Wrongful Death Lawyer Washington D.C.

Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence? Our DC wrongful death lawyers are here to help. If a family member or friend was a victim of wrongful death, you deserve justice and compensation.

• Our Success Stories in Securing Compensation for Wrongful Death Victims
• Washington DC Wrongful Death Legal Information
• Understanding Wrongful Death
• Why You Need a Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer on Your Side
• Types of Damages Available for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Types and Causes of Wrongful Death in Washington DC
• Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington DC?
• Wrongful Death in Washington FAQs

At Breit Biniazan, our Washington DC wrongful death attorneys have successfully secured settlements for grieving families, including a $15 million wrongful death settlement for a family who lost their daughter and sister. Let us help you through this difficult time—contact us today for a free consultation and let us pursue the compensation your family deserves.

Our Success Stories in Securing Compensation for Wrongful Death Victims

The following table highlights some of the largest settlements and verdicts secured by Breit Biniazan for wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. Each case showcases our commitment to justice and our dedication to helping families recover compensation after the devastating loss of a loved one.

Washington DC Wrongful Death Legal Information

Under the District of Columbia Code, wrongful death claims arise when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another. A wrongful death suit can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to seek compensation for the losses suffered by the family. Here’s an overview of key legal points:

• Liability and Damages (§ 16-2701): When a wrongful death occurs due to negligence, the responsible party (person or corporation) can be held liable for damages. Compensation includes the costs of the deceased’s last illness, funeral expenses, and damages assessed for the benefit of the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and next of kin.
• Statute of Limitations (§ 16-2702): The personal representative of the deceased must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the person’s death.
• Distribution of Damages (§ 16-2703): The damages awarded, aside from covering last illness and burial expenses, go directly to the deceased’s family and are distributed among the surviving spouse and next of kin.

This streamlined legal framework ensures that families receive compensation while holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

Understanding Wrongful Death

Wrongful death is a legal term that refers to a death caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person. It is a devastating experience for the surviving family members, who may be left with emotional trauma, financial burdens, and a sense of injustice. In Washington, D.C., a wrongful death claim can be filed by the surviving spouse, children, parents, or the executor of the deceased person’s estate. A skilled wrongful death lawyer like those at Breit Biniazan can help asses your case.

In Washington, D.C., a wrongful death claim must be filed within a certain period, known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Washington, D.C. is two years from the date of the person’s death. However, it is essential to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney to determine the specific time limit for your case.

Why You Need a Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer on Your Side

Expert Legal Guidance

Our lawyers are well-versed in Washington DC’s wrongful death laws, ensuring your case is handled with precision and care.

Maximized Compensation

We fight to secure full compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of future income, and other damages you’re entitled to.

Protection Against Insurance Companies

We handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring they don’t offer unfair, lowball settlements in your time of vulnerability.

Comprehensive Case Management

From gathering evidence to representing you in court, we manage all legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on healing and grieving.

We understand the complexities involved in a wrongful death accident and manage all legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on healing and grieving.

Accountability for Responsible Parties

We work to hold those at fault accountable, seeking justice for your loved one and helping provide financial support for your family’s future.

Types of Damages Available for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

• Economic Damages:
  • Medical expenses incurred before death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of future earnings and financial support
• Non-Economic Damages:
  • Emotional suffering and mental anguish
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Impact on the family’s quality of life
• Punitive Damages:
  • Awarded in cases of particularly reckless or malicious behavior, to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future

Types and Causes of Wrongful Death in Washington DC

Wrongful death claims in Washington DC can arise from various situations where another party’s negligence or wrongful actions result in a fatality. Some of the most common causes include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are frequent causes of wrongful death. In Washington DC, busy traffic and reckless driving can lead to fatal collisions. Families may face overwhelming financial burdens, such as funeral expenses, which can be addressed through wrongful death lawsuits.

Medical Malpractice

Errors by healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors, can lead to fatal outcomes. Studies have shown that medical errors are a leading cause of death in the U.S., making medical malpractice a significant cause of wrongful death claims. Preventable medical errors cause an estimated 98,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

Workplace Accidents

There were 15 fatalities due to workplace accidents in Washington DC in 2022. Unsafe working conditions, lack of safety measures, and equipment failures can result in fatal workplace injuries. In industries like construction and manufacturing, fatal accidents are often linked to employer negligence.

Product Liability

Defective or dangerous products, such as faulty vehicles or medical devices, can cause fatal injuries. Product liability claims hold manufacturers accountable when their products fail to meet safety standards and cause harm.

Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse or neglect in nursing homes can lead to the untimely death of elderly residents. Issues such as malnutrition, dehydration, and physical abuse are tragically common in facilities that fail to provide adequate care.

Criminal Acts

Intentional acts of violence, such as assault or homicide, can result in wrongful death claims alongside criminal charges, allowing families to seek civil compensation for their loss.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington DC?

In Washington DC, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. Those eligible to receive compensation include the deceased’s spouse, children, adopted children, stepchildren, parents, and other next of kin. Beneficiaries named in the deceased’s will may also be eligible. Family members are entitled to seek monetary compensation for the financial and emotional loss they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. Contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Breit Biniazan for advice on your wrongful death case.

Wrongful Death in Washington FAQ’s

What constitutes wrongful death in Washington DC?

Wrongful death in Washington DC occurs when an individual’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. This can include fatal car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, or criminal acts.

What does a wrongful death claim cover?

A wrongful death claim can cover a variety of damages, including medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future income, and non-economic damages like emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of support for surviving family members.

What is the difference between wrongful death and survival action in Washington DC?

A wrongful death claim is filed to seek compensation for the losses suffered by the family or beneficiaries of the deceased. A survival action, on the other hand, allows the estate to recover damages that the deceased could have pursued if they had survived, such as pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost wages before death.

What is the discovery rule in Washington DC?

The discovery rule in Washington DC allows the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death or survival action to start when the injury or cause of death is discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered, rather than when the death actually occurred.