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Losing a family member due to someone else’s actions is a tragedy no one in New Alexandria should have to endure. If someone in your family died because of another party’s careless or deliberate behavior, Stine & Associates can help you hold them accountable through a wrongful death claim. We know you have a lot on your mind and will handle all the legal work to ease your burdens during this difficult time. While no compensation will replace your lost family member, a wrongful death claim can reduce your financial stress and offer a chance to find justice. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a New Alexandria Wrongful Death Claim
At Stine & Associates, we’re committed to helping families in New Alexandria find justice and move forward after a family member’s wrongful death. When you work with us, we’ll take care of the complicated legal details so you can focus on grieving and being with your family.
We’ll thoroughly investigate what happened, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable. We’ll also handle negotiations with insurance companies to fight for fair compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll this loss has taken on you. If the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to court and defend your rights at trial. Let us guide you through this difficult time and stand by your side every step of the way.
How Does Pennsylvania Law Define a Wrongful Death?
Pennsylvania law defines wrongful death as any death resulting from someone’s “wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence.” Basically, if the deceased would have had cause for a personal injury claim had they survived their injuries, their family likely has grounds for a wrongful death case. For instance, if someone dies in a car accident they didn’t cause, their family would likely have legal justification for a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Alexandria?
The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act says the deceased’s surviving parents, children, or spouse all have the right to file a wrongful death action. If there is no surviving spouse, child, or parent, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim.
Compensation in New Alexandria Wrongful Death Cases
Surviving spouses, children, or parents can seek compensation for many losses they’ve experienced due to a family member’s wrongful death, including money for:
- The deceased’s outstanding medical bills related to their fatal illness or injury.
- The income the deceased lost between the date of an accident and their death.
- The money the deceased’s surviving family members lost due to the deceased’s passing.
- Burial and funeral expenses.
- Loss of emotional support from the deceased.
If there is no surviving spouse, child, or parent who can file a wrongful death claim, the deceased’s personal representative can seek compensation for a more narrow range of losses, such as:
- The deceased’s medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Expenses related to administering the deceased’s estate
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in New Alexandria
Common causes of wrongful deaths in New Alexandria include:
- Car Accidents: Speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and reckless behavior can lead to fatal crashes. In some cases, poor road maintenance or defective vehicles also contribute to deadly accidents.
- Medical Malpractice: Mistakes by healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or medication errors, can result in a patient’s death. Neglect in providing appropriate care or monitoring can also lead to fatal outcomes.
- Workplace Accidents: Dangerous work environments, faulty equipment, or inadequate safety measures can lead to fatal injuries at work. Industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation are especially prone to these tragic incidents.
- Defective Products: Faulty consumer products, from defective car parts to unsafe household appliances, can cause fatal injuries. Companies that fail to ensure the safety of their products may be liable for fatal injuries or illnesses they cause.
- Truck Accidents: Large commercial trucks pose significant risks on the road. Driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or mechanical failures can lead to devastating collisions, often resulting in fatalities for drivers or passengers in smaller vehicles.
- Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse: Elderly residents in nursing homes may suffer fatal injuries or illnesses due to neglect, improper medical care, or physical abuse. These cases often stem from understaffing or poorly trained caregivers.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Hazardous conditions on someone’s property, such as wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting, can lead to fatal falls. Property owners who fail to address dangerous conditions may be liable for fatal injuries.
- Intentional Acts of Violence: Homicides and other intentional acts of harm can result in wrongful death claims against the perpetrator. Families of victims may seek justice through civil lawsuits alongside criminal proceedings.
Wrongful Deaths Claims vs. Survival Actions in New Alexandria
A survival action is another way to hold someone accountable for a family member’s death. In some cases, people don’t immediately die from their injuries in an accident. In these circumstances, the deceased’s surviving family members or personal representative can file a claim seeking compensation for the deceased’s losses from the time of their illness or injury until their death. Lawyers call this type of legal action a “survival action,” as it’s a personal injury claim by the deceased that “survives” their death.
Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Alexandria
Under Pennsylvania law, you usually have two years from the date of a family member’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, we recommend you speak to an attorney about a wrongful death case right away. If you wait too long to contact a lawyer, critical evidence can disappear or deteriorate, making it harder to prove your case. Similarly, waiting to speak to an attorney can increase your financial stress, whereas talking to a lawyer immediately can help you recover the money you need more quickly.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving New Alexandria, PA
If you lost a family member due to someone else’s careless or intentional actions, Stine & Associates can fight for justice on your behalf. In addition to serving New Alexandra and the surrounding area, we represent clients throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Westmoreland County. Call now or reach out online for a free case evaluation.
Directions to Our Office
Ready to speak to our team about your wrongful death case? Here’s how to find our office at 110 East Pittsburgh Street, Suite 2, in Greensburg:
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.