Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawsuit – The Travis Law Firm – Wrongful Death Lawyers – Erie and Edinboro
Wrongful deaths are caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, inaction, or malpractice. When a family member is killed
as a result of another’s behavior, dependents are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Beneficiaries are often rewarded
monetary damages as a result of the defendant’s misconduct. Wrongful death can be caused by a truck, motorcycle,
or auto accident, by a physician’s misconduct or negligence,
or due to a work-related injury.
Contact our wrongful death lawyers – serving Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties, and all of Western Pennsylvania – if you are
interested in a wrongful death lawsuit evaluation. Wrongful death claims are civil suits that help families recover compensation.
Learn more about wrongful death by reading the sections below.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Eligibility
When somebody is killed as a result of reckless, negligent, or deliberate behavior of another, family members often choose to
file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Dependents and immediate family members (including parents, spouses, and children) are almost always eligible to take a wrongful
death lawsuit to court. Minors may need an adult guardian to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In some circumstances other family
members may be permitted to file suit in some states. The wrongful death lawyers at the Travis Law Firm – serving Erie, Crawford
and Warren Counties, and all of Western Pennsylvania – can help you understand the state’s relevant laws and get the compensation
you are entitled. Contact our Erie or Edinboro offices for more information on your Pennsylvania wrongful death lawsuit.
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Wrongful Death Liability
A death caused by the negligent, careless, intentional, or reckless actions of another person (or business) is considered a wrongful
death. In order to obtain compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit, you must prove that you will experience financial hardship
because of the loss or death. To successfully prove your case, your wrongful death lawyers are required to show:
- Death of a person
- The death was caused by the negligence, recklessness, or carelessness of another.
- A family member will/has experience(d) financial or emotional hardship as a result of the death
If the victim’s death was the result of a work-related accident or injury, employers may
be held liable. If the worker’s death is the result of inadequate training, lack of safety equipment, or unfit working conditions
a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed.
If a patient dies as the result of medical malpractice or medical negligence a family member
can file a wrongful death lawsuit. According to a recent study by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences,
as many as 98,000 may die each year as a result of medical malpractice.
The laws regarding wrongful death lawsuits are complex and overwhelming to those who have just lost a loved one. You should contact experienced
wrongful death lawyers who can successfully pursue your claim.
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Wrongful Death Damages
After a wrongful death, insurance companies often push for an immediate settlement. The family of a victim should contact experienced
wrongful death lawyers and fully assess the ramifications of their loss. Our personal injury attorneys at The Travis Law Firm
– serving Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties, and all of Western Pennsylvania – will fight for you. If wrongful death can be
proven, the bereaved may recoup:
- Medical bills
- Funeral bills
- Lost wages, including future earnings
- Lost benefits
- Lost inheritance
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of support or companionship
- General damages
- Punitive damages
Contact The Travis Law Firms’ wrongful death lawyers – with offices in Erie and Edinboro, Pennsylvania
– for a case consultation. We will evaluate your wrongful death lawsuit to determine what damages you may be entitled.
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Punitive Damages
Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are awarded to a victim beyond compensatory damages. Punitive damages are awarded
to victims of malicious misconduct. Meant to be a punishment and a deterrent from future occurrences, punitive damages may be
awarded to the family members of a wrongful death victim.
Punitive damage outcomes vary in size depending on the case and jury. There are not maximums placed on punitive damages. The jury
alone determines the amount of the award. Awarded in only special cases when the defendant’s actions were intentional, malicious,
or egregious, punitive damages can dramatically increase the amount of your claim. Our wrongful death lawyers will explain punitive
damages during your case evaluation.
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Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations
A Pennsylvania wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the victim’s death. If you feel you may have a wrongful
death lawsuit, don’t delay, consult an experienced wrongful death lawyer. At the Travis Law Firm, we will gather evidence, help
you understand the law, complete necessary paperwork, and build a successful wrongful death lawsuit. Hiring one of our
personal injury attorneys will also help alleviate some of the stress you may be experiencing.
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Wrongful deaths are caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, inaction, or malpractice. If you have a family member who
was killed as a result of another’s actions, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death can be caused
by a truck, motorcycle, or auto
accident, by a physician’s misconduct or negligence, or due to a work-related
injury. Contact our wrongful death lawyers – serving Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties, and all of Western Pennsylvania
– for a wrongful death lawsuit evaluation. Contact the Travis Law Firm today.
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