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Washington, DC Wrongful Death Lawyer

If You Lost a Loved One Because of Someone's Negligence, Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Are Here to Help.

Losing a loved one triggers grief, sadness, and sorrow, especially when the death is sudden and caused by a negligent act. During this time of grieving, your family may see income diminish and experience a large financial debt from medical bills. Unfortunately, creditors will be unsympathetic about your circumstances, and at a time when you need to be mourning the loss of a loved one, you will need to contend with the debt. By hiring a Washington, DC wrongful death lawyer, you will have someone on your side to fight the battle while your family takes the time to heal.

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What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death action is brought when a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. Negligence is a legal term that refers to activity that is careless, irresponsible, or without reasonable care. If negligence plays a part in a wrongful death, the deceased’s surviving family members may take legal action against the responsible person.

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Wrongful death can be difficult to prove on your own. You will need to show that the other party is at fault for the accident that caused the death. This means you will need evidence to prove the wrongful death claim, understand how much the case is worth, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that will cover all your expenses. What you need is an experienced wrongful death attorney who can navigate you through the claims process and help get you and your family the compensation you need.

The DC wrongful death lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have represented families in wrongful death lawsuits for decades. In addition to obtaining compensation for the tragic loss of a loved one, we can help families obtain a sense of justice stemming from the devastating event. Our Washington, DC personal injury lawyers know what you and your family are going through at this time; this is why we will take the burden off your shoulders and fight for your loved one’s rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Washington, DC?

A wrongful death claim is usually filed by a personal representative of the victim. For example, a spouse can file a lawsuit on behalf of their deceased spouse. If the victim wasn’t married or had a domestic partner, then the wrongful death lawsuit can be brought by the next of kin. This includes:

  • The victim’s children
  • The parents
  • The siblings
  • The grandparents

In many cases, those who are the closest family members to the victim will receive damages, especially those who relied on the victim for financial support.

The amount of money awarded to the surviving family members is based on the losses they experienced following the death of their loved one. If the deceased had a will, then the estate’s personal representative will be responsible for distributing the damages among the family members. However, if the victim died intestate (without a will) then the damages will be distributed in the following way:

  • Entirely to the spouse if there are no surviving parents or children
  • If there are children, two-thirds of the award will go to the spouse and the rest to the children. If there are surviving children that do not belong to the spouse, half of the money will do to them and the other half to the spouse.
  • If there are no children but at least one parent of the deceased is alive, three-quarters of the damages will go to the spouse and the rest to the parent.
  • If there is no spouse or children, the parents will receive the entire amount.
  • If there is no spouse, children, or parents, the siblings will receive the entire amount.
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What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington, DC?

Damages can be awarded to the survivors to cover any expenses that arose from the accident. These expenses include:

In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded as an attempt to punish the defendant for their conduct and prevent any other individual or organization from acting in a similar way.

However, in Washington, DC, beneficiaries are not awarded any damages for grief, mental distress, or the loss of affection. Also, there is no set limit on how much money can be awarded in damages for a wrongful death lawsuit.

What Are Some Examples of a Wrongful Death Claim in DC?

According to Washington, DC law, a wrongful death suit can be filed if the death of an individual was “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or corporation.” Examples of wrongful death lawsuits include:

Truck Accidents

Approximately 4,000 individuals are killed annually in incidents involving commercial trucks. Given the several parties that may be ultimately liable for the accident, a wrongful death lawsuit after a truck accident can be exceedingly complicated. A skilled Washington, DC wrongful death lawyer is necessary for a successful wrongful death litigation, whether it is settled out of court or tried in court.

Car Accidents

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that automobile accidents are the largest cause of accidental mortality in the United States. Every day, deadly car accidents are caused by distracted driving, driver weariness, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and irresponsible driving practices. Although these circumstances are prevalent, they are no less problematic.

