Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer

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, 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 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) 610-3440 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.