Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough. Coping with the death of a loved one in an unjust, negligent, or wrongful circumstance is even more difficult. While nothing can replace the life of a loved one or totally heal that wound, a family could seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim in court. Certain family members of the deceased can seek compensation for future losses they will suffer as a result of the death. Through a lawsuit, you can impose financial repercussions for the weight of unexpected expenses that resulted from the guilty party’s actions.
Hiring a private firm to navigate your case provides unique advantages. A personal injury attorney may be able to spot important aspects within the facts of your case that you may not be aware of. Based on the details of the case, a Reading wrongful death lawyer could assist you with recovering the compensation you and your loved one deserve.
Wrongful death actions are ruled by 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated § 8301. This statute allows people to seek legal remedies for the death of a person caused by the wrongful acts or negligence of others. It is important to note that damages can only be recovered if the deceased did not seek damages for the same thing in their lifetime; if they did, those actions for the same injuries would be combined with the new wrongful death case.
A member of the deceased person’s immediate family can typically file the claim, such as their parents, children, or spouse. When the deceased person has no immediate family, their personal representative may bring an action for reasonable hospital, nursing, medical, funeral, and administration expenses due to the person’s death. Some examples of accidents leading to wrongful death suits are car collisions where the other driver was negligent or negligent medical mistakes. An attorney in Reading could review a wrongful death case to determine who is at fault and who can file the claim.
The statute covering wrongful death claims specifically notes special damages a plaintiff may seek. Without limiting other types of recovery, the statute assures a plaintiff can be entitled to compensation for realistic hospital, nursing, medical, and funeral costs as well as expenses for required administration because of the injuries causing death. That means a lawyer specializing in wrongful death cases in Reading could assist the deceased’s family in seeking unexpected expenses like medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of income and benefits.
The types of other damages a family may seek include but are not limited to: financial support the deceased would have provided, contributions the deceased would have made to housekeeping, and loss of companionship and love. A lawyer’s dedicated assessment of the case could identify other potential damages someone not familiar with the law would miss.
The legal system is complex. When complicated factors like the probate process or qualifying standards come into the mix, pursuing a case can even be daunting.
Confronting a difficult circumstance can feel intimidating, especially when you are grieving. You need someone on your side who has the knowledge, dedication, and experience to help you through the legal process. A Reading wrongful death lawyer will be best equipped to handle your claim. Reach out now to learn more.