Areas Served
There is nothing comparable to the grieving process. Family members who have lost a loved one experience a significant range of unfamiliar emotions, making this period emotionally complex and confusing. However, the grieving process can be even more painful when the careless actions of another cause the sudden loss of a cherished loved one. Families often experience pain, sadness, frustration, and anger and may not realize that they have legal rights and options for recovering compensation.
At Stine & Associates, P.C., our wrongful death attorneys know what it takes to protect vulnerable people after they’ve lost a family member. While money can’t bring back your loved one or offer you emotional comfort, it can help stabilize your fragile financial situation. Our legal team will work with your family to pursue meaningful compensation and justice on behalf of your family member by providing personalized legal guidance and support.
If you live in Murrysville, comprehensive and compassionate legal help is only a click away. The Stine & Associates, P.C. team is ready to review your situation and fight to protect your family. Contact our office today and set up a free consultation to learn more about how we can help Murrysville residents following the death of a loved one.
What Does Wrongful Death Mean in Pennsylvania?
Wrongful death cases are an area of personal injury law. In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death is one that was caused by “the wrongful act or neglect of unlawful violence or negligence of another.” When a careless individual causes the death of another, they can be held financially accountable in civil court for their actions.
Several negligent actions can trigger a wrongful death lawsuit, including:
- Negligence-based incidents such as car, truck, and premises liability accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Intentional or criminal acts
Some types of personal injury cases do not require a showing of negligence for the injured person to secure compensation. Types of “strict liability” cases include:
- Products liability cases
- Dog bite cases
In personal injury cases, an injured accident victim can seek compensation from an at-fault individual for their injuries and losses. Wrongful death cases work in much the same way, except that the accident victim did not survive, and someone else must take up the case on their behalf.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
The legal team at Stine & Associates, P.C., will aggressively investigate the cause of the accident, identify liable parties, and protect your family’s legal rights. We have the knowledge and resources to help Murrysville families seek meaningful compensation when a loved one passes away due to the careless actions or wrongdoing of another from cases including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Premises liability incidents
- Animal attacks
- Explosions
- Exposure to toxic substances
If the negligent actions of another party caused the death of your family member, you deserve to pursue compensation and justice.
Who Can File a Murrysville Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Specific rules outline who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Within the first six months of an individual’s death, the law only allows the personal representative of the deceased to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The personal representative, also called the executor, is legally responsible for managing the deceased individual’s estate. This person is named by the deceased in their will or estate plan. Failing that, the probate court can appoint a personal representative for the estate.
Suppose the personal representative of the deceased’s estate does not file a wrongful death case within six months of the individual’s death. In that case, one of the deceased beneficiaries may file a case on behalf of all beneficiaries.
Compensation Available in Murrysville Wrongful Death Cases
The loss of a loved one puts families in a vulnerable emotional and financial position. However, accepting an initial settlement from an insurer or other entity is seldom in your best interest. These offers are typically low and don’t properly compensate families for all the losses they will endure as a result of their loved one’s death. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to understand the value of your case and what your family deserves.
Although the value of every wrongful death case differs depending on the specific circumstances of the situation, in most instances, families can pursue money for the following:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
- Loss of income and work benefits
- Loss of love, support, and companionship
- Estate administration costs
Successfully recovered compensation in wrongful death cases can be distributed to beneficiaries such as a surviving spouse, children, or parents.
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations
There is limited time to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Murrysville. Pennsylvania law states the personal representative or family member of the deceased must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the individual’s date of death. Filing after the legal deadline complicates the situation because the court can refuse to hear the case, dismissing it without allowing a hearing by a judge or jury. You also lose negotiating leverage over insurers or other responsible third parties.
Other Legal Options in Murrysville After the Death of a Loved One
Pennsylvania also recognizes survival actions, a separate civil law remedy for families who have lost a loved one due to another party’s careless or malicious actions. The personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate can pursue a survival action. Unlike a wrongful death case, a survival action allows the personal representative of the estate to pursue compensation for losses the individual could have pursued if they had survived the accident.
Compensation from a survival action can include money for the following:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses before death
- Pain and suffering before death
The estate’s personal representative can pursue a survival action in addition to a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation recovered from a survival action belongs to the deceased’s estate. After it passes through probate, it can be distributed to beneficiaries as outlined by the individual’s will or Pennsylvania intestate succession laws.
A Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorney Serving the Murrysville Area Can Help
Losing a loved one is never easy. The last thing you want to do is cope with the stress and anxiety of mounting a legal fight. At Stine & Associates, P.C., our wrongful death lawyers will take stress and worry off your shoulders, listen to your concerns, and manage your case from state to finish. We’ll provide you with personalized legal advice and compassionate emotional support.
Contact our Pennsylvania office today and arrange a confidential legal consultation to discuss the specific circumstances of your case. We proudly represent individuals in the Murrysville area and are committed to helping you find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Directions to Our Office
If you are coming to us from Murrysville, you can find our office by following these directions. We’re located at 110 E. Pittsburgh St., Suite 2, in Greensburg, PA. Call our office if you need additional assistance or have questions before your consultation.
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.