Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is devastating. When that loss results from someone else's negligence or wrongful act, the pain is compounded by feelings of injustice and anger. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family and hold responsible parties accountable.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., our compassionate wrongful death attorneys understand the emotional and financial hardship your family is facing. We provide sensitive, respectful legal representation while aggressively pursuing justice and maximum compensation on behalf of families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when a person's death is caused by another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. Under Pennsylvania law, certain family members can pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their losses.

To succeed in a wrongful death case, we must prove:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased
• The defendant breached that duty through negligence or wrongful conduct
• The breach directly caused your loved one's death
• The death resulted in damages to surviving family members

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Our wrongful death lawyers represent families whose loved ones died due to various types of negligence, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents
• Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and hospital negligence
• Workplace Accidents: Construction accidents, industrial accidents, and occupational fatalities
• Defective Products: Deaths caused by dangerous or defective consumer products
• Premises Liability: Fatal accidents on unsafe property
• Nursing Home Abuse: Neglect and mistreatment leading to death
• Criminal Acts: Assault, homicide, and other intentional acts
• Drowning Accidents: Pool accidents and water-related fatalities
• Aviation and Boating Accidents: Fatal crashes and accidents

Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases

Pennsylvania law allows families to seek two types of damages in wrongful death cases:

Wrongful Death Damages

These compensate family members for their losses, including:

• Loss of Financial Support: The income and benefits your loved one would have provided
• Loss of Services: Household services, childcare, and guidance your loved one provided
• Loss of Companionship: The emotional support, love, and companionship you've lost
• Loss of Consortium: The loss of marital relationship for surviving spouses
• Mental Anguish: Emotional suffering of family members

Survival Action Damages

These compensate the deceased's estate for losses the deceased suffered, including:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death
• Lost earnings from the time of injury to death

Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Law

Understanding key aspects of Pennsylvania wrongful death law is important:

Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years from the date of death. This deadline is strict, and missing it can forever bar your right to compensation. It's crucial to contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.

No Caps on Damages

Pennsylvania does not impose caps on wrongful death damages in most cases, allowing families to recover full compensation for their losses.

Comparative Negligence

If the deceased was partially at fault for the accident, Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rule applies. Compensation may be reduced by the deceased's percentage of fault, unless they were more than 50% responsible.

Why Choose Our Wrongful Death Attorneys?

Compassionate Representation

We understand the profound grief and stress you're experiencing. We provide sensitive, respectful legal counsel while handling the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

Experienced Trial Lawyers

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex wrongful death cases. We're skilled negotiators and prepared trial lawyers ready to fight for maximum compensation.

Thorough Investigation

We conduct comprehensive investigations, working with experts to establish liability and document all damages your family has suffered.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your family.

Available 24/7

We're here whenever you need us to answer questions, provide updates, and offer support throughout the legal process.

How Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

Investigating the Death

We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one's death, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and identifying all liable parties.

Establishing Liability

We work to prove that the defendant's negligence or wrongful act caused your loved one's death.

Calculating Damages

We carefully evaluate all economic and non-economic losses your family has suffered and will continue to suffer.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

We handle all communications with insurance companies and their lawyers, protecting your family from tactics designed to minimize compensation.

Taking Cases to Trial

If fair settlement cannot be reached, we're prepared to present your case to a jury and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

Handling Estate Matters

We can coordinate with estate attorneys to ensure all legal aspects of your case are properly handled.

The Wrongful Death Claim Process

While every case is unique, wrongful death claims typically follow these steps:

1. Free Consultation: We meet with your family to discuss the case and explain your legal rights
2. Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and establish liability
3. Filing the Claim: We file the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the estate
4. Discovery: Both sides exchange information and evidence
5. Expert Analysis: We work with medical experts, economists, and other specialists
6. Negotiation: We negotiate with the defendant's insurance company
7. Trial (if necessary): If settlement cannot be reached, we present your case at trial
8. Resolution: Once compensation is recovered, it's distributed to family members according to Pennsylvania law

Wrongful Death vs. Criminal Cases

It's important to understand that wrongful death lawsuits are separate from criminal cases:

• Different Standards: Criminal cases require proof "beyond a reasonable doubt," while civil wrongful death cases require proof by a "preponderance of the evidence"
• Different Outcomes: Criminal cases can result in jail time, while wrongful death cases seek financial compensation
• Independent Actions: You can pursue a wrongful death claim regardless of whether criminal charges were filed
• Different Parties: The government prosecutes criminal cases, while you (through your attorney) pursue the civil claim

Moving Forward After Loss

No legal outcome can truly compensate for the loss of your loved one. However, a successful wrongful death claim can:

• Provide financial security for your family's future
• Hold negligent parties accountable for their actions
• Prevent similar tragedies from happening to others
• Bring a measure of closure and justice
• Honor your loved one's memory

Get Compassionate Legal Help Today

If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in Lancaster, PA or surrounding areas, we're here to help. The wrongful death attorneys at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. will treat your family with the compassion and respect you deserve while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We're available 24/7 to discuss your case. Remember, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.