Severn Wrongful Death Attorney And Survival Actions In Maryland
Last updated on April 25, 2025
Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging things to face. The emotion can be worsened if the loss is due to someone else’s negligence or intentional harm. During such a difficult time, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Working with a wrongful death lawyer in Severn, Maryland, can help ensure justice is served and your family’s future is protected.
Trevillian Law is a law firm built for our communities – compassionate, committed and devoted to your rights. With over 85 years of combined experience, we offer you a wide range of leverage in various legal sectors, including personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our family-owned law firm serves clients in the Baltimore metro area and handles each case uniquely.
The Criteria For A Maryland Wrongful Death Claim
Not every tragic death leads to a wrongful death lawsuit. In Maryland, specific criteria must be met before surviving family members can pursue legal action for a valid claim.
There must be evidence the death involved negligence, recklessness or intentional conduct.
For a wrongful death case to move forward, a duty of care must have existed between the deceased and the party responsible. This means the at-fault party had a legal obligation to act in a reasonably safe manner. For example, a truck driver must follow traffic laws and drive safely. Survivors can file a legal claim only when a duty is breached.
Only certain individuals can initiate a claim. In Maryland, a surviving spouse, child or parent of the deceased has the primary right to file. If none of these exist, a secondary claimant – often a more distant relative – may be permitted to proceed under specific circumstances. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys can clarify who qualifies and help avoid delays caused by filing errors. The types of incidents that may qualify for a wrongful death claim include:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Unsafe working environments
- Faulty consumer products
- Fatal injuries caused by criminal actions
Pursuing a personal injury claim within a wrongful death case differs from a survival action. Survival actions recover damages the deceased could have claimed. Things like medical expenses or pain before death, benefiting the estate. A wrongful death lawsuit compensates the family for financial and emotional loss.
Time limits also apply. Maryland has a statute of limitations for filing wrongful death lawsuits, usually within three years of the date of death. Waiting too long can eliminate your right to compensation. That is why it is important not to rely on guesswork or try to manage the process alone.
Even though some information is available online, gathering evidence, filing paperwork and managing deadlines require precision. More so, building a strong case requires thorough investigation, including witness statements or expert analysis. Attempting this process alone can lead to errors, especially against insurance companies aiming to minimize payouts. Our wrongful death attorneys draw on decades of local experience to help you hold negligent parties accountable.
What Is Considered Wrongful Death In Anne Arundel County?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness or intentional actions of another person or entity. Common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
In Anne Arundel County, a wrongful death claim seeks to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and provide financial compensation to the deceased’s family for their loss.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Severn, Maryland?
In Severn and throughout Maryland, specific individuals are entitled to file a wrongful death claim. These include immediate family members such as spouses, children and parents.
If there are no immediate family members, the alternative party entitled to file a wrongful death claim is a personal representative. A wrongful death attorney can help determine your eligibility and guide you through filing.
What Are Survival Actions?
A survival action is a legal claim that allows the deceased’s estate to recover damages the deceased person could have claimed via a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. It includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering endured before death
Unlike a wrongful death claim, which compensates the family, a survival action benefits the estate and is distributed according to the deceased’s will or state intestacy laws.
Seek Justice In The Baltimore Metro Area
At Trevillian Law, we understand grief caused by another party’s negligence or intentional act can be overwhelming. We are here to help. If you want to file a wrongful death claim in the Baltimore metro area, call 410-609-9987 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.