout your legal journey.
Aggressive representation against negligent parties.
In-depth knowledge of Maryland’s wrongful death laws.
Personalized legal strategies tailored to your case.

If you believe your loved one’s death resulted from negligence, don’t wait. Contact SG Legal Group today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

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Final Thoughts

Knowing when to contact attorneys for wrongful death can make all the difference in seeking justice for your loved one. If negligence played a role in their passing, don’t navigate the legal system alone. An experienced wrongful death attorney will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you have questions about wrongful death claims in Maryland, SG Legal Group is here to help. Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice.