{"id":373907,"date":"2016-12-14T12:41:04","date_gmt":"2016-12-14T17:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-wrongful-death-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-08-24T12:55:56","modified_gmt":"2024-08-24T17:55:56","slug":"maryland-wrongful-death-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-wrongful-death-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Wrongful Death Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maryland Wrongful Death Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Maryland\u2019s wrongful death<\/a> statute lets the surviving family members file suit if a loved one dies because of another person\u2019s negligence or careless behavior. The death of a family member leaves behind medical expenses, unpaid bills, and emotional loss.<\/p>\r\n

Maryland\u2019s wrongful death laws differ from other states by allowing family members to file wrongful death claims<\/a> on their own behalf. Only the decedent\u2019s personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit in some states.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re faced with a wrongful death<\/a> claim, you should understand Maryland\u2019s laws and talk to a personal injury lawyer<\/a> who understands this area of law.<\/p>\r\n

What Is a Wrongful Death?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Maryland law defines a wrongful death<\/a> as a death caused by a \u201cwrongful act.\u201d This is any act or omission that would have let the party file a tort action on their own behalf if not for the person\u2019s death. Maryland law includes criminal acts of homicide in the statute.<\/p>\r\n

Survivors can file wrongful death suits against any person, business, or estate of a deceased person who caused the death of another person (Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code,<\/b> Section 3-902<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n

Maryland Wrongful Death Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Wrongful deaths can arise from many causes. Some common sources of wrongful death cases are:<\/p>\r\n