Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Pennsylvania? The Slocum Firm is here to help your family get justice. Call us today for a free case review.
Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Pennsylvania? If so, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death occurs when the intentional or negligent actions of another cause a person’s death.
The Slocum Firm understands the devastating impact that the loss of a loved one can have on families. Our experienced Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping families like yours seek justice and recover compensation for their losses.
This page will discuss the common causes of wrongful death in Pennsylvania. By understanding these factors, you can determine if you have a valid claim and take the necessary steps to seek legal action.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. The Slocum Firm is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents can result in severe injuries or even wrongful death. When someone dies due to a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss.
In Pennsylvania, wrongful death lawsuits can help recover damages for funeral and burial costs, medical expenses incurred before death, and lost wages.
Key Points:
- Wrongful Death Claims: Family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act.
- Compensation: An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you recover compensation for various damages, including medical bills and funeral expenses.
- Legal Process: Pennsylvania law allows surviving family members to file wrongful death claims within a specific timeframe, known as the wrongful death statute.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to the death of a patient. This could be due to medical errors, incorrect treatments, or failure to diagnose a serious condition.
In such cases, a wrongful death case can be filed to seek compensation for the victim’s medical expenses and the suffering of surviving family members.
Key Points:
- Wrongful Death Action: If medical malpractice is involved, filing a wrongful death claim can help address financial losses and the emotional impact on the victim’s family.
- Legal Representation: An experienced wrongful death lawyer can assist in proving medical professionals’ negligence and securing compensation.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover medical expenses incurred before the death and additional damages for the surviving family members.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents, whether due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence, can sometimes result in wrongful death.
If a loved one dies because of a workplace accident, filing a wrongful death claim can help address the financial burden left behind. This may include recovering compensation for lost wages, funerals, and medical expenses.
Key Points:
- Filing a Claim: Surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if the accident was caused by the employer’s failure to uphold safety standards.
- Compensation: Wrongful death claims can cover various damages, including funeral and burial costs and lost income.
- Legal Advice: Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help hold the responsible party accountable.
Defective Products
When a defective product causes fatal injuries, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim against the manufacturer or seller.
Defective products can include anything from unsafe vehicles to hazardous household items. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help recover damages for the deceased person’s estate, including medical expenses and funeral costs.
Key Points:
- Product Liability: A wrongful death claim can be filed if the defect in a product led to the untimely death of a loved one.
- Experienced Attorneys: Working with experienced wrongful death attorneys can improve the chances of securing compensation for damages and holding the responsible parties accountable.
- Recover Damages: Compensation can include costs related to the deceased person’s medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing home negligence is a significant cause of wrongful death in Pennsylvania. When an elderly resident dies due to inadequate care or neglect, it can lead to a wrongful death claim. Common issues include:
- Medical Errors: Mistakes in administering medication or neglecting medical needs can result in severe complications or death.
- Poor Facility Conditions: Unclean environments or lack of proper medical equipment can jeopardize residents’ health.
- Inadequate Supervision: Failure to monitor residents properly can lead to falls, infections, and other serious health problems.
Surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other related costs. Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys can help pursue claims for the deceased person’s estate and any other damages owed.
Unlawful Violence
Unlawful violence, such as assault or homicide, can lead to wrongful death cases. When intentional acts of violence cause someone’s death, the legal system may address both criminal and civil consequences. Key points include:
- Criminal Charges: The responsible party might face criminal charges, but this does not prevent the family from filing a wrongful death claim.
- Civil Lawsuits: Surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their loss, including punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm.
In Pennsylvania, the wrongful death statute allows family members to hold the responsible party accountable through civil action, even if a criminal case is ongoing.
Premises Liability
Premises liability involves cases where a person’s death is caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Examples include:
- Slips and Falls: Poorly maintained premises leading to fatal falls or injuries.
- Inadequate Security: Insufficient security measures lead to violent crimes or assaults.
- Negligent Property Maintenance: Failure to address hazards or unsafe conditions that result in fatal accidents.
