Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyer
No event can cause the profound grief like that of the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one. Families in these situations face a number of significant challenges that can be incredibly difficult to adjust to.
42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) establishes that a person has only two years to file an action to recover damages for the death of an individual caused by another party’s wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence, or negligence. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and a court will not hear any case filed after it has expired.
Need an Injury Lawyer Pennsylvania understands that families are not immediately prepared to handle court cases after a loved one’s death, which is why our firm takes care of all paperwork and court appearances on their behalf. We represent families in Easton, Northampton, Reading, Lebanon, Allentown, Scranton, Northampton, Hazleton, Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Altoona, York, Wilkes-Barre, Erie, Chester, Williamsport, Lancaster, and many other surrounding areas of the Keystone State.
Wrongful Death Laws in Pennsylvania
Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8301(b), the right of action for wrongful death exists only for the benefit of the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. It does not matter if the spouse, children, or parents are citizens or residents of Pennsylvania.
Plaintiffs in these cases can recover damages for:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Hospital expenses
- Nursing expenses
- Expenses of administration necessitated by reason of injuries causing death
When none of these parties are eligible to receive damages, then the personal representative of the deceased may bring an action to recover the damages listed above. In some cases, authorized parties may also be able to file a survival action which is more or less the lawsuit the deceased would have filed against the negligent party had he or she survived.
Damages in a survival action can include lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The survival action can also be filed by the deceased’s personal representative, and survival actions and wrongful death claims may be brought in the same lawsuit.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Pennsylvania
Some of the most common causes of wrongful death in Pennsylvania include, but are not limited to:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Ridesharing (Uber or Lyft) Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Workplace Accidents
Wrongful Death Attorney in Pennsylvania
Was your loved one killed as the result of another party’s negligence in Pennsylvania? Do not make any recorded statement to an insurance company until you have legal representation. Contact Need an Injury Lawyer Pennsylvania as soon as possible.
Our firm serves people in communities all over Bucks County, Lancaster County, Philadelphia County, Chester County, Montgomery County, York County, Allegheny County, Berks County, and Delaware County. We are available 24/7 to set up a free consultation so you can have our personal injury attorneys provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case.