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Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Our wrongful death lawyer in Philadelphia provides compassionate support and relentless advocacy for families seeking justice.

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Wrongful Death Attorneys Seeking Answers, Justice, and Closure for Grieving Families in Philadelphia

When you lose a loved one unexpectedly, your world stops turning. The thought of pursuing legal action feels almost impossible as you struggle to process the sudden loss of your loved one. At (215) GOT-HURT, we understand the profound pain and turmoil that wrongful death cases bring to families. Our Philadelphia wrongful death law firm is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive support as we help you seek justice, compensation, and closure during this profoundly difficult time.

With years of experience representing clients in wrongful death cases, our wrongful death lawyers at (215) GOT-HURT deeply understand the complex legal implications involved. We approach each case with empathy and determination, working tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. Whether your loved one's death was caused by a car accident, medical malpractice, workplace incident, or another form of negligence, we are here to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

At (215) GOT-HURT, we prioritize clear communication and personalized attention for every client. We know that no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, but obtaining fair compensation can help ease the financial burdens caused by their untimely passing. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and honoring the memory of your loved one. Contact our Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward seeking justice and closure.

Why a Wrongful Death Lawyer at (215) GOT-HURT?

At (215) GOT-HURT, our wrongful death lawyers have walked alongside countless families in Philadelphia and beyond who have suffered losses like yours. We know the crushing weight of grief, the anguish of unanswered questions, and the desperate need for justice. With empathy in our hearts, we create a safe space where you can share your story.

Our dedication isn't just professional; it's personal. Our Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys see you not just as clients but as people whose lives have been forever altered by tragedy. We will fight relentlessly, not just for compensation, but for accountability – to ensure that those responsible are held to account for the irreplaceable loss they've caused. Through it all, our wrongful death attorneys promise unwavering support, ongoing communication, and a steadfast commitment to your well-being. At (215) GOT-HURT, you are never alone in your journey toward healing and justice.

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Protecting Your Family Against Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies after the loss of a loved one can be exhausting, especially when they attempt to minimize your rightful claim in a wrongful death case. Drawing from our background in insurance defense, our wrongful death lawyers possess unique insight into these strategies, enabling us to effectively counter them on your behalf. Our wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to negotiating tirelessly to ensure you receive the full and just compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one, despite any challenges presented by insurers.

Advocating for Your Loved One In and Out of the Courtroom

While many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlements, having trial experience is essential in the event your wrongful death case proceeds to court. Unlike some wrongful death attorneys who focus solely on settlements, our team boasts extensive courtroom experience. Our wrongful death lawyers have a demonstrated track record of vigorously advocating for our client's rights and securing maximum compensation under the law. You can trust in our ability to navigate the complexities of litigation with skill and determination to achieve justice for your family.

Clear Communication Throughout Your Wrongful Death Case

We understand the importance of keeping you informed and involved throughout the legal process in a wrongful death case. Clear and continuous communication is fundamental to our approach, ensuring you are always aware of the status of your case and empowered to voice any questions or concerns. Our dedicated attorneys and staff stand by your side, offering unwavering support and guidance during this challenging loss and legal proceedings.

What Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Do for You?

A wrongful death lawyer can provide invaluable assistance and support during one of the most difficult times in your life. Here are some ways a wrongful death lawyer can help you:

Legal Guidance

A wrongful death lawyer can provide expert legal guidance and advice tailored to your situation. They can explain your legal rights, assess your case's strengths and weaknesses, and outline your options for seeking compensation.

Investigation

A wrongful death lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one's death. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

Negotiation

Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, at-fault parties, and their legal representatives. They will work to negotiate a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses.

Litigation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will represent you in all legal proceedings, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for your interests in front of a judge and jury.

Maximizing Compensation

A wrongful death lawyer will work diligently to maximize the compensation you receive for your losses. This may include compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.

Providing Support

In addition to handling the legal aspects of your case, a wrongful death lawyer can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the process. They understand the immense emotional toll of losing a loved one and will be there to offer compassion, empathy, and support every step of the way.

Overall, hiring a wrongful death lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected, your voice is heard, and you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for the wrongful death of your loved one.

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What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death case arises when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity cause a person's death. To constitute a wrongful death case, several elements must typically be present:

Death of a person. The first requirement in a wrongful death case is that a person has died. This can occur in various circumstances, such as a car accident, medical malpractice, workplace accident, defective product incident, or criminal act.

