Wrongful Death Case Lawyer Paul Abu-Zaid

Wrongful Death Attorney — Ocean City & Worcester County, MD

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness is a devastating kind of grief — one made even harder by the questions and uncertainty that follow. Attorney Paul Abu-Zaid has spent more than 20 years guiding Worcester County families through wrongful death claims with genuine compassion, while pursuing accountability with the seriousness these cases deserve.

What a Wrongful Death Claim Involves

Maryland allows certain surviving family members to bring a wrongful death claim when a loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. This can arise from situations such as:

• Fatal car, motorcycle, or pedestrian accidents
• Medical malpractice resulting in death
• Fatal falls or premises-related incidents
• Defective products or unsafe conditions
• Boating or water-related accidents

Maryland’s wrongful death statute, found at Section 3-901 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, generally limits who may bring a claim to a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased, with other relatives eligible only under certain circumstances.

What’s at Stake

No amount of compensation can undo a loss like this, but Maryland law allows families to pursue recovery for real, tangible harm, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
• Loss of household services, care, and guidance
• Mental anguish and loss of companionship for surviving family members

Maryland generally requires wrongful death claims to be filed within three years of the death, though this window can be shorter in certain cases, such as those involving government entities. Evidence and witness memories also fade with time, making prompt action important even amid grief.

How Paul Builds a Wrongful Death Case

These cases require both sensitivity and rigor, and Paul approaches them with both:

• Investigating the circumstances of the death thoroughly, often working with accident reconstruction or medical experts
• Establishing liability by connecting the at-fault party’s conduct directly to the death
• Documenting the full financial and emotional impact on surviving family members
• Standing firm against insurers, who often move quickly to minimize payouts in these cases
• Coordinating with any related criminal or regulatory proceedings when applicable

Local Advantage for Worcester County Families and Visitors

Fatal accidents along Route 50, Coastal Highway, and Ocean City’s waterways happen more often than any family should have to face, and Paul is deeply familiar with how these cases proceed through the Worcester County Circuit Court in Snow Hill. He understands the local investigative agencies, medical examiners, and court procedures involved in these sensitive cases. When a loved one’s death occurs while visiting or working near Ocean City, grieving families are often out-of-state and unable to travel repeatedly to Maryland. Paul works to handle as much of the legal process remotely as possible, so families can focus on each other rather than logistics.

What to Do Right Now

• Request a copy of any official incident or police report as soon as it becomes available
• Preserve evidence, including photos, medical records, and any communications related to the incident
• Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurance company without legal guidance
• Keep records of funeral costs and any financial impact on the family
• Speak with an attorney early to understand your family’s rights and options

Call Paul Abu-Zaid Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation

Your family deserves answers, support, and an advocate who will treat your loved one’s case with the seriousness it deserves. Call 410.524.2001 now to speak directly with Paul Abu-Zaid about your wrongful death claim, free of charge and completely confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Maryland?

Maryland law generally allows a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased to file first. If none of these primary beneficiaries exist, other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible under certain circumstances.

How long do we have to file a wrongful death claim in Maryland?

Generally, families have three years from the date of death to file, though certain cases — particularly those involving a government entity — carry much shorter notice deadlines. It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What compensation can our family recover?

Depending on the circumstances, families may recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and care the deceased provided. A free consultation can help clarify what applies to your situation.

My family member passed away while visiting Ocean City — can we still pursue a claim from out of state?

Yes. Since the incident occurred in Maryland, a claim can still be pursued under Maryland law regardless of where your family lives. Paul works to manage much of the process remotely to ease the burden on grieving families.