An unexpected death in the family is always a shocking and heartbreaking experience. It can be even more devastating if it stems from a preventable accident caused by someone else’s negligence. In a situation like this, when your loved one is not able to explain what occurred, you may have trouble understanding and effectively enforcing your family’s right to a civil recovery from the responsible party.
While monetary compensation cannot bring back your loved one, compensation can help protect your family’s financial security and quality of life. The Lewisburg wrongful death lawyers at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can provide the assistance you need to pursue the maximum compensation in your situation.
Founding Partner Jon Ostroff and his team of compassionate personal injury attorneys have helped numerous families seek justice after losing a loved one. For example, Jon fought for and won a $5,000,000 settlement for the estate of a woman who passed away in a bus accident that occurred on I-80 just outside of Lewisburg. He recovered a $500,000 settlement for the family of a woman who was run over by a truck after falling under it.
If you and your family are grieving the loss of a loved one, reach out to our lawyers for help.
Who May Pursue Wrongful Death Litigation in Lewisburg?
Wrongful death cases may arise from any circumstances in which a party’s negligence, reckless or intentional act results in fatal harm to another person. The responsibility to pursue wrongful death litigation falls to the personal representative or executor of the decedent’s estate.
This representative is either identified in the decedent’s will or can be assigned by the court if there are no instructions in the decedent’s estate plans. The estate representative has the exclusive right to file a wrongful death claim until six months have passed following the decedent’s date of death. After that, any beneficiary of the decedent may attempt to file a claim on behalf of themselves and all other eligible beneficiaries.
Regardless of who actually starts the litigation process, in accordance with 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §5524, this must occur within two years of the decedent’s death. A skilled attorney in Lewisburg can help you build a wrongful death case within these applicable time limits.
Obtaining Financial Recovery After a Fatal Accident
Laws applying to wrongful death and survival claims provide for compensation related to the decedent’s pain and suffering, as well as the financial losses and anguish caused to the decedent’s family. These laws are intended to compensate surviving family members and beneficiaries for losses they suffered and will continue to suffer as a direct consequence of losing their loved one prematurely. Accordingly, recoverable damages in a typical wrongful death case include:
- Lost financial support and/or household services
- Emotional pain and suffering for surviving family members
- Loss of consortium
Families may also pursue reimbursement for financial losses from the decedent’s estate, including medical expenses paid out prior to the decedent’s death, funeral and burial costs, and costs associated with estate administration.
Speak with a Lewisburg Wrongful Death Attorney About Your Legal Options
Pursuing a wrongful death claim is a procedurally and emotionally challenging endeavor, especially if you have no experience with the legal system. Making your way through a wrongful death and survival case requires strong legal guidance and compassionate legal counsel on your side.
A Lewisburg wrongful death lawyer from Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers is ready to be your family’s ally. This guidance is critical as your family navigates tragedy. Call our firm today for a free private consultation.