Medical Malpractice

When we seek medical care, we entrust our lives and those of our loved ones to medical professionals. We anticipate that healthcare providers will take this obligation seriously. Even so, medical malpractice remains one of the major causes of wrongful deaths in the United States. A delayed or misdiagnosis, medication error, nursing home abuse, or any other form of medical negligence can be fatal. By filing a wrongful death claim, your family can hold a negligent healthcare provider accountable for their actions.

Workplace Accidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that over 4,400 workplace fatalities occur annually. Among the industries with the greatest injury and mortality rates are trucking and transportation, construction, petroleum and natural gas, and healthcare. In these circumstances, our personal injury attorneys are no strangers to wrongful death cases.

Product Liability

It is the job of the manufacturer or designer of a product to keep consumers safe from harm when using their products. But that is not always the case. When a dangerous product, such as a defective drug, causes the death of the user, the deceased person’s estate has the opportunity to file a wrongful death case against those responsible.

How Can You Prove a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington, DC?

Let’s say a drunk driver gets into a car accident that kills the other driver. In order for the family of the victim to bring a valid claim against the drunk driver, a Washington, DC wrongful death lawyer will need to prove the following factors:

Who Can Be Sued for Wrongful Death?

One or multiple parties can be held responsible for the death of a loved one. For example, in a medical malpractice case, the family could hold the medical professional, the healthcare facility, and any of the medical staff responsible for the accident. Other examples include a restaurant or bar that overserved a drunk driver and allowed them to drive home; automobile manufacturers who created a vehicle defect that resulted in a fatal accident; and a trucking company that didn’t train a truck driver properly.

A wrongful death case will not only make the irresponsible party accountable for their acts, but it can also lessen the financial burden unjustly forced on your family in the aftermath of the death of a loved one. We recognize that money and dealing with the person who caused the death of your loved one are likely the last things you and your family want to do while in sorrow. Our DC wrongful death lawyer can relieve you of this burden; we will handle your wrongful death lawsuit while you and your family mourn the loss of a loved one.

We will not charge you any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. And our initial consultation is entirely complimentary.

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What is the Statute Of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Washington, DC?

There are some important time limits to take into consideration with respect to a wrongful death lawsuit. Understandably, while a family mourns the loss of a loved one, the last thing on your mind is to file a wrongful death claim.

In Washington, DC, you have two years after the death of a loved one to file a lawsuit. Under certain circumstances, the statute may be shorter or longer in a particular case. Our mission is to provide the very highest level of legal representation to our clients in an effective and compassionate manner.

Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer from Regan Zambri Long?

Our DC wrongful death lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to investigate and prosecute wrongful death claims. Our wrongful death attorneys will guide your family through difficult and confusing times. We do so with an unwavering commitment to obtain just settlements and verdicts.

You should never have to manage the aftermath of a loved member’s passing on your own. This is especially true when the death was the result of another person’s carelessness. Personal injury legislation is intricate, as is the legal process following an accidental death. You and your family will have numerous questions about the best course of action. We will respond to your queries, assist you in completing the necessary documentation, and negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys on your behalf.

Our experience allows us to assist in determining which evidence will be most persuasive to a jury and in ensuring that evidence is acquired efficiently and promptly. After losing a loved one, the last thing you and your family want to consider is what proof you need to prove that someone else was at fault. However, it is better to act promptly, as certain evidence may be lost or become more difficult to locate as time passes. In addition, rigorous procedures control the admissibility and presentation of evidence before a jury. Our personal injury attorneys are adept at navigating these obstacles.

Lastly, you will occasionally require an expert witness to support your argument. This occurs when your case incorporates scientific or technological knowledge. We are able to discover and engage subject matter specialists for your case. In addition, we will prepare them for trial and ensure they are ready to refute any experts retained by the irresponsible parties.

If you lost a loved one in an accident and need help filing a wrongful death claim, contact a DC wrongful death lawyer at Regan Zambri Long PLLC today.

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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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