As we know, accidents can happen at any time. These accidents may involve motor vehicles, slip and fall accidents, defective products or construction site incidents. Since they are not foreseen incidents, it can be impossible to prepare for them and hard to recover from them financially. These accidents can lead to a slew of medical bills that can put people in debt. Sometimes these accidents prove to be life-threatening. They may even result in death. If you have a loved one who has suffered from an accident and died, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
A wrongful death claim can benefit the beneficiaries of the estate by providing compensation. This compensation can help to afford costs for the funeral arrangements or to pay off the medical bills of the individual. With this extra money, the family will be relieved of some stress during this emotional time.
Who decides how much money is included in the claim?
Upon filing a wrongful death claim, the case will need to be heard by a judge who decides on the matter. When deciding on the amount of compensation provided to the family, the judge will consider a number of factors. These factors may include burial and funeral expenses, loss of contributions for alimony or child support, lost income if the person was to have lived, loss of household services, including spousal and parental responsibilities and mental suffering on behalf of the family.
Attorneys can help individuals recover compensation that they believe to be sufficient. Although we could never put a price on someone’s life, monetary compensation can help to cover expenses that have become an effect of the tragic incident.
Who is able to file a wrongful death claim?
In Pennsylvania, the state only allows the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. However, that only applies for the first six months after the accident. After this period of time, any beneficiary of the estate is able to file the claim. The lawsuit must be filed within two years of the death of the individual.
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
