Losing someone you love is devastating. But when someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused that loss, grief can turn into something more: a burning need for accountability. You deserve answers, and your family deserves justice.
Maryland wrongful death attorney Alison Mason Heurich, Esq., has spent over 20 years aggressively fighting for families in Waldorf and throughout Charles County, recovering over $25 million for her clients. She is an experienced personal injury attorney and is ready to fight for yours.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Common causes include car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, and slip-and-fall incidents. While no lawsuit can bring your loved one back, a successful claim can provide financial relief and a measure of justice for your family.
In Maryland, families typically pursue two related claims at the same time: a wrongful death claim and a survival action. Understanding how both work is critical to protecting your family’s rights.
Wrongful Death Claims vs. Survival Actions
A wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family members for the harm they have suffered as a result of losing their loved one. A survival action, on the other hand, compensates the deceased person’s estate for the harm done to them before they died. Both claims can be pursued simultaneously, and Attorney Heurich will guide your family through both.
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Surviving spouse
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Minor or adult child of the deceased
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Parent of a deceased minor or adult child
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Relatives by blood or marriage who were dependents of the deceased, if none of the above exist
These limitations can be painful. For example, an unmarried partner may not be eligible, regardless of the length of the relationship or whether they had children together. Alison understands how unfair this can feel and will work to maximize compensation for every eligible family member.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Wrongful death damages are designed to compensate surviving family members for what they have lost. These can include:
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Lost financial support from the deceased
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Cost to replace services such as childcare and home maintenance
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Emotional pain and suffering
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Mental anguish
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Loss of society, companionship, comfort, protection, care, attention, advice, counsel, training, education, and guidance
In a survival action, the estate may recover funeral expenses, medical bills incurred between injury and death, lost wages during that period, the deceased’s pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
Why Choose Alison Mason Heurich, Esq., for Wrongful Death Cases in Waldorf, MD?
Alison Mason Heurich is not your typical attorney. She earned her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law and went on to work at one of the most prestigious law firms in Washington, D.C., Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, before dedicating her career to fighting for injured people and grieving families in Maryland. She has handled more than 1,000 complex cases and recovered more than $25 million for her clients.
Her credentials speak for themselves: she was named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, earned Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” recognition in both Maryland and Washington, D.C., and holds a perfect 10/10 Superb rating on Avvo. She has served as President of the Charles County Bar Association and on the Board of Governors of the Maryland State Bar Association.
Act Now Before Time Runs Out
Maryland law places strict time limits on wrongful death claims. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your family’s rights will be protected.
If you have lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, contact Alison Mason Heurich, Esq., in Waldorf, MD, at 240-346-4883 or email her office to schedule a consultation. She represents wrongful death families in Waldorf and throughout Maryland.
