Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence? Breit Biniazan’s personal injury attorneys in Washington are here to help. We are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for families affected by wrongful death.
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.
| Settlement/Verdict |
Case Type |
Description |
| $11 Million |
Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Wrongful Death |
A husband and wife were involved in a tragic car accident that took the life of one and left the other with a debilitating brain injury. |
| $6 Million |
Wrongful Death |
A truck driver’s head and chest were crushed, causing immediate death. |
| $4.7 Million |
Wrongful Death |
A crane operation error at a paper manufacturing plant resulted in a fatality. |
| $2 Million |
Wrongful Death (Medical Malpractice) |
A verdict involving the death of a young child due to a misdiagnosed vascular condition in the brain. Reduced to Virginia’s statutory cap. |
| $1.95 Million |
Wrongful Death |
A verdict in a wrongful death case involving negligence. |
| $1.4 Million |
Wrongful Death |
A plaintiff’s decedent was electrocuted on a job site on April 22, 2019. |
| $1.35 Million |
Wrongful Death (Medical Malpractice) |
A 36-year-old woman tragically died when the anesthesiologist failed to secure her airway during labor induction. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.