Losing a loved one is a tragic event in life. This is especially so if it occurs suddenly due to the negligence of another party. When this happens, it is known as wrongful death. Families who are facing these situations tend to want to seek justice for the death by filing a wrongful death claim. In doing so, it is important to retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney to help your case.
What is Wrongful Death?
In Pennsylvania, wrongful death is defined as the “death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another.” This tends to happen due to a person’s negligent or careless behavior. This can be seen in car accidents, product malfunctions, medical malpractice, etc. Not only does this result in the loss of a life, but families are also left to deal with the loss of an income as well.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
After a wrongful death occurs, many people wonder who is eligible to file a claim to pursue legal action. In Pennsylvania, it is important to know that the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a claim. This must be done within six months of the date of death, otherwise the opportunity opens up to any beneficiary to file the claim. The statute of limitations to file a claim in general is two years from the date of the death.
What Can I Recover Compensation For?
When families lose a loved one wrongfully, they often suffer significant financial burdens. This is especially so if the deceased was a dependable source of income for the family. In addition to this, there are certain costs that come with taking care of a death. If compensation is awarded for a wrongful death case in the state of Pennsylvania, it may cover the following damages:
- Medical bills, funeral costs, and other financial burdens
- The loss of income
- The loss of a relationship and companionship
- The loss of parental guidance and support for children
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
