Q: Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Maryland?
A: Any person within the class of persons permitted to file under the wrongful death statute. Basically, those persons are: the wife, husband, parent, and child of the deceased person. If there are none of those, then any person related by blood or marriage who was substantially dependent upon the deceased. If an eligible person files suit, they must notify and serve all others entitled to make a claim and allow them to join the suit and share in the recovery. No court may permit a recovery without first giving all lawful claimants the opportunity to participate and receive their share.
A: Essentially the immediate family. If you aren't sure of your relationship, why not contact a member of the Md.Assn for Justice--they give free consultations.
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