The unexpected loss of a loved one leaves families to contend with a variety of questions during the grieving process. How will we make ends meet? Who is the rightful guardian for surviving children? Is there anything we can do? In Washington, D.C., if another person’s recklessness or carelessness has cost your loved one their life, you have the right to take legal action. By filing a wrongful death claim, you can hold the responsible party accountable for the loss that they have caused and in turn collect valuable resources to help you cope with the death of your loved one.
The lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO understand that no amount of money can undo the pain of a loved one dying. However, we do know the significant difference a fair wrongful death settlement or verdict can make for grieving families. Compensation for a wrongful death case can help keep your family in good financial standing following the sudden loss of a loved one. It can also help you achieve a sense of justice and closure, an important part of the grieving process.
The wrongful death lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO treat all of our clients like family, putting your needs before ours and making sure that you receive the support you need at this difficult time. With over three decades of experience, we have the skill and disciplined approach required to recover the maximum amount of compensation your family deserves. We have won hundreds of millions of dollars for deserving clients, and we are ready to speak with you about your case. When you are ready, reach out to us at (301) 220-0050 to schedule a free consultation.
Do I Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
If you are coping with the sudden death of a family member, you have a lot to deal with. Whether you’re making funeral arrangements, figuring out how to pay upcoming bills, or dealing with any medical expenses your loved one incurred before they passed, your plate is full. The emotional hardship accompanied by a death in the family is a lot to bear before considering the more practical, administrative obligations. Not only can a lawyer help you seek justice for your loved one, but they can also provide you with some much-needed support by managing your legal affairs.
With the guidance of an experienced lawyer, you can feel confident that any settlement that you are offered will be met with a critical eye. When you file a claim alone, you run the risk of accepting a settlement that is wholly insufficient to cover your damages. A wrongful death lawyer will have a more clear understanding of what you deserve and how to get it. Depending on the case this could mean negotiating a comprehensive settlement or taking your claim to court.
Especially in the case of wrongful death claims, time is an important factor. If the main or sole earner in your family has passed away, you need to secure a stream of income quickly. In many cases, the settlement from a wrongful death claim can address this need. If an insurer is delaying your claim, your wrongful death attorney will be able to expedite the process.
Why Hire CHASENBOSCOLO?
Many of the families that reach out to CHASENBOSCOLO are in the midst of incredibly difficult times. We are committed to taking some of the stress off you so that you can focus on your family. With matters as sensitive as a death in the family, we know your claim is personal to you, and we treat it with the respect that it deserves. Our team is available whenever you have questions or would like to discuss how your claim is progressing.
We have skilled injury attorneys in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our success both in and out of the courtroom has afforded us admittance to groups like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Fewer than 1% of attorneys in the United States obtain this distinction.
We are proud of our many accolades because they are a direct reflection of the results that we are able to obtain for our clients. More than any dollar amount, we are most proud of the legal guidance and support we provide. If you are up against the many challenges that accompany losing a loved one, the wrongful death injury lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO are here to make sure that you are taken care of.
Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
D.C. Code defines wrongful death as an injury caused by another party’s wrongful act, which ultimately leads to the death of the victim. In order to be considered wrongful death, the wrongful or negligent act by the responsible party must be something that could have warranted an injury claim had your loved one survived.
For this reason, after a serious accident, your loved one is just as deserving of the compensation that any other personal injury victim would receive. However, since they are unable to fight for this compensation, you have the right to take action and collect it on their behalf. Some incidents that may ultimately cause a wrongful death include:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Boating accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Airplane accidents
- Maritime accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home negligence
- Premises liability accidents
- Violent crimes
Before passing away, your loved one may have undergone extensive medical treatment related to their injuries. Through bringing a wrongful death claim, our team at CHASENBOSCOLO will work to help you recover compensation for the cost of their medical treatment and other resources that you have lost as a result.
Sometimes, wrongful deaths result from criminal acts, such as drunk driving and murder. It is important to note that civil claims, such as your wrongful death claim, are totally separate from criminal cases. If the perpetrator is arrested and charged, they may be found guilty and face consequences, but this will not likely bring you any financial relief. If you want compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income, you will need to pursue a separate civil case. Because these claims are separate, this also means that if the perpetrator is found not guilty in court, you may still be able to successfully recover compensation. This is especially likely because the burden of proof in civil claims is lower than it is for criminal cases. In criminal court, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; in civil court, the plaintiff must only prove the defendant’s negligence by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning more than half.
Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions
Making the decision to file a wrongful death claim is accompanied by plenty of deliberation. At CHASENBOSCOLO we know you want to be sure that you’re making the right choice for your family. Read over our frequently asked questions and reach out to a member of our team at (301) 220-0050 to talk with us about your case in more detail.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
According to D.C. Code § 16-2702, the personal representative of the deceased person is allowed to bring the suit. Beneficiaries to wrongful death suits often include the surviving spouse and children but may also extend to other family members depending on the specific situation. In the event that there is no surviving spouse or partner, then other family members like surviving parents and siblings considered next of kin may be able to file a wrongful death suit.
When Should I File?
In 2012, under the Wrongful Death Act of 2012, families were granted an additional year to file a wrongful death claim. If you are considering filing a claim in Washington D.C. you have two years to do so. In the event that you do not take action within this period of time, you will not be able to collect compensation for the wrongful loss of your family member.
How Much Compensation Is My Family Owed?
The exact amount that you are able to recover from a wrongful death suit will depend on the specific factors of your case. However, it is important to understand that wrongful death claims in Washington, D.C. do not have a ceiling, or “cap,” on how much money can be recovered.
Your family can recover damages relating to funeral expenses, medical expenses, lost wages, and benefits that your loved one would have earned had they lived to retirement, as well as other supportive contributions that your loved one would have provided such as care and companionship. Surviving family members, however, cannot sue for damages relating to sorrow, grief, loss of affection, or mental distress.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer at CHASENBOSCOLO Today
While the death of a loved one can leave you feeling like you’re out of options, the Washington, D.C. team at CHASENBOSCOLO is here to help you. We will listen to the facts of your case, determine your options, and help you recover the resources that your family needs at this time.
Our No Fee Guarantee® is in place to make sure that any current financial limitations you have do not prevent you from obtaining a skilled wrongful death lawyer. Unless we are able to recover the compensation that you need, you do not pay us. Learn how a lawyer can help your family at this time, call (301) 220-0050 today.
