Severna Park Wrongful Death Lawyers

Severna Park Wrongful Death Lawyers

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Severna Park, Maryland at Murnane & O’Neill

The Severna Park wrongful death lawyers at Murnane & O’Neill are committed to helping families who have suffered the devastating and untimely loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct. Losing a family member unexpectedly is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure—especially when the death could and should have been prevented. Tragically, fatal accidents caused by negligence occur far too often in Maryland.

Attorney Hal Murnane and the legal team at Murnane & O’Neill bring years of experience handling wrongful death and survivor actions throughout Severna Park, Anne Arundel County, and across Maryland. We understand the overwhelming grief families face during this time, as well as the complex legal and financial issues that follow. Our mission is to protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the full and fair compensation your family is entitled to under Maryland law.

Depending on the circumstances, your case may involve:

  • A wrongful death claim
  • A survivor action
  • Or both claims pursued together

Our attorneys carefully review every detail of your case to determine the strongest legal strategy for your family.

a lady mourning and holding flowers in a cemetery

 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Severna Park, Maryland

Wrongful death claims can arise from many types of fatal accidents. At Murnane & O’Neill, we frequently represent families in cases involving:

  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
  • Industrial and workplace accidents
  • Defective or dangerous products
  • Premises liability accidents, including slip and falls and unsafe property conditions

In many fatal accident cases—particularly truck accidents, construction incidents, and industrial workplace accidents—liability does not stop with the individual who caused the harm. Employers, property owners, contractors, and product manufacturers may also be legally responsible. When a fatal injury is caused by an employee acting within the scope of their employment, the employer may be held jointly liable under Maryland law.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims and Survivor Actions in Maryland

Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death actions are strictly governed by Maryland law. Only certain individuals are permitted to bring a claim, including:

Primary beneficiaries

  • The surviving spouse
  • Children
  • Parents of the deceased

If no primary beneficiaries exist, a secondary beneficiary may be able to bring a claim—but only if that individual was substantially dependent on the deceased for financial support.

Wrongful death claims focus on the losses suffered by surviving family members, which may include:

  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium

Survivor Actions

A survivor action is brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This claim seeks compensation for what the deceased endured before passing away, including:

  • Conscious pain and suffering
  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death
  • Other damages suffered between injury and death

In many cases, wrongful death and survivor actions are pursued together to fully address the harm caused by negligence.

What Damages Can My Family Recover After a Wrongful Death in Severna Park, Maryland?

The Severna Park wrongful death lawyers at Murnane & O’Neill work diligently to pursue maximum compensation for grieving families. Depending on the facts of your case, recoverable damages may include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills incurred prior to death
  • Loss of financial support and future income
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium

Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity

Calculating future income and lost earning potential can be complex. If your loved one was the primary breadwinner, supported children, or had significant future potential—such as someone training for a professional career—your family may be entitled to substantial compensation.

Our Severna Park wrongful death attorneys carefully evaluate your loved one’s:

  • Employment history
  • Skills, education, and training
  • Career trajectory and earning potential
  • Role within the household and family structure

We often work with financial and economic experts to build a well-supported and persuasive claim on your family’s behalf.

When the Deceased Did Not Work Outside the Home

Wrongful death claims are not limited to wage earners. Families can suffer profound financial and emotional losses when a loved one who provided essential caregiving or household services passes away.

Examples include:

  • A parent who cared for children full-time
  • A family member who provided care for elderly or disabled relatives
  • A loved one who managed household responsibilities

After such a loss, families may face significant new expenses, including:

  • Daycare or childcare services
  • Hiring nannies or babysitters
  • In-home nursing or medical care
  • Assisted living or nursing home costs

A qualified Severna Park, Maryland wrongful death lawyer at Murnane & O’Neill can help pursue compensation to cover these caretaking and support-related expenses.

Loss of a Child or Elderly Loved One

Wrongful death claims involving the loss of a child or elderly family member are among the most heartbreaking. While these cases can present unique legal challenges, they are no less deserving of careful attention and advocacy.

Although financial damages may sometimes be limited, families may still be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of companionship, comfort, and emotional support
  • Loss of services provided to the family

Every case is unique. Some elderly relatives provide essential childcare or household support, while some children contribute emotionally or financially to their families. Our attorneys approach these cases with compassion, dignity, and thorough legal analysis to ensure every loss is fully considered.

Compassionate Legal Support When You Need It Most

We understand that your family may be overwhelmed with grief, funeral arrangements, and uncertainty about the future. The idea of pursuing a lawsuit or navigating the legal system may feel overwhelming right now.

You do not have to face this alone.

The wrongful death lawyers at Murnane & O’Neill in Severna Park, Maryland are here to guide you through every step of the process. We handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.

Contact a Severna Park, Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another party, we encourage you to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

📞 Call (410) 761-6800 to speak with a member of our team

The Severna Park wrongful death lawyers at Murnane & O’Neill are ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and pursue the justice your family deserves.