Bethlehem Wrongful Death Attorneys

Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Grieving Families

The pain of losing a loved one can feel insurmountable, especially if the fatality was caused by an act of negligence. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we understand the shock, heartbreak, and anger that many families experience after a wrongful death. Our wrongful death lawyers can work tirelessly to bring the liable parties to justice, freeing your family to focus on healing during this challenging time. 

Since 2014, our attorneys have provided caring and strategic guidance to grieving families during life’s toughest seasons. Our firm combines genuine care with high-caliber legal skill to pursue accountability and work toward the best possible outcomes for our clients. With over $100 million recovered and a reputation for achieving multimillion-dollar verdicts, our proven track record of results speaks for itself. 

If your loved one was killed due to negligence in Bethlehem, our wrongful death attorneys can diligently pursue justice. Contact us online to discuss your case. 

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death results from the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another (42 Pa. C.S. § 8301). Common causes include car accidents, Lyft and Uber accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, nursing home negligence, construction accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, train and transit accidents, and SEPTA accidents.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Various damages may be recoverable in a wrongful death case, such as: 

• Burial costs
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of consortium
• Lost income and benefits
• Estate administration expenses
• Medical expenses related to the fatality
• Loss of services previously provided by the decedent

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The personal representative of the decedent’s estate (executor or administrator) has the exclusive right to file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania. If they do not file within six months, the surviving family members have the right to file a claim on behalf of the beneficiaries. This typically includes the surviving spouse, children, or parents. 

What if the Decedent Passed Away without a Will?

If the decedent died intestate (without a will), the court may appoint an administrator to act as the personal representative. Family members may petition the Register of Wills in the decedent’s county of residence to be appointed. 

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 fatality. Shortened deadlines apply for claims against government entities. We can review the facts of your case and help you file a timely claim to maintain eligibility for damages. 

Who Is Liable for a Wrongful Death?

In wrongful death cases, liability may fall on any person or entity whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional act caused the death. Some potential defendants include: 

• Commercial employers like truck companies or rideshare companies may share liability if the death was caused by a commercial crash.
• Negligent motorists may be liable if their careless or reckless conduct (such as DUI or speeding) causes a fatal motor vehicle accident. 
• Property owners or businesses may be liable when dangerous conditions cause a fatal injury, such as negligent maintenance or inadequate security. 
• Manufacturers, distributors, or retailers can be held responsible for deaths caused by defective machinery or dangerous products.

How Does Modified Comparative Negligence Affect Wrongful Death Cases?

Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule allows plaintiffs to recover damages in civil lawsuits as long as their share of the fault is 50% or less. The total compensation will be reduced by the decedent’s assigned share of liability. For example, if the decedent is found to be 20% at fault for a claim totaling $500,000 in damages, the surviving family members may only recover $400,000.

Insurance companies often employ underhanded tactics to evade fair payouts, such as victim-blaming and pushing lowball settlement offers. This is where having a lawyer on your side can make a meaningful difference. We can challenge unfair fault allegations, coordinate with qualified experts to demonstrate clear evidence of negligence and causation, and protect your rights at each stage of the process. 

What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death & Survival Actions?

Wrongful death and survival actions are related but distinct claims that address different harms caused by the same death. Wrongful death compensates the family’s financial and emotional losses, while a survival action compensates the decedent’s losses before death. In many cases, both claims can be pursued together. We can discuss your legal options and recommend the strongest path forward to maximize your recovery.

Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable?

In most cases, wrongful death settlements are not taxable for federal income tax or state inheritance tax purposes. However, certain exceptions can apply to punitive damages, interest earned on a settlement, and amounts tied to a related survival action, which may carry tax consequences. Our attorneys can help you identify which portions of a recovery may trigger tax exposure, structure claims and settlements to minimize liability, and coordinate with tax professionals to protect your recovery.

Choose Our Nationally Acclaimed Firm to Protect Your Rights

When your family’s future is at stake, you need qualified representation from a legal team you can trust to go the distance. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we pride ourselves on our unrivaled track record of success. Our firm has the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and was recognized by Best Law Firms® for Personal Injury Litigation in 2025 and 2026, underscoring our commitment to excellence and strong peer recognition in the local legal community. 

Take the first step toward justice by partnering with our skilled advocates. Call (215) 610-3440 to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.