Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s wrongful death statutes restrict who can file a wrongful death suit. Before taking any action to hold a party financially responsible for your loved one’s death, it is best to consult with an experienced Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer.

Our lawyers at the Pansini Law Group law firm have extensive experience handling wrongful death claims. We evaluate your case free of charge, explain your legal rights, and answer your questions about filing a wrongful death suit in Pennsylvania. Contact us online or call us at (215) 732-5555.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania’s Wrongful Death Act, the personal representative for the probate estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person. If the estate does not file a wrongful death lawsuit within six months from the date of death, the law allows any of the above individuals to file a wrongful death suit.

The state recognizes that spouses, children, and parents tend to have the closest relationship to the decedent. Also, these individuals tend to be financially dependent on the deceased person more than other relatives.

What Damages Are Available in a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Suit?

The damages that are recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit are similar to some of the damages included in a personal injury lawsuit. Damages that family members may include in a wrongful death lawsuit include:

• The cost of medical care for the family member from the time of the injury through the death of the individual
• Reasonable funeral and burial expenses and costs
• Expenses related to the administration of the probate estate
• Loss of income that the deceased person would have earned during his or her lifetime that would have supported family members
• Loss of love, companionship, guidance, household services, and support
• Compensation for pain and suffering

No amount of money compensates family members for the loss of a loved one. However, the courts cannot undo the death. Therefore, it provides a way for the family to hold the party responsible for their loved one’s death liable for the financial damages caused by the party’s negligence and wrongdoing.

What Leads to a Wrongful Death Suit?

A wrongful death occurs when a person or entity causes the untimely death of a person through negligence, errors, or intentional wrongdoing. Many different situations can lead to a wrongful death claim. Some examples of things that could lead to a wrongful death claim include:

• Automobile accidents
• Defective products
• Medical malpractice
• Construction accidents
• Premises liability claims
• Recreational and sports accidents
• Intentional assault or violent acts

Almost any incident could result in a wrongful death suit if a person died because of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. Proving a wrongful death claim can be complicated. Working with an experienced Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer can help a personal representative or family member ensure that justice is received for their family.

Get Help From an Experienced Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorney

At Pansini Law Group, our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience handling wrongful death claims arising from a wide variety of accidents and causes. We understand that this is a very emotional and challenging time for your family. Our legal team respects your needs. We will do everything within our power to make the process as stress-free as possible for your entire family.

We are dedicated to holding parties responsible for wrongdoing. Our lawyers are aggressive trial lawyers who will diligently pursue every legal course of action to give you and your family closure after a tragic loss.

Call (215) 732-5555 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injury case.