Philadelphia, PA Wrongful Death Lawyer

Most wrongful death cases involve the loss of a close relative such as a parent, spouse, brother, sister or other wage earner. Our law firm works with experienced economists who quantify your tragic loss by considering: loss of earnings, loss of consortium and the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the death of a loved one. Many times the accused party in a wrongful death lawsuit will deny responsibility. My Civil Attorney counters their denial by hiring top experts to analyze and investigate the causes of the fatal accident and establish culpability.

Wrongful death lawsuits, generally speaking, fall into the personal injury category of civil claims.  A wrongful death lawsuit claims that the deceased person was killed as a result of a wrongful or unreasonable action or negligence on the part of the entity (business, organization, etc.) or person being sued.  A wrongful death claim is typically filed by the victim’s survivors or relatives and suggests that they are entitled to monetary damages as a result of the defendant(s) improper conduct. Note that only the executor of the decedent's estate (usually a family member) can file the wrongful death suit, and only designated "distributees" can receive compensation.

Today, all states have some type of wrongful death claim.  All wrongful death statutes follow similar principles or elements.  Typically there are 4 elements to a wrongful death claim: (1) the death was caused, in whole or partially, by the conduct of the defendant(s); (2) the defendant(s) was negligent or strictly liable for the victim’s death; (3) there is/are a surviving spouse, children, beneficiaries or dependents; and (4) monetary damage has resulted from the victim’s death.

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is ordinarily between 1 to 3 years. Given that short time period, we would like to stress the importance of learning about your rights as soon as possible.

If you are a family member or dependent of a loved one who has been the victim of wrongful death, please contact us to learn about your legal rights.  Consultations are free of charge.  We want to hear your story.

 (215) 469-3307

Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawsuit Types

Wrongful Death due to Defective Drugs

Wrongful Death due to Defective Products

Wrongful Death due to Medical Malpractice

Wrongful Death due to Toxic Exposure or Poisoning

Wrongful Death due to Accidents and Injuries

Wrongful Death due to Defective Drugs

Over the years, numerous pharmaceutical companies have failed to notify the FDA, physicians and consumers of dangerous defects in their drugs. Companies that knowingly hide serious side effects are liable for the consequences of the defective drug. FDA approval does not relieve a company of its responsibility to the consumer. FDA approval does not protect the company from liability. When the effects of defective drugs lead to premature and wrongful death, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed.  Speak with a Philadelphia Drug Liability lawyer today to learn about your rights. (215) 469-3307

Wrongful Death due to Defective Products

Manufacturers have the responsibility of providing safe, effective products to consumers. A company's failure to either recognize a defect in one of its products or to report that defect to retailers and consumers is grounds for a lawsuit. Over the years product liability lawsuits involving everything from tires to defective toys have played a major role in removing defective products from the shelves and out of the workplace. However, not all defective products are removed before they cause irreparable harm. If a known defective product has resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, a Pennsylvania Product Liability Lawyer can help determine your legal recourse. (215) 469- 3307

Wrongful Death due to Medical Malpractice

Although doctors, physicians, nurses and medical staff work hard to provide quality patient care, thousands of grave medical mistakes and incorrect diagnoses occur each year. These mistakes and misdiagnoses may lead to injury or even death.   Medical negligence or malpractice that leads to a patient's death may be grounds for a wrongful death suit.  Speak with a Medical Malpractice Attorney today to learn about your rights. (215) 469- 3307

Wrongful Death due to Toxic Exposure or Poisoning

People who work in petroleum and chemical industries are often exposed to hazardous substances. Toxic exposure, or industrial exposure, can lead to devastating illness and diseases ranging from: respiratory disease, blindness, hearing loss, mesothelioma and other types of cancer. Often times, by the time people realize they are ill, it is too late. Employers that knowingly expose employees to toxic substances without taking the proper precautions are negligent. Toxic exposure leading to death may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.  Speak with a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death lawyer today. (215) 469- 3307

Wrongful Death due to Accidents and Injuries

Negligent driving behavior and defective automobiles account for thousands of accidents and injuries each year. When someone dies as a result of another party's negligence, it may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Below are some of the most common types of accidents and injuries leading to wrongful deaths:

• Automobile Accidents. The most common type of personal injury claim in the U.S., car accidents, often occur due to negligence on the part of one of the drivers involved.
• SUV Accidents. SUVs have a higher probability of rolling over than any other type of vehicle. Measures have been taken by SUV manufacturers to produce safer vehicles, but they are by no means error free.
• Van Accidents. Vans, particularly 15-passenger vans, are also more likely to roll over than other types of motor vehicles. Often these vehicles are responsible for transporting children to and from school, sporting events and other activities.
• ATV Accidents. ATV accidents are on the rise, especially among children.
• Bus Accidents. Bus accidents are on the news regularly. Many of these accidents involve school bus distractions or tour bus operators who have worked extensive hours. The lack of seatbelts in school buses is another source of many bus accident injuries and deaths.
• Boating Accidents. Boating accidents are on the rise as well. Common causes of boating accidents include excessive alcohol consumption, carelessness, negligence, reckless operation, excessive speed and operator inattention.
• Drowning. Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children in the U.S. and can occur in as little as two inches of water. All too often, drownings in pools and other bodies of water are the result of negligence.

The accidents and issues outlined above are only some of the things that can lead to wrongful deaths. Other causes include slips and falls, workplace negligence, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, airplane accidents, defective medical devices and criminal acts.

Get the Justice your loved one deserves- Call us today (215) 469-3307

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