car crashPittsburgh Wrongful Death Lawyers Seek Justice for Bereaved Families
Pennsylvania attorneys work to obtain compensation after fatal incidents
After a loved one dies unexpectedly by the fault of others, it can be difficult to think about what’s next. However, if the victim died because someone else did not act with proper care, you need to take action in order to collect monetary damages from the liable party. From our office in Downtown Pittsburgh, Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC advocates on behalf of bereaved family members and estate representatives in order to compensate for some aspects of their loss. Whether the specific fatal incident was a car crash, the result of medical malpractice or a fall on property owned by another person or business, we advocate zealously on their behalf.
Common causes of wrongful death cases
Seeking relief in wrongful death litigation is similar in many ways to filing a personal injury claim in a case involving non-fatal harm. Combined, our personal injury attorneys have over 60 years of experience representing plaintiffs in lawsuits arising from:
- Vehicle accidents — Our firm has experience handling cases stemming from car and truck accidents and we advocate for appropriate compensation from insurance companies after a fatal crash. Whether your loved one was killed in their own vehicle or while using public transportation, you can contact our firm to discuss representation.
- Medical malpractice — With just one mistake regarding a diagnosis, during surgery or when prescribing medication, a doctor can end their patient’s life. In these cases, we may consult with medical experts to identify where lethal errors occurred in order to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.
- Unsafe premises — If a family member died in a slip and fall injury on someone else’s premises due to poor lighting, an unsafe walking surface or an unmarked hazard, our firm will advise you on whether a wrongful death claim is likely to succeed/or should be brought.
- Defective products — Our personal injury attorneys have sued manufacturers and other liable parties when defects in products result in lethal harm.
In these types of wrongful death cases associated with negligence, our firm makes every legal effort to present the strongest possible argument.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
Wrongful death lawsuits are typically filed by the personal representative who is managing the victim’s estate. These claims are initiated on the beneficiaries’ behalf and must be commenced within six months of the fatality. After that, one of the surviving heirs can file for themselves and other beneficiaries. All claims have to be filed no later than two years after the decedent passed away. Whatever your interest might be, we will guide you effectively through each step of the legal process.
What types of compensation are recoverable?
Monetary compensation can never adequately replace a loved one who was lost too soon. However, this is the way to provide some form of relief for survivors and to hold negligent parties accountable. Potential damages include reimbursement for funeral costs and medical bills that accumulated before the victim died. When the decedent leaves behind a spouse, children or parents, those bereaved individuals can collect payment for the income and benefits the victim would have earned throughout their life, as well as compensation for their pain and suffering. Survivors are also entitled to relief for the loss of companionship and household services that the deceased individual provided.
Contact a Pennsylvania lawyer for a free consultation regarding a wrongful death claim
Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC represents estate representatives and beneficiaries in Pennsylvania wrongful death actions. Our office is located in Downtown Pittsburgh and you can set up a free consultation by calling 1.800.GET.PHIL or contacting us online.
