Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?
What are a family's rights after a fatal accident?
No legal claim replaces a family member. What a claim can do is hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial stability for the people left behind.
Two claims, filed together
A wrongful death action compensates surviving family members for their losses. A survival action pursues the claim the person could have brought themselves, including pain and suffering before death.
Damages a family may recover
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses from the final injury
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of guidance, comfort, and companionship
- The decedent's lost future earnings
Who may bring the claim
The personal representative of the estate generally files. If no representative is appointed within six months, certain beneficiaries may file directly.
These conversations are handled with care and without pressure. A free, confidential review is available whenever your family is ready.
Talk to Hershey Personal Injury Lawyers — free and confidential
Tell us what happened and we'll review your situation at no cost. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.