Maryland Women’s Wrongful Death Lawyer
Kellie T. Barnes, Attorney at Law helps women and their families move forward after fatal accidents in Maryland.
A wrongful death claim is the last thing you or anyone else wants to face, but the reality is that any accident can turn out to be fatal.
When that happens, our team will be there with guidance and support.
Set up a free consultation today to talk through your options.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
When you’ve just lost someone you love in an accident, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is getting legal help.
But grief and all the responsibilities that come up in this situation can quickly overwhelm you.
That’s where our team can help the most. We’ll simply give you space to grieve and focus on your family while we spend time:
- Looking into how and why the accident happened
- Collecting reports, records, and other time-sensitive evidence
- Identifying everyone who may share responsibility—not just the most obvious party
- Handling talks with insurance companies so you aren’t pushed into decisions too soon
- Making sure paperwork is filed correctly and on time
- Taking the case to court if need be
For many women, especially spouses or mothers, there’s also an added emotional burden: feeling like they need to stay strong for everyone else. That’s obviously a huge burden, but something you’re used to. Our goal is to at least make the legal side of things easier.
What Kinds of Accidents End Up Being Fatal in Maryland?
Fatal accidents in Maryland happen in all kinds of places—often where you feel routine or familiar. But there’s something below the surface here that underscores why wrongful death claims exist in the first place: any accident can be fatal.
Usually, though, it’s the following that tend to show up over and over:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Unsafe property accidents
Again, the main takeaway here is the sheer scope of a fatal accident. What might look like a simple fender bender on the interstate could result in you losing a loved one (or them losing you.) And it’s something that you can’t prepare for. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a process in place to help you and your family move forward.
What Evidence Should I Look For After the Accident?
Thinking about “evidence” after a death can feel uncomfortable. But when a wrongful death claim is possible, information helps tell the full story of what happened—and why it never should have happened. Even if you weren’t at the scene when the accident happened, you can help your family by gathering things like:
- Accident or incident reports. Police reports, workplace incident reports, or safety investigations often outline the basic facts. They may note speeding, failure to yield, unsafe conditions, or violations that contributed to the death.
- Medical records. Hospital and emergency records help connect the fatal injuries directly to the accident. These records are often essential for establishing responsibility.
- Witness statements. People who were nearby—other drivers, coworkers, neighbors—may have seen things official reports missed. Their accounts can add critical context.
- Photos or video footage. Traffic cameras, dash cams, security footage, or even cellphone videos can show road conditions, hazards, or the moments leading up to the incident.
- Employment and financial records. If your loved one contributed income or benefits to the household, documentation helps show the financial impact of their absence.
You don’t need to gather all of this yourself.
Many families don’t have access to much information at first—and that’s okay.
Our team can take the lead in organizing things while you focus on moving ahead.
How Can My Family Get Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?
It might not feel like it, but a fatal accident follows the same basic outline of a typical injury claim. There’s just some obvious differences—mostly built around you or your surviving family members getting what they need to heal. It’s not about money so much as peace of mind and dealing with your new shared reality.
Here’s how the wrongful death claims process works in Maryland:
Eligibility. It starts with figuring out whether or not you can actually file a wrongful death claim. In Maryland, primary beneficiaries are the ones that file. This usually includes:
- Spouses
- Parents
- Children
Once the right person (or people) are found, the process moves forward much like other injury claims—by filing an insurance claim or, if needed, a lawsuit.
From there, the focus shifts to what the family has lost and how the law allows those losses to be addressed through “damages” for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses for treatment or hospital care your loved one received before passing
- Lost income or future earnings
- Lost benefits
Every claim is different, but these damages are usually based on factors like:
- Your loved one’s age and overall health
- Their job, income, and career path
- Whether they supported children or other dependents
- The cost of medical care and the financial role they played in your family
In Maryland, you and your family generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Three years can feel like plenty of time, but it often moves faster than you expect—especially when life has been turned upside down and you’re focused on everyone else.
Who Pays for Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Timing and circumstances are important parts of any wrongful death claim, but it still hinges on a key question: who pays for my family’s damages? You might be surprised to learn that there’s no special rule for this responsibility—it’s still based on negligence.
So, that means liability could fall on:
- Drivers who were distracted, impaired, or reckless
- Property owners who failed to fix known hazards
- Companies that designed or sold unsafe products
- Government agencies that ignored reported dangers
Every case is different.
Figuring out responsibility means looking closely at all the pieces—what happened, who was involved, and what could have prevented it. It’s not about blaming for the sake of it. It’s about making sure your family isn’t left carrying the cost of someone else’s mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will our wrongful death claim go to court?
Not always. Many cases are resolved through a settlement. But every case is prepared as if it might go to court, because that preparation often leads to better outcomes.
What if I wasn’t there when the accident happened?
That’s very common. You don’t have to have witnessed the accident to file a claim, as long as you’re legally able to file.
Are there resources in Maryland to help my family right now?
Yes. Families often turn to local police departments, the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and grief support organizations. These resources can help with paperwork, emotional support, and understanding your options during a very hard time.
Reach Out to Kellie T. Barnes, Attorney at Law For Help With a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim
After a wrongful death, many women are left balancing grief with responsibility—keeping life moving while quietly carrying a tremendous loss.
Most families don’t know where to begin with a wrongful death claim, and that’s completely normal.
When you’re ready, having guidance can take some of the pressure off your shoulders. Kellie T. Barnes, Attorney at Law will be there to explain your family’s options, help you through the claims process, and make sure your family has what they need to move forward. Set up a free consultation when you’re ready.