Abington Wrongful Death Lawyer Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

$4.25 Million Tractor-Trailer Collision
$4.8 Million Bicycle Accident
$1.25 Million Premises Liability
Maximum Compensation Bus Accident
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
$1 Million Truck Accident
$3.25 Million Cement Truck Accident
$10 Million Tractor-Trailer Accident
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
$1.65 Million Car Accident
$625K Premises Liability
$1.5 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$1.35 Million Drunk Driving Accident
$1 Million Assault Injury
$1 Million Falling Object Injury
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
$2.4 Million Pedestrian Accident

Abington Wrongful Death Attorneys

Caring Counsel & Tenacious Advocacy for Grieving Families

The unexpected loss of a loved one can leave surviving family members feeling devastated, heartbroken, and powerless, especially when the death was preventable. While no amount of money could possibly make up for the death of a loved one, pursuing justice in a wrongful death lawsuit can offer grieving families a sense of closure and empower them to move forward in the healing process.

If your friend or family member passed away due to someone else’s negligent act, our wrongful death lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin can work tirelessly to hold the liable parties fully accountable. We bring decades of experience to every case and pride ourselves on our unrivaled track record of results. With over $100 million recovered, you can rest assured that your family’s future is in trusted hands.

If your loved one was killed by an act of negligence in Abington, don’t wait to seek justice. Call (215) 610-3440 to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate wrongful death lawyers. Se habla español.

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death occurs when another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act causes a fatality (42 Pa. C.S. § 8301). Common causes of wrongful death include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, dangerous products, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, train and transit accidents, SEPTA accidents, and slip-and-fall accidents.

What Compensation Is Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Surviving family members may be entitled to various damages in a wrongful death case. Common forms of compensation include:

Burial costs
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Lost income and benefits
Estate administration expenses
Loss of consortium (companionship)
Loss of services previously provided by the decedent

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

The personal representative of the decedent’s estate has the exclusive right to file a wrongful death claim. If the executor or administrator does not file a claim within six months, then eligible family members can file on behalf of all beneficiaries. By law, wrongful death settlements are limited to surviving spouses, children, and parents and do not extend to uncles, aunts, or other relatives.

Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

- Ninel B.
They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

- Sewall M. Jr.
Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB
They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.
They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the death. Stricter rules and shortened deadlines may apply in certain circumstances, such as claims against government entities. We can help you file a timely claim within the appropriate deadline to protect your eligibility for damages.

Proving Fault in a Wrongful Death Claim

The plaintiff bears the burden of proof in wrongful death claims, making it crucial to secure qualified representation. Our attorneys can help you establish the following elements to prove liability:

Duty of care. The defendant owed the decedent a duty of care, such as following traffic laws or following OSHA regulations in the workplace.
Breach of duty. The defendant breached their duty by acting negligently, such as driving while intoxicated or failing to address known hazards on their property.
Causation. The death would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s negligence.
Damages. The surviving family members suffered compensable harm (damages) as a result of the defendant’s breach.

Our lawyers are well-versed in these legal nuances to identify responsible parties, present clear evidence of negligence, and meet the burden of proof in your case.

How Does Modified Comparative Fault Affect Wrongful Death Cases?

Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule allows plaintiffs to recover damages as long as their fault was 50% or less. If the decedent is found to be partially responsible for the incident, the total compensation will be reduced in proportion to their amount of fault.

Don’t let an insurance company dictate what your case is worth. Our attorneys are familiar with common insurer tactics to push back against lowball offers and protect your right to fair compensation. We never hesitate to prepare cases for trial if necessary to achieve a just outcome.

How Much Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth?

The value of a wrongful death case depends on the circumstances of the death, the decedent’s income and benefits, the degree of fault involved, and the extent of financial and emotional support lost by surviving family members.

We understand that no two families are alike, which is why we take a personalized approach to every case. We can analyze your situation and identify every avenue for financial recovery to provide a clearer idea of your claim’s potential value.

What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death & Survival Actions?

Wrongful death and survival actions are similar but distinct claims that vary in two primary ways: the types of losses and the parties recovering them. A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for economic and non-economic losses. A survival action compensates the decedent’s estate for losses the decedent could have recovered if they had lived.

In many cases, filing a wrongful death claim alongside a survival action can increase the total recovery because it allows compensation for both the decedent’s own losses and the losses suffered by loved ones. Our attorneys can evaluate both claims, calculate all available damages, and provide strategic guidance throughout the legal process to maximize your potential recovery.

Take the first step toward justice by contacting our award-winning advocates. Contact us online to discuss your case. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Internet crimes are governed by both federal and Pennsylvania state laws. Whether it's cyberbullying, online fraud, or identity theft, these offenses are taken seriously by the Pennsylvania justice system. Our firm stays up-to-date with evolving laws in this area to offer the most effective defense strategies.
Pennsylvania has strict DUI laws, and penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment. Multiple offenses within a 10-year period will significantly escalate these penalties.
Sex offenses in Pennsylvania cover a wide range of actions, from sexual assault and rape to possession of child pornography. Pennsylvania has strict laws governing sex crimes, and convictions often come with severe penalties, including mandatory registration as a sex offender.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany

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Full-Spectrum
Law

From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.
Values-Driven
Practice

From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
Human-Centered
Advocacy

We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
High-Caliber
Results

Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

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