Did you recently lose a loved one in an accident that you believe someone else was responsible for? If so, you might have a right to pursue compensation and accountability for the losses you’ve experienced. An experienced Lower Merion wrongful death attorney from Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. can help you navigate the complex process of pursuing compensation for a wrongful death. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Negligence is the most common reason for wrongful death. These cases often arise from situations, such as:
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents can provide grounds for wrongful death when they are caused by acts such as:
- Drinking and driving
- Drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
Truck Accidents
Various parties may share liability for fatal truck accidents, such as:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Truck owners
- Other motorists
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be immediately fatal or cause catastrophic injuries that ultimately result in the victim’s death.
Bike and Pedestrian Accidents
Bicyclists and pedestrians may suffer fatal injuries when a motorist is negligent, such as by failing to keep a proper lookout for vulnerable road users or driving while distracted.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care and causes a patient’s injury or death. Some common types of medical malpractice may include:
- Anesthesia errors
- Medical errors
- Birth injuries
- Misdiagnosis
- Failure to diagnose
- Delayed diagnosis
- Emergency room errors
- Surgical mistakes
- Radiology errors
Work Accidents
While workplace accidents can occur in any industry, construction work is associated with a disproportionate number of work-related injuries and fatalities.
Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability claims arise when visitors are injured or killed due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. Victims can die from falls, drownings, acts of violence, or other circumstances.
Product Liability Accidents
Defective auto parts, child products that pose a suffocation hazard, products that catch fire, and other defective products can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
An experienced lawyer from our personal injury and wrongful death law firm can carefully review the circumstances of your case to determine if you have legal grounds to file a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, wrongful death claims are generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of certain surviving family members. Eligible beneficiaries may include the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents. Compensation recovered through a wrongful death claim is intended to help surviving family members cope with the financial and personal losses caused by their loved one’s death.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
While no amount of compensation can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim may help surviving family members recover damages for the losses they have suffered. Depending on the circumstances of the case, compensation may be available for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the fatal injury, loss of the deceased’s financial support, loss of household services, and the loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance the deceased provided.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
If someone’s careless actions have caused your loved one’s death, an experienced wrongful death attorney can help by:
- Evaluating your situation to determine whether you have a viable claim
- Completing an independent investigation into your loved one’s death
- Gathering evidence to help prove fault, such as accident reports, autopsy reports, medical records, and statements from expert witnesses, to help explain how the accident occurred and who is responsible
- Calculating the full value of your case
- Managing your legal claims, communications with insurance companies, and case deadlines
- Negotiating for fair compensation
Demand Justice and Accountability with Our Help
If someone else’s negligence has ripped your loved one out of your life, you need aggressive legal representation to hold the careless party accountable. The Lower Merion wrongful death lawyers from Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette can help you relentlessly pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today to arrange a free consultation.