Negligence or wrongful conduct. The wrongful death must have been caused by another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. This could include careless driving, medical errors, unsafe working conditions, or criminal behavior.

Breach of duty. The responsible party of the wrongful death must have breached a legal duty owed to the deceased person. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, doctors have a duty to provide competent medical care, employers have a duty to maintain a safe workplace, and product manufacturers must produce safe products.

Causation. There must be a direct causal link between the negligent or wrongful conduct of the defendant and the death of the victim. In other words, it must be shown that the defendant's actions were a substantial factor in causing the death.

Damages. The death must have resulted in damages to the surviving family members or beneficiaries. These wrongful death damages can include financial losses such as medical expenses and funeral costs, as well as non-economic losses such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

Examples of situations that may give rise to a wrongful death case include:

  • Car accidents caused by a negligent driver.
  • Medical malpractice resulting in the death of a patient.
  • Workplace accidents caused by unsafe conditions or employer negligence.
  • Defective products causing fatal injuries.
  • Criminal acts such as assault or homicide.

Wrongful death laws vary by jurisdiction, so it's essential to consult with a qualified attorney who can advise you on the specific requirements and procedures for pursuing a wrongful death claim in your area.

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Common Causes of a Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death cases can arise from a variety of situations where someone's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions result in the death of another person. Each case is unique, and determining liability requires a thorough investigation into the death's circumstances. If you believe that someone else's negligence or wrongdoing caused your loved one's death, it's essential to consult with a qualified wrongful death attorney to understand your legal options. Some common causes of wrongful death cases include:

Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death, often resulting from factors such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless behavior on the road.

When healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in the death of a patient, it may lead to a wrongful death claim. This can include errors during surgery, misdiagnosis, medication errors, or failure to diagnose a serious medical condition.

Fatal workplace accidents can occur in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. These accidents may result from unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, equipment malfunction, or employer negligence.

Defective products or equipment can cause fatal accidents or injuries, leading to wrongful death claims. This can include faulty automobile parts, dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, or defective medical devices.

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. Wrongful death cases may arise from incidents such as slip and fall accidents, negligent security leading to assaults or homicides, or dangerous conditions on the property.

In cases where someone's criminal actions lead to the death of another person, such as homicide or manslaughter, the surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim in addition to criminal charges.

Negligence or abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities can result in the death of residents. This may include neglecting basic care needs, medication errors, physical abuse, or failure to prevent accidents.

In cases where the at-fault party's negligence was particularly reckless, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

If a loved one is killed in a truck accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages through a wrongful death claim.

What to Do After Losing a Loved One Due to Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to someone else's wrongdoing is an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience, and it's essential to take care of yourself and your family during this challenging time. Here are some steps you can consider taking:

Seek emotional support. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for emotional support. Grieving is a natural process, and having a strong support system can help you cope with your loss.

Understand your legal rights. Consult a wrongful death attorney to understand your legal rights and options. A skilled attorney can guide on pursuing a wrongful death claim and seeking compensation for your losses.

Gather information. Collect any relevant information related to the circumstances of your loved one's death, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This information may be valuable in supporting your wrongful death claim.

Document expenses. Keep track of any costs incurred resulting from your loved one's death, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of income. These expenses may be recoverable in a wrongful death claim.

Consider your financial situation. Losing a loved one can have significant financial implications. Evaluate your financial situation and consider seeking financial assistance or support if needed.

Stay informed. Stay informed about the progress of any legal proceedings related to your loved one's death. Your attorney can provide updates and guidance throughout the process.

Take care of yourself. Take care of your physical and emotional well-being by eating healthily, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort and solace.

Consider support groups. Joining a support group for individuals who have experienced similar losses can provide additional emotional support and camaraderie.

Remember that healing takes time, and it's okay to seek help and support as you navigate the grieving process and pursue justice for your loved one.

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Calculating Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Calculating damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can be complex and involves various factors, including economic and non-economic losses. Here's a general overview of how damages are typically calculated:

Economic Damages. These are quantifiable financial losses that result from the wrongful death and may include medical expenses incurred before the death and funeral and burial expenses. In addition, economic damages could cover:

  • Loss of financial support. This includes the income the deceased would have earned over their expected lifetime and the value of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions.
  • Loss of services. This refers to the value of household services, childcare, or other contributions the deceased provided to their family.

