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Personal injury

Wrongful Death

At Lerner Steinberg & Associates, we understand that losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. During this difficult time, grieving families also face unexpected financial burdens from medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. For over 34 years, our dedicated attorneys have been helping families throughout Pennsylvania navigate the complex legal process of wrongful death claims with compassion and determination.

Our experienced legal team combines aggressive representation with personalized attention to guide you through this challenging time. We handle all aspects of your case with sensitivity and care, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight diligently to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the financial support your family needs and deserves.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Contact Lerner Steinberg & Associates today by filling out our free consultation form or calling 215-714-1500 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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How We Can Help With Your Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death cases require specific legal knowledge and careful handling of both legal requirements and family sensitivities. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support by:

  • Conducting thorough investigations into the circumstances of your loved one’s death
  • Gathering and preserving critical evidence to establish liability
  • Working with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists
  • Identifying all potentially liable parties
  • Calculating the full economic and non-economic damages your family has suffered
  • Handling all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel
  • Navigating the complex probate issues that often arise in wrongful death cases
  • Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
  • Taking your case to trial when necessary to secure just compensation

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Our firm handles wrongful death cases arising from various circumstances:

  • Auto accidents (car, truck, motorcycle crashes)
  • Medical malpractice
  • Workplace accidents
  • Defective products
  • Dangerous premises and slip and fall accidents
  • Construction accidents
  • Nursing home abuse or neglect
  • Criminal acts
  • Dangerous drugs and medical devices
  • Aviation accidents

Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases

Pennsylvania law allows families to recover several types of damages in wrongful death cases:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
  • Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
  • Loss of household services the deceased provided
  • Loss of guidance, companionship, and support
  • Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death (through survival action)
  • Punitive damages in cases involving willful or wanton conduct

Understanding Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Laws

Wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania are governed by specific laws that determine who can file, what damages can be recovered, and how cases must proceed:

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In Pennsylvania, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the wrongful death action. However, the claim is brought on behalf of specific family members:

  • Spouse
  • Children
  • Parent

If no spouse, children, or parents survive, then other relatives who were dependents of the deceased may recover damages.

Survival Actions vs. Wrongful Death Claims

Pennsylvania law distinguishes between two types of claims that may arise from a fatal incident:

  • Wrongful Death Claim: Compensates the beneficiaries for their losses resulting from the death (loss of financial support, services, companionship, etc.)
  • Survival Action: Brought by the estate for the deceased’s pain and suffering before death, and for financial losses that would have formed the basis of a personal injury claim had the victim survived

Our attorneys can file both types of claims when appropriate to maximize your family’s compensation.

Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. Failing to file within this timeframe typically means losing your right to compensation, making it crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

OUR DIFFERENCE

Why Choose Lerner Steinberg & Associates?

Experience That Gets Results

With over three decades of experience handling wrongful death cases, we understand the legal complexities and emotional challenges these claims present. Our attorneys have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for grieving families throughout Pennsylvania.

Compassionate Representation

We recognize that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but financial compensation can provide security and justice during this difficult time. We handle your case with sensitivity while still aggressively pursuing the maximum compensation available.

Resources to Build Strong Cases

We have the financial resources to properly investigate and litigate wrongful death cases, including hiring expert witnesses and specialists needed to establish liability and damages.

Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we provide personalized attention to every client. You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not just paralegals or case managers. We take the time to understand your family’s unique situation and needs.

What to Do After Wrongful Death

1

Initial Consultation: Meet with our attorneys to discuss your case and legal options

2

Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death

3

Estate Administration: We help establish estate representation if needed

4

Documentation: We gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence

5

Expert Consultation: We work with medical experts, economic specialists, and others as needed

6

Case Building: We develop a comprehensive case strategy based on our investigation

7

Negotiations: We engage with insurance companies and opposing parties

8

Litigation: If necessary, we file a lawsuit and represent your interests in court

9

Resolution: We work to secure the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or verdict

Get the Representation You Deserve

If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, your family needs skilled legal representation to protect your rights. Insurance companies and responsible parties often try to minimize their liability, even in cases involving death, making it difficult to receive fair compensation without proper legal help.

Let our experienced wrongful death attorneys at Lerner Steinberg & Associates fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves during this painful time. We understand the profound impact of your loss and have the knowledge, resources, and determination to help your family secure financial stability while holding responsible parties accountable.