A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or unlawful actions of another. The loss of a loved one inflicts unimaginable pain, and knowing that someone’s negligence or wrongdoing may have contributed to this loss can cause an even more overwhelming sense of grief.
A Fort Washington wrongful death lawyer can determine if you are eligible to file this type of lawsuit and ensure you take all available action within the required time frame. Our team of personal injury attorneys, who also takes cases all around Pennsylvania, can investigate the incident that led to your loved one’s death, and be your voice in a lawsuit for compensation.
Requirements To File a Wrongful Death Claim
You have too much on your mind when mourning a family member, but a Fort Washington attorney can help you understand the numerous requirements to file a wrongful death claim and guide you through each step of the process. To initiate a wrongful death claim, the death must be the result of a wrongful act by another individual, company, or entity. This can include situations such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or even intentional violence.
Executor for the Estate
There must be surviving beneficiaries or dependents who suffer financial harm due to the death, which usually means the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. A personal representative (also known as the executor) of the deceased person’s estate must be appointed to bring the lawsuit on behalf of the estate and the surviving family members.
This person is usually named in the will, or if there is no will, they are appointed through the probate process. If the personal representative does not file the claim within six months of the death, any of the deceased’s beneficiaries can file on behalf of all beneficiaries.
Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the deceased’s death. Missing this deadline can prevent family members from recovering damages.
To support a wrongful death claim in Fort Washington, you must gather evidence to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence and the financial impact of the loss. One of our compassionate wrongful death attorneys can help you build a strong claim that follows legal requirements.
Available Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
In a successful wrongful death lawsuit, the defendant must pay damages to the deceased person’s survivors or estate. Damages can be awarded to compensate for a range of losses, including financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of guidance, companionship, and comfort.
The value of the lost earnings, future potential income, and other financial losses, including the loss of inheritance, may also be recoverable. Wrongful death damages can even include funeral and burial expenses, and medical bills for any time the deceased spent in the hospital.
Our Fort Washington attorneys can ensure that all sources of negligence and compensation are identified in a wrongful death claim so you get what you need to address the loss that this death has caused.
Reach Out to a Fort Washington Wrongful Death Attorney at This Difficult Time
The legal process can be emotionally taxing for the grieving family members of the deceased who are already grieving. It is important to consult with our Fort Washington wrongful death lawyer who can manage all legal procedures on your family’s behalf so you are involved only when you absolutely need to be.
Contact Friedman Schuman Layser today to schedule a consultation.