Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Providing Compassionate Legal Representation to Grieving Loved Ones with Wrongful Death Claims

A loved one’s death is always tragic, but when the death was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful acts, the death of a family member or other loved one can be especially difficult to bear. After a wrongful act robs you of your beloved family member, you and others close to you lose more than just a loved one. A family member’s death caused by a negligent party robs families of love, support, stability, income, and a sense of safety. Family members may face unfathomable challenges after the victim’s death, and it is only natural to get them to be angry at those responsible for their loved ones passing.

If you have lost a loved one to fatal injuries in an accident or malicious incident, you could be entitled to seek monetary compensation with a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of financial compensation can ever hope to bring your loved ones back, fair compensation can help pay expensive bills such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and more.

Pennsylvania law for wrongful death lawsuits can be complicated, and it is not recommended that grieving family members attempt to navigate the legal system on their own. Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys are available to help surviving family members and the personal representatives of the decedent’s estate seek justice and recover damages from at-fault parties.

Duane Lassiter is an experienced wrongful death attorney who, along with his legal team, prides himself in providing compassionate and personal legal services to clients in need. Regardless of how the wrongful death occurred, we encourage potential clients to contact our Philadelphia law office to discuss how they may hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions (or inactions). Our personal injury law firm offers free consultations to all prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services.

What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under Pennsylvania law and the Wrongful Death Act, a death is considered wrongful if it is the result of someone else’s negligent, intentional, or otherwise wrongful acts. The surviving family members and the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in an attempt to ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable for their actions.

The compensation recovered in a wrongful death claim can go towards offsetting burial costs, medical bills, and more. Additionally, a successful wrongful death lawsuit can provide a measure of accountability and justice for the loss of your family member.

An experienced wrongful death lawyer can be invaluable to surviving loved ones seeking justice and financial recovery. Please contact our Philadelphia law firm today to discuss your wrongful death case in a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits the Same as Personal Injury Claims?

A wrongful death claim and a personal injury claim are similar in many ways. In a personal injury case, the injured victim would bring their claim against the at-fault party in pursuit of fair compensation for their losses and injuries.

Wrongful death victims cannot speak for themselves. Instead, wrongful death claims are filed by and for the benefit of the victim’s survivors and all the beneficiaries who were dependent upon the victim. The loved ones will stand in place of their deceased family member in an attempt to hold the at-fault party or entity responsible for their negligent behavior.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Philadelphia, PA?

Pennsylvania laws require that wrongful death claims be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of all the victim’s beneficiaries. If the deceased individual left behind a last will and testament, that legal document should have named a personal representative. If there is no will, the court may appoint a personal representative.

The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act only allows surviving family members, such as the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the wrongful death victim, to recover damages from a wrongful death lawsuit.

If the personal representative of the decedent’s estate does not file a wrongful death claim within six months of the victim’s death, any of the beneficiaries may be entitled to file a claim on behalf of all the beneficiaries.

What Are the Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases?

In every wrongful death case, it is important to determine how the death occurred.

Wrongful deaths can result from the following:

Airplane and train accidents
Car accidents
Commercial truck accidents
Construction site accidents
Dog bites and animal attacks
Drowning
Electrocutions
Explosions
Exposure to toxic chemicals and materials
Intentional acts of violence and assault
Medical malpractice or medical negligence
Motorcycle accidents
Nursing home abuse and elder neglect
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Premises liability accidents
Product liability cases
Recreational activities and sports
Slip and fall accidents
Workplace fatalities
And more

Sometimes, a car accident results in only minor injuries. However, in a more serious accident, the driver and their passengers could suffer fatal injuries. Similarly, in most cases, a workplace accident is considered minor, but injuries could be more severe and life-threatening depending on the line of work.

In cases of assault or violence, the at-fault party may face criminal charges. However, the surviving loved ones still have the right to seek compensation in a civil case.

What Sort of Monetary Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?

A successful wrongful death claim can help surviving family members cope and contend with the financial hardships of losing their loved ones.

Financial recovery may be awarded in both economic and non-economic damages. Examples include the following:

Emotional distress
End-of-life expenses
Estate administration expenses
Funeral expenses
Hospital bills and medical expenses incurred before the decedent’s passing
Loss of enjoyment of life
Lost companionship or consortium
Memorial expenses and burial costs
The value of lost household income or benefits

In some cases, a judge may also order punitive damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Law Firm to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit Today

To ensure that your case meets the basic criteria for a wrongful death claim in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we encourage you to contact our law firm to discuss your case in more detail in a free consultation. When seeking financial recovery in a wrongful death legal matter, it is strongly recommended that all interested parties retain professional legal representation from experienced Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers. Personal injury attorney Duane Lassiter has years of experience representing clients in complicated and traumatic legal matters, including wrongful death cases. As your legal representation, the attorney and his legal staff will do everything within their power to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.

To learn more about our legal services, please contact our Philadelphia law office to schedule your free case evaluation today. You can reach us at 267-682-8918.