Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyers
Seeking Justice for Families in the District of Columbia & Maryland
One of the most devastating things that any individual will ever experience in their lifetime is the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one in a serious accident. When a loved one has been taken from you due to the negligence of another party, you may be left to battle the grief that coincides with these cases as you suffer from immeasurable losses and attempt to move forward. Filing a wrongful death claim with the help of a reputable Washington, D.C. wrongful death attorney who handles wrongful death lawsuits can help with this laborious and distressing process.
Our attorneys at the Fay Law Group understand the legal differences between a personal injury claim and the delicate aspects that are present in wrongful death lawsuits. As you mourn the loss of a loved one, you will need a skilled advocate on your side who understands what your family is going through during this long period of adjustment. We would like to offer a helping hand to you in your time of need so that no matters are missed or details cast aside.
Why Choose Our Washington D.C. Personal Injury Law Firm?
- 50+ Years of Experience
- We’re Available 24/7
- Free Initial Consultations
- No Fees Unless We Win
To learn about our approach to client service in fatal accident cases in either jurisdiction, contact our office at (202) 589-1300 for a free consultation with our wrongful death attorney in Washington D.C.
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit filed by a family member or personal representative on behalf of a loved one after their life has been taken due to the careless, reckless, or negligent actions of another person or entity. Wrongful death claims are applicable in cases where a victim is intentionally killed or outright negligence took place that led to the fatality. According to Washington, D.C. law, there are four elements that are present in a wrongful death claim.
These elements include the following:
- Negligence: The surviving family member or legal representative of the loved one’s estate must show that the careless, reckless, or negligent behavior of the defendant was the direct cause of the death of a loved one.
- Breach of Duty: To be successful in your wrongful death claim, you must also prove that the defendant owed the deceased victim a duty of care. For instance, on the roads, a motorist must obey all traffic laws and maintain a duty of care. If the accident led to the loss of your loved one, you must prove that the defendant was in violation of their duty of care. It is up to you to show that a duty existed and that the duty was breached through the negligent actions of the defendant.
- Causation: Your lawsuit must prove that there was not an underlying reason for your loved one’s death and that the death of your loved was directly caused by the defendant’s actions.
- Damages: The death of the victim must have generated damages, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, hospitalization, loss of income, pain, and suffering of the victim before their death, as well as other damages not listed. It is necessary, but difficult to prove these elements on your own. At Fay Law Group, our D.C. wrongful death attorneys have the experience and resources required to assist in your case.
Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases
Compensation that can be awarded in a Washington D.C., wrongful death claim tends to fall into two different categories. In the first category, damages include those experienced by the decedent from the accident until their death.
These could include aspects such as the following:
- Medical expenses that they incurred during any time they spent in the hospital
- Mental and physical pain and suffering endured by the victim
- Lost wages from missing time at work
- Funeral and burial expenses.
The second category of damages is those suffered by the family after the sudden death of the victim in an accident.
Surviving family members may claim damages for the following:
- Loss of current and future earnings
- Medical bills remaining from the accident
- Compensation for loss of love and companionship
You may also be compensated for any other contributions to support your surviving loved ones, as well as other damages not listed above.
It is not always easy to put a monetary value on the loss caused by the wrongful death of a loved one. For this reason, it is impossible to be objective and fair-minded if you were to try and handle the case on your own. There are many complicated rules of the court that must be followed when filing a claim. An experienced District of Columbia wrongful death attorney at the Fay Law Group can stay impartial and handle your case to gain the compensation the family deserves.
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Accidents That Typically Lead to Wrongful Death Cases
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents tend to account for the highest number of wrongful death cases every year across the Washington, D.C. area and beyond. These accidents take place due to drivers who are driving while drowsy, distracted by texting and driving, intoxicated, speeding, and more. In the blink of an eye, a loved one could be taken in one of these accidents.
- Truck Accidents: Big rigs and semi-trucks are involved in a large number of fatalities every year. That is primarily because they are some of the largest vehicles that occupy our roads. Truck accidents happen frequently due to drivers who were not adequately training, operate a truck in an unsafe manner, drive more than the legal number of hours permitted, as well as many other reasons. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, the liability could fall on several different parties. It is important that you contact an experienced attorney at the Fay Law Group to discuss the many facets of your case.
- Pedestrian Accidents : When a driver fails to yield for a pedestrian, drives recklessly, or does not see an individual who has entered into a crosswalk, a pedestrian accident can occur. Pedestrians have no protection from harm against a vehicle, which is why these accidents can be life-changing and are often fatal.
- Medical Malpractice : When a medical professional does not provide the proper duty of care expected, a medical malpractice claim could be filed. The common mistakes that are made that lead to these claims include mistakes involving pharmaceuticals, misdiagnosis, or malfunction of healthcare equipment, among many other reasons.
- Product Liability : Products are expected to be designed and manufactured in a manner safe for use. This is why, if there have been issues in the design, manufacture, distribution, or selling of a product and a person is harmed as a result, a product liability claim could be brought.
- Work Fatalities: When an employer fails to maintain a safe work environment and your loved one is killed as a result, you have risen to a wrongful death claim against the negligent employer or coworker who caused the death. Work fatality accidents can include defective workplace equipment, failure to provide adequate training, and other reasons not listed above.
Call A Seasoned Wrongful Death Attorney in Washington, D.C. Now
At Fay Law Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping families seek justice and fair compensation for their loss. We understand the emotional, financial, and legal challenges that come with wrongful death cases, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
When you choose our firm to handle your wrongful death claim, you can trust that we will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you and your loved one deserve.
Call us to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our wrongful death specialists at (202) 589-1300