Wrongful Death Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 125,267 traffic crashes in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2019, resulting in 1,059 fatalities. Losing a loved one can be a tragic and emotional experience that no one should have to go through alone. If you believe that someone else's negligent actions were responsible for your loved one's death, you may be entitled to pursue fair compensation by filing a wrongful death action against the liable party.

At Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C., our attorneys are dedicated to providing experienced legal services and compassionate representation for clients seeking to file a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys can offer you the comprehensive legal guidance, support, and assistance you need during this difficult time. With a knowledgeable Pennsylvania personal injury attorney on your side, our firm can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit and attempt to seek fair financial compensation to cover funeral expenses, any outstanding medical bills, lost income, burial expenses, and loss of consortium.

Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C. proudly represents clients throughout Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Why File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The death of a family member can be one of the most challenging experiences anyone can deal with in life, especially when such a death was unexpected and entirely avoidable. Wrongful death is defined as any death that occurred due to another person's neglect or wrongful actions. The purpose of the wrongful death claim is to hold the responsible party liable and compensate the decedent's family members when a preventable accident that led to a loss of life.

According to the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act (42 Pa. Con. Stat. Ann. section 8301),

"An action may be brought, under procedures prescribed by general rules, to recover damages for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another."

Even though no amount of financial compensation may be enough to fill the void left by losing a loved one, filing a wrongful death claim can provide their surviving loved ones with sufficient financial help to cover burial expenses, funeral costs, medical expenses incurred before the victim's death, lost income, and loss of consortium. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim's family can hold the at-fault party responsible and seek the financial compensation they need to begin to heal and move forward.

What Constitutes Wrongful
Death in Pennsylvania?

In order to establish a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania, the claimant is required to show that:

• There was a duty of care owed to the deceased.

• The duty of care was breached.

• A death occurred

• The defendant's wrongful actions resulted in death.

• The surviving loved ones suffered actual damages from the death.

Who Can File a Wrongful
Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. The personal representative will file the claims on behalf of the beneficiaries of the deceased person. However, if the personal representative fails to file the wrongful death claim within 6 months of the death, one of the beneficiaries may file the claims on behalf of the rest.

Time Limits for Filing

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations requires that a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the person's death.

Damages Available

The following damages may be recovered in a Pennsylvania wrongful death claim:

• Hospital and medical expenses incurred before the person's death

• Funeral expenses and burial costs

• Estate administration expenses

• Lost income and benefits

• Compensation for loss of consortium or support

• Damages for pain and suffering

Work With an Experienced
Wrongful Death Attorney in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The death of a family member can have devastating, long-lasting ramifications on your emotional, financial, and mental well-being. The good news is, you don't have to go through this painful experience alone. Hiring an experienced Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney is the first step you can take to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

Our attorneys at Richard L. Vanderslice, P.C. have devoted their careers to fighting for and protecting the rights of wrongful death victims and their surviving family members. As your legal counsel, we will investigate the details of your case, gather all required evidence, and work to help you prove that the defendant's wrongful conduct led to the death of your loved one. Our attorneys will fight vigorously to protect your rights and offer the compassionate representation you need in your wrongful death lawsuit. Through it all, our top priority will be to ensure that you and your family get the justice you deserve for losing a loved one.