When a wrongful death occurs, it is devastating to those who have lost their loved one. In most cases, the death could have been avoided if others had exercised a reasonable level of care.
If a wrongful death occurs because of negligence or intentional wrongdoing, Pennsylvania law allows victims the right to pursue a damage claim. At Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C., we can help with these claims.
Our Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney understands the high-stakes nature of wrongful death cases, and we can provide the support necessary to identify defendants, prove the extent of damage, and fight for your right to fair compensation. Give us a call at (610) 825-0500 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
What Is A Philadelphia Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that you can file when someone dies due to the negligent or intentional actions of another. Essentially, if the deceased could have filed a personal injury claim had their injuries not been fatal, their family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to hold those responsible accountable.
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate the family for the losses that they have suffered, including both economic and non-economic damages. Common types of damages include:
- Medical care related to the treatment of the injuries that caused the death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages that the deceased would have earned throughout their lifetime
- Lost companionship for the absence of the deceased’s support and presence in the family
These damages can be substantial, particularly when factoring in a lifetime of lost income and emotional support. Obtaining the guidance of an experienced Philadelphia wrongful death attorney is essential to ensure your family gets a fair chance at obtaining fair compensation.
Who Can Make A Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Claim?
Pennsylvania Rule 2202 establishes the guidelines for who can make a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania. According to the law:
“Except as otherwise provided in clause (b) of this rule, an action for wrongful death shall be brought only by the personal representative of the decedent for the benefit of those persons entitled by law to recover damages for such wrongful death.”
Personal representatives, or those who are overseeing the estate of the deceased, can bring a Philadelphia heart attack misdiagnosis claim to recover compensation for close relatives of the deceased. Typically, this will be the spouse or children of the deceased.
Contact A Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer For Help Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a wrongful death claim, Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. can provide you with invaluable legal support. We will:
- Help you determine if you have grounds to sue
- Assist in identifying all defendants
- Help you put together the strongest claim possible
- Negotiate an out-of-court settlement on your behalf
- Help you to prevail in court if necessary to get the funds you deserve
To find out more about how a Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer can help you during this difficult time in your life, give us a call today at (610) 825-0500 to schedule a free consultation.