If you lost a loved one under questionable circumstances that may implicate someone else’s negligence, you should speak to an experienced Westchester brain injury attorney from Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. to protect your legal rights. You might be able to protect your loved one’s legacy and hold the negligent party accountable by filing a wrongful death claim. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Pennsylvania law states that a legal action can be brought if someone’s death was caused by “the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence of another” if the victim had not recovered compensation for the same underlying acts during their lifetime. Under this broad definition, a wrongful death claim could be filed due to negligent, intentional, or otherwise wrongful behavior.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Some of the most common causes of wrongful death include the following:
- Car accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of serious injury and death.
- Truck accidents: The disparity in the size and weight of trucks versus passenger vehicles can result in the deaths of individuals in smaller vehicles.
- Motorcycle crashes: Without the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and seat belts, motorcyclists and riders are at risk of death in the event of a crash.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: When pedestrians or cyclists are hit by a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds, death is often – and tragically – the result.
- Premises liability accidents: Slips and falls, drownings in swimming pools, and other types of accidents on properties
- Product liability accidents: Manufacturers who fail to design, test, or assemble their products in a responsible way can create dangerous products that hurt or kill consumers.
- Medical malpractice: Anesthesia errors, birth injuries, cancer misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and other medical mistakes can cause a patient’s death.
If you would like to know whether you have legal grounds to file a wrongful death claim, call us today for a free case review.
Who Is Responsible for My Loved One’s Death?
Legal responsibility depends on whose actions were responsible for the death. Potential defendants could include:
- Motorists
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loading companies
- Mechanics
- Product manufacturers
- Healthcare providers
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Government agencies
- Property owners
Our experienced wrongful death lawyers can investigate your case to determine who is responsible for your loved one’s early demise.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
The personal representative of the decedent’s estate typically files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the beneficiaries, such as the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the decedent. However, if no lawsuit is filed within six months of the death, the beneficiaries can file the legal action themselves.
Contact Our Westchester Wrongful Death Attorney for Help Seeking Justice
While nothing can ever bring your loved one back, a wrongful death claim can help you seek justice and accountability from the negligent party responsible for your loved one’s death. A compassionate wrongful death attorney from Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette can guide you through the legal process. We can answer any questions you have during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us today to get started.