Wrongful Death Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Offering Compassionate Legal Services for Family Compensation Claims in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be one of the hardest experiences anyone has to endure. When the loss of a loved one is the result of someone else's recklessness or negligence, the emotional pain is magnified by the injustice of the situation. After losing a family member to a fatal accident, you should expect answers, accountability, and compensation. When you are going through one of the hardest periods of your life, turn to a Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer who can help you take the necessary legal steps to protect your family's future.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our attorneys know that there is no amount of money that can make up for the loss of a loved one, but it can help you on your path toward justice and security. Our lawyers have decades of experience supporting families throughout the Philadelphia community after losing a parent, child, spouse, or other loved one in an accident caused by fatal negligence. We treat all of these cases with the urgency, professionalism, and respect that our clients deserve, and we will commit ourselves to fighting for you through every step of your compensation claim.
Do Not Wait to Contact Our Firm For The Experienced Legal Representation You Need; Call 215-486-0123 Now to Schedule a Free Consultation
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Philadelphia, PA
Any number of accidents can lead to a wrongful death claim. If our decades of experience have taught us anything, it is to gather all of the unique information available in any given case to build a strong, evidence-based strategy for our clients. This method of representation has allowed us to guide clients through wrongful death cases such as:
- Fatal car accidents on Philadelphia roads caused by reckless or impaired drivers
- Medical malpractice incidents resulting in a Philadelphia patient's death
- Neglect or abuse in a Philadelphia nursing home
- Deadly injuries from Philadelphia construction site accidents
- Workplace accident fatalities experienced by Philadelphia employees
- Fatal injuries from defective products in Philadelphia
- Violent crimes or other criminal activity in Philadelphia that result in death
- Fatal slip and fall accidents throughout Philadelphia
- Deaths that resulted from excessive force from Philadelphia police actions or other misconduct
Our team of Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers takes a meticulous and methodical approach in our investigations to build the strongest case we can. From conducting thorough investigations to consulting with expert witnesses, we are prepared to act on your behalf to push back against insurance companies and defendants who get in the way of the justice and compensation you deserve.
Eligible Parties to File a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Claim
Not everyone who mourns the loss of the decedent's passing is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Pennsylvania law dictates that the personal representative or executor of the decedent's estate is eligible to file a lawsuit on behalf of the surviving beneficiaries, who can include the surviving spouse, the decedent's children, and the decedent's parents (if no spouse or children survive).
If the executor has not filed a claim within 6 months of the decedent's passing, any eligible beneficiary is allowed to file a claim on behalf of anyone else entitled to compensation. Our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers work closely with families who have the legal standing necessary to file a claim, and we are prepared to support you with your estate-related questions and ensure that the right party initiates the wrongful death claim.
Damages a Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Pursue
One of the main goals of a wrongful death claim is to provide the beneficiaries with the resources necessary to minimize the financial burden of their loss. Most beneficiaries suffer both economic and emotional losses. As your legal representation, our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive by ensuring it reflects every qualifying cost related to your loss, such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses for any treatment of the fatal injuries
- Loss of the decedent's future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium, companionship, and parental guidance
- The family's pain and suffering
- Punitive damages if the loss was the result of recklessness or malice
It may also be possible for a separate survival action to pursue damages for what the decedent experienced while they were still alive, including pain and suffering.
We consult with economists, financial planners, and other experts to determine the full and fair value of your case and pursue every penny you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania
Even if your loved one has passed on some time ago, Pennsylvania law allows a two-year statute of limitations on most wrongful death claims. This means that you have two years from the date of your loved one's death to file a claim and initiate the process of seeking compensation.
While this may seem like ample time to process your emotions before starting a claim, these cases can take a significant amount of time on their own. Between documentation collection, witness interviews, legal preparation, and expert consultations, a wrongful death claim can take months or years before you see any money from your claim, depending on whether or not the liable party is willing to negotiate. Contacting our Philadelphia office immediately is the best thing you can do to minimize the time it takes to secure full compensation.
The Advantages of Seasoned Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyers
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our legal team is sensitive to the situation you are in. To help minimize the burdens of a wrongful death claim, we are prepared to take on all of the legal obligations. As your legal representation, you can rely on us for services such as:
- Personalized planning to develop a legal strategy that supports the goals of your family
- Regular communication to develop a thorough understanding of what has happened to you and your loved ones
- A thorough investigation to collect all medical records, accident reports, and other vital documentation
- Skilled negotiation strategies to minimize the time it takes to settle your claim while maximizing your settlement
- Trial-tested litigation services to fight for you in court if negotiations are not fruitful
Our lawyers are here to ensure that you understand you are not alone in this. A wrongful death attorney in Philadelphia, PA, can make sure that someone is held accountable for the loss of your loved one and that your family has what they need to take the next step forward.
Why Choose van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim as Your Philadelphia, PA, Wrongful Death Attorney
Wrongful death litigation cases are not just about seeking compensation. To our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers, these claims are about seeking justice for prematurely losing a loved one. In your pursuit of justice, choosing the right law firm to represent you is one of the most important choices you will have to make.
We have won many multimillion-dollar settlements for our clients, largely due to our holistic approach to providing personalized representation, our team of trial attorneys who are prepared to fight for you, and our ability to manage complex and critical cases.
We recognize the unique emotional and legal challenges that come with losing a loved one, and our lawyers are dedicated to honoring your loved one's memory by fighting as hard as we can for your future.
Reach Out to an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, Today
No amount of money can erase the emotional suffering that you have experienced after losing a loved one because of negligence or recklessness. However, it can create a foundation for your financial stability and healing process.
To help you begin your pursuit of justice, we offer free initial consultations to discuss what options you have after losing a loved one. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay us unless we win compensation for you.
Act now by calling us at 215-486-0123 or filling out our online contact form to meet with a wrongful death attorney in Philadelphia, PA. We look forward to providing you with the support and guidance you deserve when you need it most.