Pottstown Wrongful Death Lawyer Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

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

Pottstown Wrongful Death Attorneys

Compassionate Representation for Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act creates a burden no family should ever have to carry. In the wake of such a tragedy, you are likely facing overwhelming grief alongside sudden financial stress and confusing legal questions. While legal action cannot undo your loss, it can provide the necessary financial resources you need to stabilize your family’s future, especially if your loved one was the primary income earner. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we are prepared to shoulder the legal burden of seeking justice and accountability so you can focus on what matters most: your family and your healing.

Our values-driven practice offers 360-degree advocacy designed to address the full scope of your needs. This human-centered approach means we look beyond the immediate case details to fully understand how this loss impacts your life, your finances, and your emotional well-being. We can manage every aspect of the claim, from investigating the accident and dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters to filing the necessary paperwork and fighting for you in court, if necessary. We believe that true advocacy requires transparency, empathy, and relentless dedication. Our personal injury attorneys can work diligently to hold the responsible party or parties accountable while securing the compensation your family needs to move forward. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can put our resources to work for you during this unimaginably difficult time.

You owe our firm no legal fees unless we help you recover damages, and we are available to take your call 24/7. We can also meet with you virtually.

If you have questions about your legal options or aren’t sure if you have a case, contact us online or call (215) 610-3440 to schedule a free consultation with our Pottstown wrongful death lawyers now. Se habla español.

Types of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle

Wrongful death claims can arise from a vast array of unexpected accidents and incidents, each presenting its own set of challenges and legal nuances. We can apply our over 50 years of collective legal experience to help you navigate these difficult circumstances, regardless of the specific events that led to your loss.

Our lawyers can assist you with many types of wrongful death cases, including those involving:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Uber accidents
Lyft accidents
Drunk driving accidents
Medical malpractice
Nursing home neglect or abuse
Workplace accidents
Construction accidents
Slips and falls
Violent crimes

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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.

Who Has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

Initially, only the personal representative of your loved one’s estate can generally bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Your loved one should have named a personal representative to oversee their estate as part of their will. If there isn’t a valid will or if your loved one’s chosen individual isn’t available or willing to assume the position, the court will appoint a personal representative.

Pennsylvania law provides a path forward for certain family members if the personal representative fails to act promptly. If they do not file a lawsuit within six months of your loved one’s death, their surviving spouse, children, or parents are permitted to bring the claim themselves. This important provision can allow your family to pursue justice directly if administrative delays occur, preventing procedural hurdles from blocking your right to hold negligent parties accountable. We are happy to clarify any confusion concerning who has standing to start the legal process.

Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania generally enforces a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases. This means that the personal representative has two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a lawsuit. Again, if the personal representative does not file within six months, eligible surviving family members can file a lawsuit themselves. However, it’s important to emphasize that this two-year clock keeps running regardless of who ultimately takes legal action. Taking over the claim after six months does not give an eligible family member extra time, as the original two-year deadline typically remains the final cutoff. Waiting too long will likely result in your family losing the right to seek compensation.

We encourage you to reach out to our team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin as soon as possible, even though two years might seem like a long time. A prompt investigation gives us the chance to gather and preserve evidence while it’s fresh and available so that we can build a strong foundation for your claim. We can also monitor these timelines closely so that you do not have to worry about missing a critical date.

Types of Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Case

You shouldn’t have to worry about how you will cover your loved one’s funeral costs or the income they would have provided your family for many years to come. A wrongful death claim allows you to secure compensation for these calculable losses as well as the more subjective and emotional consequences your family has experienced due to your loved one’s unexpected passing.

Our wrongful death attorneys can pursue compensation for many types of damages, including:

Medical bills resulting from your deceased loved one’s fatal injuries
Funeral and burial costs
Your family’s pain and suffering
Lost income and benefits that your deceased loved one would have provided your family
Loss of companionship, consortium, and parental guidance
Punitive damages if the death was due to egregious recklessness or malicious conduct

We may also be able to file a survival action. This separate claim is designed to secure compensation for the damages your loved one would have been able to recover through a personal injury claim had they survived.

We are here to provide compassionate, solutions-oriented support when you lose a loved one due to negligence, recklessness, or someone else’s wrongful act. Schedule a free case evaluation by calling (215) 610-3440 or contacting us online.

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 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
"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
"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
"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

the complete coverage advantage

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

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family

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