Wrongful Death Attorneys in Pennsylvania

Representing the Loved Ones of Those Who Suffered Wrongful Death in PA

It is hard enough to lose a loved one for any reason, but when they pass away as a direct result of someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, it is even more difficult to handle. These circumstances are referred to as wrongful death. At Gay Chacker & Ginsburg Trial Lawyers, our team of Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys are committed to helping clients understand their situation. We work with them to help secure compensation that can cover:

  1. Remaining medical bills
  2. Funeral costs
  3. Simple day-to-day expenses that were made more difficult by losing a contributing member of the household

Our team handles wrongful death cases that stem from accidents of all kinds

Our attorneys are dedicated to representing you in your difficult times. The death of your loved one may have been the result of a seemingly endless list of possible accidents. Some of the most common accidents for wrongful death are listed below.

Wrongful death can be due to many different accidents, such as:

Pennsylvania’s Legal Definition of “Wrongful Death”

The term “wrongful death” may seem strange to some people since a loved one’s passing is seldom thought of as a rightful event. Under Title 42, Chapter 83 of the Pennsylvania General Statutes, Section 8301, wrongful death is defined as a death that is “caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another.”

Is a Wrongful Death Claim the Same as a Personal Injury Claim?

Wrongful death claims are in many ways similar to personal injury claims, with the only difference being that the plaintiff is no longer living and able to pursue his or her own claim in court, requiring the claim to be brought on their behalf by another party.

Wrongful death claims are civil actions that are completely separate from any criminal cases that may already be filed regarding the same death. While a criminal case may result in criminal penalties such as incarceration being imposed against the responsible party, wrongful death cases are meant to provide monetary compensation to the surviving family of the deceased.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

Wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This person acts on behalf of all of the deceased person’s beneficiaries. This is different from a criminal case, which is brought against the defendant by the prosecuting attorney in the case’s jurisdiction.

Who is Entitled to Compensation from a Wrongful Death Claim in PA?

Pennsylvania’s law is clear about who is entitled to compensation when it comes to wrongful death claims. Proceeds recovered in a wrongful death settlement or award may only be awarded to the following parties:

  • The surviving spouse
  • The surviving children
  • Surviving parents

Those in a different relationship to the deceased, like siblings or cousins, cannot be beneficiaries.

Damages & Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

There are two main types of damages that loved ones can pursue when seeking compensation in a wrongful death case:

  1. Economic damages refer to the more concrete aspects of the loss, such as hospital bills or the cost of the funeral.
  2. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to the impact that their loss has on you and your family.

Because wrongful death cases are almost by definition sudden and unexpected, families are generally financially and emotionally unprepared for the loss.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions in Pennsylvania

While they are similar, it is important to distinguish the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action in Pennsylvania.

  • Wrongful death – A wrongful death claim seeks to compensate the deceased victim’s family for the loss of their loved one.
  • Survival action – by contrast, focuses on the suffering the deceased person may have endured prior to their death.

Both wrongful death claims and survival actions are governed by The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act and are often pursued at the same time for the benefit of the deceased person’s estate.

How a Wrongful Death Causes Financial Strain

There’s no way to calculate the emotional trauma that comes from a wrongful death in the family. However, a family member’s death can also result in a loss of earnings and earning capacity. This is a very serious matter.

Families depend on the income to pay the rent or mortgage, heat and electricity, car loans, and other health insurance bills. A major loss of income can derail or indefinitely defer a family’s plans and stability. In today’s world, it is not unusual to see both partners working to sustain their lifestyles.

Even in cases where the deceased did not earn an income, the costs of medical and funeral care can stretch a budget past its breaking point. No family should have to deal with these financial stresses while also coping with such a deep personal loss. Filing a wrongful death claim can never make up for a loved one’s death. However, the money can help survivors secure their futures.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania

Like all other states, Pennsylvania wrongful death claims are subject to a filing deadline known as a “statute of limitations” which places a hard limit on how long the surviving family has to take legal action. Wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania must be filed within two years of the date of the deceased person’s death in order to be heard by the courts. If you do not file a claim before this deadline expires, you will essentially lose your right to sue and will be unable to collect compensation for your loved one’s death. Since certain events can impact how the statute of limitations applies to your case, it is important you speak to a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney to find out how much time you have to file a claim.

What Our Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Do

Wrongful death lawsuits can be complex. If you intend to file one, you’ll first need a capable legal team that can prove liability and seeks compensation for the full extent of damages. Your lawyer must know how to go against the defendant’s legal team and the insurance company.

Gay Chacker & Ginsburg Trial Lawyers believes that those responsible for the deaths are obligated to compensate the victim’s loved ones. Our team has dealt with wrongful deaths that have arisen from vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse and neglect, among other tragedies. You need to act promptly to get the right team of wrongful death lawyers in place before evidence is lost, or an insurance company tries to work up a denial for payment.

Our attorneys offer a wide range of services and benefits to your case, including:

  • A thorough evaluation of your situation to build a case that considers all ways your family has been impacted
  • Negotiating with the defendant’s legal representation and insurance company on your behalf
  • An intimate understanding of the legal process and how it applies to your case
  • An objective approach to your case and a thorough explanation of all your legal options
  • Steadfast legal and emotional support during this difficult time
  • Vast legal knowledge and experience to keep your case on track and avoid costly pitfalls

Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Results

At Gay Chacker & Ginsburg, we put our legal experience to work for you. These are some of the recent wrongful death verdicts and settlements we have secured for our clients.

$10.4 Million — Pedestrian Accident and Insurance Broker Malpractice

Attorney Brian S. Checker won a $10.4 million verdict for a client in a wrongful death claim. This case involved a man who was fatally struck by a car while jogging.

$11.9 Million — Family of Suicide Victim

Gay Chacker & Ginsburg was able to secure an $11.9 million verdict for the family of a man who died by suicide while incarcerated. Medical staff at the correctional facility did not properly evaluate the man for suicide risk, and they failed to address his need for antidepressants.

Before the case went to trial, the defendants denied the victim’s wife’s request for an $800,000 settlement.

$4.5 Million — Pedestrian Death

Our firm represented the family of an elderly man who was hit and run over by a truck. While he survived the initial crash, the accident required a leg amputation, and he died from complications of the procedure.

 

Learn More About How Our Legal Team Can Help You

Schedule your free consultation by calling us at 215-567-7955. We understand the difficulties you are facing, and our experienced team of Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers is prepared to fight on your behalf so you can take the time you need to heal.