If you lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, you may want to consider your legal options. Reach out to our firm today to speak with one of our dedicated and experienced Montgomery County, PA wrongful death attorneys.
What are the common causes of wrongful death accidents?
The state of Pennsylvania defines wrongful death as the “death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another.” Unfortunately, this can happen in a number of different ways. Keep in mind, however, that there are specific causes of wrongful death that can result in a medical malpractice claim. Some of these causes may include the following:
- Surgical errors
- Failure to diagnose
- Medication errors
- Faulty medical devices
- Poor post-operative care
In the event that this individual was the primary caretaker of a family, the repercussions may be heightened. The family of this individual will not only become void of a parent, spouse, or loving family member, but they may also suffer from intense financial burdens as a result of the death. Also, the family may be left with the unexpected responsibility of high medical bills and funeral costs that they were not financially prepared to bear.
Who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania?
In the event that a family loses a loved one due to the negligence of another, a lawsuit may be filed by specific parties. Keep in mind that laws vary from state to state as to who is able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, only the personal representative of the decedent’s estate is permitted to file on behalf of the beneficiaries. But, if the representative fails to file a wrongful death lawsuit within 6 months of the date the decedent passed away, any beneficiary has the right to file the claim. Note that this must be done within two years from the date of death in agreement with Pennsylvania’s statutes of limitations. Reach out to our firm today to speak with one of our skilled Montgomery County, PA personal injury attorneys.
Can I recover compensation for my wrongful death claim?
There are many financial implications that come with losing a loved one. This is especially so if the individual was a significant source of income for the family. In addition to a loss of income, there are multiple expenses that arise from taking care of wrongful death. Because of this, you may be entitled to compensation in the event of a successful wrongful death case. Some damages that are recoverable in the state of Pennsylvania include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills, funeral costs, and other financial burdens
- The loss of income
- The loss of a relationship and companionship
- The loss of parental guidance and support for children
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA 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.
