Hazleton Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a loved one dies in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it can be devastating. Once the emotional shock wears off, you are left wondering how to handle what comes next. If the decedent was the primary breadwinner for your family, the fear of how you will pay bills and keep your household afloat can make things seem overwhelming. In many cases though, you may be entitled to bring what’s known as a wrongful death claim.
If you want to pursue a claim, you need an experienced Hazleton wrongful death lawyer on your side. The lawyers at O’Donnell Law Offices understand the pain you are dealing with, and we will fight on your family’s behalf to help you recover compensation for your loved one’s death. We are here for you and will work tirelessly to handle the difficult tasks while you spend time with your family and try to cope with the grief.
What is a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Claim?
There are a variety of scenarios that can lead to presenting a wrongful death claim. When someone dies due to a wrongful act, violence, or neglect, Pennsylvania law allows you to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. Examples of some types of accidents that can lead to wrongful death claims include medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, auto accidents, boating accidents, and more.
Wrongful death claims may be more complex than you realize. It’s not necessarily only one party who is responsible for your loved one’s death. It could be multiple people, businesses, and even the government who share some responsibility for the fatality.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?
Only certain people can bring a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania. This individual must be a relative of the decedent. You may need to prove in court that you have the legal right to bring the claim and ask for financial damages. Only immediate family members are allowed to bring a wrongful death suit in Pennsylvania. This includes the spouse, children, or parents.
Potential Damages Available in a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The damages available in a wrongful death claim vary from a standard personal injury claim. You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Medical expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- Loss of income your family is losing
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions
In some cases, there may be a survival action that can be filed as well. Survival actions don’t focus on the loss suffered by the family members, but rather the losses of the decedent. If your family member lived for a short time after the accident, he or she would’ve been entitled to bring a personal injury claim for their medical expenses, time off work, pain and suffering, etc. He or she could’ve brought this claim if they had not died. In survival actions, the main focus is the pain and suffering the decedent experienced after the accident.
Contact a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you lost a loved one and want to discuss the option to bring a wrongful death claim, contact O’Donnell Law Offices today to schedule an initial consultation.
