Compassionate Legal Support for Families During the Most Difficult Times
Losing a loved one is the most devastating experience anyone can endure. When that loss is caused by someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct, the pain is compounded by feelings of injustice and anger. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., our compassionate wrongful death lawyers understand the profound impact of losing a family member and are dedicated to helping you seek justice and fair compensation during this incredibly difficult time.
While no amount of money can bring back your loved one or ease your grief, a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family, hold negligent parties accountable, and help prevent similar tragedies from happening to others. Our experienced attorneys handle every aspect of your wrongful death claim with sensitivity, professionalism, and determination, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for the justice your family deserves.
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Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. These claims allow certain family members to seek compensation for losses resulting from their loved one's death. Wrongful death claims are civil cases separate from any criminal prosecution that may occur.
Pennsylvania's Wrongful Death Act and Survival Act govern these claims. The Wrongful Death Act compensates family members for their losses, while the Survival Act allows the deceased person's estate to recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived.
Wrongful death can result from many types of accidents and incidents. Our firm has successfully represented families in wrongful death cases involving:
Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents caused by negligent, distracted, or impaired drivers are leading causes of wrongful death in Pennsylvania.
Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, and other forms of medical negligence can result in fatal outcomes.
Construction accidents, industrial accidents, falls from heights, machinery accidents, and other workplace incidents can cause fatal injuries.
Dangerous or defectively designed products including vehicles, machinery, medical devices, and consumer products can cause fatal accidents.
Property owners' negligence leading to slip and falls, inadequate security resulting in assaults, swimming pool accidents, and other dangerous conditions can result in death.
Elder abuse, neglect, improper medical care, and unsafe conditions in nursing homes and assisted living facilities can lead to preventable deaths.
Assault, homicide, and other violent crimes may give rise to wrongful death claims against perpetrators and parties whose negligence allowed the crime to occur (such as inadequate security).
Boating accidents, swimming accidents, amusement park incidents, and sports-related deaths caused by negligence.
Airplane crashes, train derailments, bus accidents, and other mass transportation incidents.
Pennsylvania law specifies who may bring a wrongful death action:
The personal representative (executor or administrator) of the deceased person's estate must file the wrongful death claim on behalf of eligible beneficiaries. If no personal representative has been appointed, the court can appoint one for purposes of pursuing the wrongful death claim.
The following parties may be beneficiaries in a wrongful death case:
Pennsylvania law allows recovery of various types of damages in wrongful death cases:
These damages compensate family members for their losses and may include:
These damages compensate the deceased's estate for losses the deceased suffered and may include:
Determining the value of a wrongful death claim requires careful analysis of numerous factors:
We work with economists, actuaries, vocational experts, and other specialists to accurately calculate the full value of your wrongful death claim and ensure you seek appropriate compensation.
You don't have to face this difficult time alone. Our compassionate attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process.
Pennsylvania law generally requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the date of death. This deadline is strict, and failing to file within the statutory period typically means losing the right to pursue compensation forever. However, there are some exceptions and nuances:
Because of these time constraints, it's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after losing a loved one to ensure your legal rights are protected.
We begin with a compassionate, confidential consultation where we listen to your story, review the circumstances of your loved one's death, and explain your legal options. This consultation is free and carries no obligation.
We conduct a thorough investigation, gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and other evidence to establish liability and document damages.
If necessary, we assist with appointing a personal representative of the estate who will officially file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the beneficiaries.
We prepare and file a comprehensive wrongful death complaint outlining the defendants' negligence and the damages your family has suffered.
During the discovery phase, both sides exchange information, take depositions, and gather additional evidence. We work with experts to build the strongest possible case.
We engage in negotiations with defendants and their insurance carriers, seeking fair settlement that fully compensates your family. Many wrongful death cases settle before trial, but we're always prepared to litigate if necessary.
If fair settlement cannot be reached, we take your case to trial, presenting compelling evidence and arguments to a jury who will determine liability and damages.
Once we secure compensation through settlement or verdict, we ensure proper distribution to beneficiaries according to Pennsylvania law and assist with resolving any liens or claims against the recovery.
We understand the profound grief and emotional trauma you're experiencing. We handle your case with sensitivity and compassion while providing the aggressive legal advocacy needed to achieve justice.
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling wrongful death cases involving all types of accidents and negligence. We know Pennsylvania's wrongful death laws thoroughly and have a proven track record of success.
We have recovered millions of dollars for families who have lost loved ones to negligence. While money cannot replace your loss, it can provide financial security and hold wrongdoers accountable.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. We advance all case costs and expenses, so financial concerns don't prevent you from seeking justice.
We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case and preparing for trial. We work with leading experts, conduct comprehensive research, and build compelling cases that demonstrate liability and maximize compensation.
Your family isn't just another case to us. We provide personalized attention, regular communication, and genuine support throughout the legal process.
We're available 24/7 to take your call and provide the immediate assistance and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Wrongful death is a civil claim where families seek financial compensation. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the government and seek punishment (imprisonment, fines) rather than compensation for families. Both can proceed simultaneously, but they're separate cases with different standards of proof.
Absolutely. Criminal charges and civil wrongful death claims are independent of each other. You can pursue a wrongful death claim even if no criminal charges were filed, charges were dropped, or the defendant was acquitted. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases.
Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rule applies to wrongful death cases. If your loved one was partially at fault but less than 51% responsible, the family can still recover damages, though the compensation may be reduced by the deceased's percentage of fault.
Every case is unique. Some settle relatively quickly, while complex cases involving disputed liability or significant damages may take a year or more. We work efficiently to resolve cases promptly while ensuring we secure full compensation for your family.
Many wrongful death cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, we prepare every case for trial and are ready to litigate if defendants won't offer fair compensation. We guide you through the process and represent your interests every step of the way.
Pennsylvania law governs distribution of wrongful death proceeds among eligible beneficiaries. Generally, spouses and children share in the recovery. The exact distribution depends on the specific family circumstances and may be determined by agreement or court order.
Our firm has successfully represented families in all types of wrongful death cases, including:
We represent families who have lost loved ones throughout Pennsylvania, including:
For more detailed information about our wrongful death lawyer services and how we can help your family, please visit our comprehensive resource page.
While pursuing a wrongful death claim cannot undo your loss, it can provide several important benefits:
We understand no legal outcome can truly heal the pain of losing someone you love. However, we're committed to helping your family through this difficult time by handling the legal aspects of your case with skill, compassion, and determination, allowing you to focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We're here to help your family seek justice.