Non-Economic Damages. These subjective losses are more challenging to quantify but are still compensable. They may include:

  • Pain and suffering. This encompasses the physical and emotional pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their death.
  • Loss of companionship. This refers to the emotional support, guidance, and companionship the deceased provided to their family members.
  • Loss of consortium. This relates to the loss of the deceased's spouse's companionship, intimacy, and support.

Punitive Damages. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter similar behavior. However, punitive damages are not available in all wrongful death cases and are typically only awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm.

To calculate damages, various factors are considered, including the age and health of the deceased, their earning capacity, the circumstances of the death, and the impact on surviving family members. Expert testimony from economists, medical professionals, and other specialists may be used to assess the value of economic damages. Additionally, wrongful death attorneys may rely on precedents from similar cases and jury verdicts to help determine appropriate compensation. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that surviving family members receive fair and just compensation for their losses resulting from the wrongful death.

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim

Filing a wrongful death claim can be a complex legal process, and it's essential to seek guidance from an experienced attorney who specializes in wrongful death cases. Here are the general steps involved in filing a wrongful death claim:

  1. Consultation with a wrongful death attorney. The first step is to schedule a consultation with a wrongful death attorney. During this initial meeting, the wrongful death attorney will review the details of your case, assess its merits, and explain your legal options.
  2. Gathering evidence. Your wrongful death attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one's death. This may involve collecting evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other relevant documentation.
  3. Identifying liable parties. Your lawyer will determine who may be held liable for your loved one's death based on the evidence gathered. This may include individuals, companies, or entities whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions contributed to the death.
  4. Calculating damages. Your attorney will work with you to calculate the damages you are entitled to recover in the wrongful death claim. This may include economic damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
  5. Filing the claim. Once the evidence has been gathered and damages calculated, your attorney will prepare and file the wrongful death claim on your behalf. This involves submitting the necessary paperwork to the appropriate court and serving notice to the defendants in the claim.
  6. Negotiation and settlement. In many cases, wrongful death claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement outside of court. Your attorney will negotiate with the defendants and their insurance companies to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses.
  7. Litigation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney may take your case to court. This involves presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing your case before a judge and jury.
  8. Resolution. Once a settlement is reached or a verdict is rendered in court, your attorney will assist you in finalizing the resolution of the wrongful death claim. This may include distributing the settlement proceeds and resolving any outstanding legal matters related to the case.

Throughout the entire wrongful death claims process, your wrongful death lawyer will provide guidance, support, and advocacy to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for the wrongful death of your loved one.

Personal Injury vs. Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Personal injury law and wrongful death law are closely related, as they both involve seeking compensation for harm caused by someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. While personal injury cases typically involve injuries to the victim, wrongful death cases arise when the negligence or wrongful conduct of another person or entity results in the death of an individual.

Here's how personal injury law relates to wrongful death:

Negligence. In personal injury and wrongful death cases, the central concept is negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, harming another person. In personal injury cases, the harm may include physical injuries, while in wrongful death cases, the harm is the loss of life.

Legal basis. Personal injury claims and wrongful death claims are based on the legal theory of tort law, which allows individuals to seek compensation for harm caused by the negligence or misconduct of others.

Compensation. In personal injury cases, the injured party may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In wrongful death cases, the surviving family members may seek compensation for similar damages, as well as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other losses resulting from the death of their loved one.

Proving liability. In both cases, the plaintiff (the injured party or the surviving family members) must prove that the defendant's negligence or wrongful conduct caused the harm. This typically involves demonstrating that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim, breached that duty, and directly resulted in the injuries or death.

While personal injury cases focus on seeking compensation for injuries suffered by the victim, wrongful death cases seek compensation for the losses suffered by the surviving family members as a result of the victim's death. Both types of cases require a thorough understanding of the relevant personal injury and wrongful death laws and legal procedures and the ability to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate the case in court.

If you believe you have a personal injury or wrongful death claim, it's essential to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney specializing in wrongful death lawsuits who can advise you on your legal rights and options.

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If the death of a loved one impacted you or a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others in Philadelphia, PA, you may have a wrongful death case and be entitled to compensation by law. At (215) GOT-HURT, our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers have helped grieving families through the wrongful death legal proceedings, providing compassionate care and support every step of the way. As our client, you can rest assured that your wrongful death case will be brought to justice. At our law firm, our wrongful death lawyers stop at nothing to help ensure that surviving families get the accountability, compensation, and closure that they need and deserve.

No wrongful death settlement can bring back your loved one, but it can help ensure that you are taken care of in their absence. Speak with our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers for free today.

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