Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorneys
How Pennsylvania Law Defines Wrongful Death
No loss could be more devastating than the death of a close family member. The grief can be overwhelming, even as your time is filled with planning the funeral and burial services. You may have lost your best friend and closest companion, someone who stuck by your side through thick and thin. Their death, and your loss, should not go unanswered. Pennsylvania law provides family members with strong legal options after a loved one’s death, allowing survivors to pursue justice and financial compensation.
Pennsylvania state law allows certain family members the right to pursue legal action after their loved one’s death, when the fatal accident was caused by any of the following acts committed by a third party:
- "Wrongful act”
- "Neglect"
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"Unlawful violence" - "Negligence"
To find out more about this important subject, call a Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer at (215) 515-7743. We offer a free consultation to discuss your unique situation and needs.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
- A spouse;
- Children;
- Parents; and A personal representative of the decedent’s estate (if no spouse, child or parent exists to secure the damages).
Intestate Succession & Wrongful Death Damages
Distributing Compensation After the Loss a Loved One
- Children and no spouse – children receive all damages
- Spouse and no children or surviving parents – spouse receives all damages
- Spouse and children – spouse receives the first $30,000 of the settlement or jury award, along with half of what remains; children receive remaining damages
- Spouse and parents but no children – spouse receives the first $30,000 of the settlement or jury award, along with half of what remains; parents receive remaining damages
- Parents and no spouse or children – parents receive all damages
Get Answers After a Family Member’s Fatal Accident
Damages: Financial & Emotional Losses
Beyond the emotional difficulties and painful questioning, a family must deal with numerous economic losses and expenses, including:
- Medical bills (hospital, nursing, and medication costs incurred as a result of the decedent’s fatal illness or injury)
- Funeral costs
- Burial expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost government benefits
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of household services, emotional support, and care
- Punitive damage (assessed in cases where the defendant’s wrongdoing is considered particularly reckless or egregious)
Claims to Benefit Loved Ones & the Estate
Pain & Suffering Claims “Survive” Death
Pennsylvania’s Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations
When You Can’t Settle for Less
Marciano & MacAvoy, P.C. has obtained numerous million dollar settlements in wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of fatal accident victims, including:
- $12,700,000 Wrongful Death Award for a family of 3 killed by a drunk driver in Bethlehem Township while on their way home from a funeral. Prior to trial, we successfully settled the case for the families against the various establishments that served the driver more than 30 drinks before he got behind the wheel.
- $4,300,000 Liquor Liability Recovery in a case that Kevin Marciano handled on behalf of a client who suffered a fatal spinal cord injury while riding as a passenger in a car driven into a tree by her drunk husband.
- $2,500,000 Wrongful Death Settlement for a Delaware County family of a young woman whose death followed soon after a visit to the emergency room.
Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorneys with Compassion & a Track Record of Success
Call our offices at (215) 515-7743 or contact us online for your free, confidential consultation.
Advocating For The Injured Since 1992
Call (215) 515-7743 to learn how we can help you and your family.
Why Marciano & MacAvoy, P.C.?
YOU WON’T PAY ANY LEGAL FEE UNLESS WE RECOVER COMPENSATION FOR YOU.
YOU CAN ALWAYS REACH US! WE’RE AVAILABLE 24/7 FOR YOUR CALL.
REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE WITH NUMEROUS MILLION DOLLAR RECOVERIES FOR OUR CLIENTS.
EXPERIENCED LEGAL TEAM THAT WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS.
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