Losing a loved one is a devastating experience that can change a family. This is especially so if it is sudden and unexpected due to the negligence of another party. This is called a wrongful death. Wrongful death is when a person dies as a result of another party’s poor behavior and decision making. When this happens, families of the victim often wish to seek justice for the incident. This can be done through a lawsuit that allows compensation to be awarded for the life that was taken. An experienced attorney in Montgomery County can assist family members in fighting for the rightful compensation for their loss.
What is Wrongful Death?
When a person dies a wrongful death, it can be due to another person’s negligence, carelessness, or behavioral misconduct. Situations in which this can be seen can include automobile accidents, product malfunctions, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, and more. Families left in these situations often struggle with the aftermath of their loved one’s death. This includes the loss of an income and the loss of their life.
Types of Cases
Wrongful deaths can happen in many different ways. Lawsuits are generally pursued in the event of the following situations:
- Defective products: When a product cases death due to a malfunction, an unsafe design, or it lacked a warning label.
- Automobile accidents: When a death occurs due to negligent driving while behind the wheel of a vehicle. This can be because of distracted or dangerous driving.
- Medical negligence: When a patient dies because a health care professional did not provide the lawful standard of care when treating them.
Compensation
The wrongful death of a loved one can leave a family with financial burdens. In addition to a loss of income, there are many expenses that come with taking care of a wrongful death situation. This can become overwhelming for a family to handle, which is why they are able to seek financial compensation to cover these costs. It is important to have an experienced attorney at this time to assist them. In the state of Pennsylvania, compensation may be awarded the following:
- Expenses for medical bills, funeral costs, and other financial burdens
- Loss of income
- Loss of relationship and companionship
- Loss of parental guidance and support for children
It is important to know there is a statute of limitations on filing a claim for wrongful death. This requires family members to meet a certain deadline in order to pursue legal action. The statute of limitations to file a claim for a wrongful death in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the death.
Contact our Firm
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.
