Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience that no family should have to endure. The compassionate Pasadena wrongful death lawyers with Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. are here to help your family pursue justice and accountability. With our team by your side, you can focus on healing while we work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death refers to a legal claim brought by family members when someone’s life is lost due to another party’s negligent or wrongful actions. Under Maryland law, families may pursue claims against individuals or entities responsible for preventable tragedies, such as failure to diagnose severe conditions, dangerous workplace hazards, or improperly maintained public spaces. Below are detailed examples of such incidents:
Misdiagnosed Illnesses
When illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or infections are misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late, the opportunity for life-saving treatment can be lost. For example, a doctor failing to recognize early warning signs of breast cancer may allow the disease to progress to an untreatable stage. Similarly, misdiagnosing a heart attack as a less serious condition can result in a fatal delay in treatment.
Product Failures
Defective products, such as malfunctioning household appliances, poorly manufactured car parts, or unsafe medical devices, can lead to tragic outcomes. For example, a faulty airbag that fails to deploy during an accident or an improperly labeled medication can result in fatal injuries. Manufacturers and distributors have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumer use.
Dangerous Medications or Medical Devices
Prescriptions with undisclosed side effects, improper dosing instructions, or unsafe medical devices can lead to severe complications and fatalities. For instance, a blood thinner prescribed without proper monitoring could result in uncontrollable bleeding. Similarly, defective pacemakers or surgical implants may fail, causing catastrophic outcomes.
Premises Liability Accidents
Fatal injuries can occur when property owners fail to maintain safe environments, leading to accidents such as drownings, fires, or falls. For instance, an apartment building with faulty wiring could result in a fatal fire, or a pool lacking proper barriers could lead to accidental drownings. Businesses and property owners have a duty to protect visitors from foreseeable hazards.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Tragic outcomes can arise from motor vehicle accidents caused by driver error or poor vehicle maintenance. For example, a driver who operates while fatigued or a poorly maintained automobile may result in fatal injuries to passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Pasadena
Tragic fatalities often stem from incidents that could have been avoided with proper care or safety measures. In Pasadena, negligence by individuals, companies, or institutions can lead to devastating losses for families. Legal representation plays a critical role in addressing these preventable incidents and achieving justice for victims’ loved ones. Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Medical malpractice – Errors like failing to address life-threatening symptoms or mishandling surgical procedures can lead to fatal complications. For example, failing to perform timely diagnostics for chronic illnesses has left many families grappling with preventable losses.
- Transportation-related accidents – Reckless driving, DUIs, and ordinary negligence often result in catastrophic crashes. Pasadena’s high-traffic areas, such as near public transit hubs, make local residents especially vulnerable to these risks.
- Defective consumer products – From household appliances to children’s toys, unsafe products have caused significant harm when manufacturers fail to follow safety protocols. Companies must prioritize consumer safety to avoid life-altering or fatal injuries.
The Emotional and Financial Impact of a Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one unexpectedly places an enormous emotional and financial burden on surviving family members. Beyond the pain of grief, families often struggle with the absence of their loved one’s companionship, guidance, and support. These emotional scars can take years to heal, leaving survivors feeling lost and overwhelmed.
The financial toll can be equally devastating, with mounting expenses that include medical treatments, funeral costs, and the loss of the deceased’s income. In Pasadena, where living expenses and healthcare costs are higher than the national average, these financial pressures are particularly challenging. Families need support not only to navigate these challenges but also to prepare for future needs.
Legal Rights for Families in Wrongful Death Cases
Families in Pasadena who have lost a loved one due to negligence have the legal right to pursue justice and seek compensation for their losses. Maryland law allows eligible family members, such as spouses, children, parents, to file a wrongful death claim. These claims cover both economic damages, like medical expenses and funeral costs, and non-economic damages, such as the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
Wrongful death claims often focus on providing families with financial stability during a time of unimaginable hardship. For example, recovering lost income can help replace the financial support a loved one provided, while compensation for loss of companionship acknowledges the deep personal loss experienced by survivors. Families can rest assured that Pasadena wrongful death attorneys will fight to secure fair compensation and provide compassionate guidance through every step of the legal process.
How Pasadena Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help You
The role of a wrongful death lawyer extends far beyond filing paperwork—they serve as your family’s advocate and guide. Pasadena wrongful death lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, gathering key evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and eyewitness accounts. These attorneys ensure every detail is accounted for to build a strong and persuasive case.