When a wrongful death results from a property owner’s negligence, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. They may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the death.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can help prove that the property owner owed a legal duty to maintain a safe environment and failed to do so.
Benefits of Hiring a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a loved one’s death is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, the emotional and financial toll on surviving family members can be overwhelming.
Hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney in Pennsylvania can provide crucial support and guidance during this difficult time. Here are some key benefits of seeking legal representation for a wrongful death claim.
Experienced Legal Guidance
A skilled Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney will advise on your case’s best course of action. They understand the intricacies of Pennsylvania’s wrongful death laws and can navigate the legal system effectively. This expertise is crucial in building a strong case, whether you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit or pursuing compensation through a wrongful death action.
- Knowledge of Pennsylvania Law: An experienced wrongful death lawyer is well-versed in the wrongful death statute and other relevant Pennsylvania laws, ensuring your claim is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.
- Understanding of Legal Procedures: Filing a wrongful death claim involves complex legal procedures, including gathering evidence, filing documents, and representing you in court. A wrongful death attorney handles all these aspects efficiently.
Maximizing Compensation
One of the primary reasons to hire a wrongful death attorney is to ensure you recover the maximum compensation available for your loss. They will work to secure damages for various aspects of your case, including:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s death.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Compensation for funeral expenses and burial costs.
- Lost Wages: Recovery for the income the deceased would have earned if they had lived.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be pursued in cases involving intentional acts or gross negligence.
By thoroughly investigating your case and negotiating with insurance companies, a wrongful death lawyer ensures you receive fair compensation for your family’s suffering.
Handling Complex Legal Matters
Wrongful death cases can be legally complex, especially when dealing with multiple responsible parties or navigating through insurance companies. An experienced attorney:
- Investigate the Case: Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- Negotiates with Insurance Companies: Handles negotiations to ensure you get a fair settlement without being pressured into accepting a lower offer.
- Represents You in Court: If necessary, represents you in court to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, ensuring your case is presented effectively to a judge or jury.
Providing Emotional Support
The emotional strain of losing a loved one is often compounded by the stress of dealing with legal matters. A wrongful death attorney provides support by:
- Offering Compassionate Representation: Understanding your emotional challenges and providing empathetic guidance throughout the legal process.
- Handling Legal Stress: Taking on the burden of legal responsibilities allows you to focus on grieving and supporting your family.
Ensuring Accountability
Holding the responsible party accountable for their actions is a crucial aspect of pursuing a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawyer works to:
- Identify the Responsible Parties: Determine who is legally responsible for the death, whether it’s due to medical malpractice, a car accident, or other negligent acts.
- Seek Justice for the Deceased: Pursue legal actions to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their wrongdoings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Pennsylvania
What is a wrongful death case?
A wrongful death case arises when someone’s death is caused by another party’s wrongful act, negligence, or intentional actions. In Pennsylvania, wrongful death claims can be filed by the deceased person’s representative on behalf of the surviving family members to recover compensation for their losses.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for filing wrongful death lawsuits is generally two years from the date the death occurred. It is crucial to consult with experienced wrongful death attorneys to ensure that your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the surviving family members due to the loved one’s death. In contrast, a survival action is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate to recover damages the deceased person could have claimed if they had survived. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering experienced by the deceased person before their death.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This is usually a close family member, such as a surviving spouse, parent, or child. The claim is filed on behalf of the surviving family members who have suffered losses due to the loved one’s death.
Contact a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, we’re here to help. At The Slocum Firm, our experienced wrongful death attorneys handle wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania.
At The Slocum Firm, we offer personalized support because we understand the profound emotional toll of losing a family member. We are committed to being there for you throughout this challenging time, providing compassionate guidance and legal expertise. Our experienced team will assist you in filing a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens caused by your loss.
With a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s wrongful death laws and statutes, we ensure that every aspect of your case is handled with precision and attention to detail, giving you the confidence and peace of mind that your claim is in capable hands. We aim to help you achieve justice while offering the support you need to move forward.
Contact us at 570-209-7376 today to discuss your viable wrongful death claim and see how we can help you pursue the justice your family deserves.
