Areas Served
Wrongful Death Attorney Serving Latrobe
Very little can compare to the pain of losing a loved one, especially when that loss occurs due to another party’s actions. In the aftermath, it can seem impossible to imagine a future without your loved one. Stine & Associates, P.C., can help you find closure and justice by pursuing compensation through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death attorney serving Latrobe can manage the legal steps involved in filing a claim while you and your family focus on grieving and healing. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation.
How Stine & Associates, P.C., Can Help
The pain caused by a wrongful death can be too difficult to carry alone. That’s why Attorney Cindy Stine and the team at Stine & Associates, P.C., are committed to providing unparalleled support for Latrobe families suffering the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death. We’ll start by gathering evidence to prepare a robust claim on your behalf. After we file your claim, we’ll negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company in pursuit of a settlement that fully compensates your family for the loss you’ve experienced.
At Stine & Associates, P.C., our goal is to give you the time and space you need to focus on healing without the added stress of having to manage the legal details on your own. At every stage of the process, we’ll keep you informed of your legal rights and options and updated on the progress of your case. Here’s what you can expect us to do for you:
- Investigate the circumstances of the death by reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Identify all liable parties, including individuals, businesses, or government entities
- Gather evidence such as surveillance footage, expert testimony, and accident reconstructions
- File the wrongful death claim within Pennsylvania’s statutory deadline
- Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Calculate economic and non-economic damages, including lost income and emotional suffering
- Represent the family in settlement negotiations or litigation if a fair agreement is not reached
- Prepare legal documents and court filings necessary for the case
- Advocate in court if the case proceeds to trial
What Is a Wrongful Death in Latrobe, Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law defines wrongful death as a death caused by another party’s wrongful act, negligence, or unlawful violence. Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide variety of accidents and incidents, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle collisions
- Medical malpractice, including surgical errors and misdiagnoses
- Workplace accidents, including construction site injuries and industrial accidents
- Defective products, including unsafe consumer goods and machinery failures
- Premises liability incidents, such as slip and falls or incidents arising from negligent security
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Criminal acts, including assault or homicide
- Dangerous drugs or defective medical devices
- Public transportation accidents, including bus and train crashes
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Latrobe?
In Pennsylvania, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim within the first six months after death. The personal representative, also known as the executor or administrator, is the individual appointed to manage the deceased’s estate. If the deceased had a will, the will typically names an executor. The probate court must formally approve this individual. If the deceased passed without a valid will, the court will appoint an administrator to serve in this role. This individual is usually a close family member.
If six months pass without the personal representative filing a claim, any beneficiary entitled to recover damages becomes eligible to file on behalf of all beneficiaries.
Pennsylvania law establishes a two-year deadline for filing a wrongful death claim, beginning on the date of death. Failing to file within this deadline typically results in losing the right to seek compensation through the courts.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Under Pennsylvania law, eligible beneficiaries may recover compensation for certain financial and emotional losses resulting from a wrongful death in Latrobe. These recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided
- Loss of household services, such as childcare or maintenance
- Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance for surviving family members
Additionally, Pennsylvania’s survival action statute allows the estate to seek damages the deceased could have pursued had they survived, including compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced before death.
Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Compensation from a Latrobe, Pennsylvania, wrongful death claim is distributed to the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents. Under state law, these beneficiaries receive damages in proportion to how much they would recover according to Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws. If multiple beneficiaries exist, the court may determine how the compensation is divided based on need and relationship.
Unlike survival action damages, wrongful death compensation is not subject to estate creditors. The money goes directly to the eligible family members without passing through probate. If the deceased has no surviving spouse, children, or parents, no one else is entitled by law to recover compensation in a wrongful death claim.
Do You Have a Wrongful Death Claim?
If you suspect a loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful actions, you need to take steps immediately to protect your legal rights. First, gather any available evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, or documentation of the scene. You can request copies of official reports from law enforcement or regulatory agencies, especially in cases involving car accidents, workplace incidents, or medical malpractice. If the death occurred in a healthcare setting, obtain a full copy of the deceased’s medical records to review for potential errors or negligence.
Next, seek legal support from a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer serving Latrobe. Avoid discussing your case with insurance companies, and don’t accept any settlement offers before securing legal representation. Insurers often try to minimize payouts, and initial offers may not fully cover your losses. Your wrongful death attorney early can determine whether you have a valid claim, preserve evidence, and meet legal deadlines.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Latrobe
Your family shouldn’t have to bear the weight of a loved one’s wrongful death alone. Turn to Stine & Associates, P.C., to do the heavy lifting for your family. When you partner with us, you’ll be met with the comfort and reassurance you need, along with the legal advocacy your loved one deserves. For thoughtful and professional support during this challenging time, contact us today to arrange your initial consultation.
Driving Directions to Our Office
The office of Stine & Associates, P.C., is located at 110 East Pittsburgh Street, Suite 2, Greensburg, PA 15601. To visit us in person:
From the North:
Take US-119 S toward Greensburg. Turn left onto East Pittsburgh Street. Continue straight, and the destination will be on your right.
From the South:
Take US-119 N toward Greensburg. Turn right onto East Pittsburgh Street. Continue straight, and the destination will be on your right.
From the East:
Take US-30 W toward Greensburg. Turn left onto North Main Street. Turn right onto East Pittsburgh Street. Continue straight, and the destination will be on your right.
From the West:
Take US-30 E toward Greensburg. Turn right onto North Main Street. Turn right onto East Pittsburgh Street. Continue straight, and the destination will be on your right.