Experienced representation can also protect families from common pitfalls, such as accepting undervalued settlement offers from insurance companies. Whether negotiating behind the scenes or presenting your case in court, the best attorneys know how to counter these tactics and advocate for maximum compensation. Families in Pasadena can trust their wrongful death law firm to offer compassionate support while focusing on securing the justice and financial relief they deserve.
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, but taking the right steps early on can make a difference in the outcome of your case. These actions will help you preserve critical evidence and protect your family’s legal rights. Below is a list of steps families in Pasadena can follow after a wrongful death caused by negligence:
- Consult with a Pasadena wrongful death lawyer promptly – Reach out to an experienced attorney to evaluate your case and explore your legal options. A lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of the claims process, ensuring deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
- Quick Tip – Many attorneys offer free consultations, allowing you to understand your case’s potential without financial commitment.
- Collect essential documentation – Your wrongful death attorney will obtain medical records, police reports, financial statements, and any correspondence with healthcare providers or other involved parties. These documents will form the backbone of your case and provide clarity on the events leading to your loved one’s death.
- Quick Tip – Keep a log of related expenses, such as funeral costs, transportation, or counseling fees, to include in your claim.
- Avoid premature statements to insurance companies – Insurance adjusters often seek statements from families immediately following the incident, hoping to minimize payouts. Politely decline to provide a statement or accept any settlement offer until you’ve consulted an attorney.
- Quick Tip – Direct all communication with insurers to your attorney to prevent misunderstandings or misstatements that could harm your case.
By following these steps, families can strengthen their claims and focus on honoring their loved one’s memory. Trust that your attorney will handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing and seeking justice.
The Role of Local Knowledge in Wrongful Death Cases
Choosing a wrongful death attorney with deep local knowledge can significantly improve your case’s outcome. Pasadena courts, healthcare facilities, and insurance providers each have unique practices that require familiarity to navigate effectively. Attorneys with local experience can anticipate potential obstacles and tailor their strategies to meet the demands of your community.
For instance, understanding which Pasadena hospitals or healthcare providers frequently face malpractice claims allows attorneys to investigate more efficiently. Additionally, legal professionals who regularly work within the local court system may have established relationships that can facilitate negotiations or courtroom proceedings. This familiarity ensures that your case receives the strategic attention it deserves, helping you secure a favorable resolution.
Why Choose Us as Your Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Pasadena?
When you choose our Pasadena wrongful death lawyers, you are partnering with a team dedicated to delivering justice for grieving families. With extensive experience in complex wrongful death claims, including cases involving medical malpractice and fatal accidents, we have built a reputation for achieving outstanding results for our clients. Our goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and provide families with the closure they deserve.
What sets us apart is our commitment to client care. We understand that wrongful death cases are emotionally and financially challenging, which is why we focus on compassionate representation. From investigating claims to negotiating settlements or litigating in court, we ensure that every step of your case is handled with professionalism and care. By prioritizing your needs, we strive to provide peace of mind during a difficult time.
Pasadena Wrongful Death FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Maryland?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim, as specified under Maryland Code, Court and Judicial Proceedings § 3-904. However, exceptions may apply, such as cases involving government entities where the law requires claimants to first file a notice of claim. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation, so it is crucial to act quickly.
Our Pasadena wrongful death attorneys can help you determine how the statute of limitations applies to your case. By starting the process early, we can gather evidence, consult experts, and develop a strong claim to ensure your family’s rights are protected.
What damages can I recover in a wrongful death case?
Wrongful death claims can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and the deceased’s lost income. Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
Calculating damages requires a thorough understanding of the financial and emotional toll on your family. Our attorneys collaborate with experts to accurately quantify your losses, ensuring that we seek maximum compensation to support your family’s future.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if the deceased had pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you can pursue a wrongful death claim even if your loved one had pre-existing conditions, provided that negligence contributed to or worsened their condition. For example, if a healthcare provider failed to treat a condition properly or exacerbated it through errors, you may have a valid claim. Establishing this link requires a detailed review of medical records and expert input.
Our team is skilled in handling complex cases involving pre-existing conditions. We work diligently to prove how negligence played a role in the fatal outcome, ensuring that your family has the opportunity to seek justice and compensation.
Meet With Our Community-Driven Wrongful Death Attorneys in Pasadena for Help Today
Losing a family member due to medical malpractice is a devastating experience that leaves many families unsure of what to do next. A compassionate Pasadena wrongful death lawyer with Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue answers and closure. Connect with us today by calling our office or completing our secure contact form to schedule your free consultation and let us help your family find the justice and financial relief you deserve.