If you have lost a loved one due to the careless, negligent, or intentional actions of somebody else, you and your family may be entitled to compensation. These cases can become complex and require extensive investigation. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to get to work on your behalf. We have a track record of success with helping families game closure in the compensation they deserve. Call us when you need a Philadelphia wrongful death attorney.
In the aftermath of such a tragic incident, families who have lost a loved one will face a difficult time understanding what options they have. Many cases of wrongful death involve criminal charges against the person responsible. However, that is not always the case. Civil wrongful death cases can be filed whether or not criminal charges are filed.
In a Pennsylvania wrongful death case, the lawsuit must be filed by a personal representative of the estate of the deceased. If the person who has passed away left behind a Last Will and Testament, then the person named as the Will’s Executor is the Personal Representative. If the deceased died without a Will, a family member may volunteer to be the Personal Representative, or the court may appoint someone.
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed on behalf of the beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate. If the Personal Representative fails to file a wrongful death claim within six months from the date of the person’s death, any beneficiary is allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the rest of the beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries in a Philadelphia wrongful death case are considered “real parties in interest.” this is essentially limited to the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents. A person’s Brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, or other family members have no cause of action to file a wrongful death case in Pennsylvania.
If you think your loved one died due to the careless or negligent actions of another person, your first step in a wrongful death claim is to talk to an attorney familiar with these types of cases. Your attorney will be able to guide you through this process and help you understand whether or not you have a valid claim.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent actions of another person, seek legal assistance immediately. The team at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., is ready to get to work investigating what happened so your family receives the compensation and closure they deserve. This can include:
When you need a Philadelphia wrongful death attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.