Wrongful death occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another person, company or entity. Being a family member of someone who has needlessly died is devastating. When a person is killed due to another's negligence or wrongful conduct, the family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Families of wrongful death victims are often torn when faced with such tragedy. Deaths can result from car accidents, construction accidents, slip and falls, etc. Questions arise such as:

• Was this death preventable?
• Was there malpractice or negligence?
• Can I seek justice and prevent this from happening to others?
• Can I be compensated for my emotional and financial loss?
• When should I consult with a Pittsburgh wrongful death attorney to determine whether or not I have a case?

While no amount of money can ever replace the life of your loved one, monetary compensation is about the only way for family to recover damages from someone else's negligence. Money damages may be the only way to provide for the financial future of the surviving spouse, children and other family members. Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for families of the deceased to cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Medical cost
• Mental anguish
• Future earnings
• Funeral costs
• General damages
• Lost inheritance.

Wrongful Deaths Involving Children

Setting a price on human life is not easy task, but required to do in wrongful death lawsuits. Because the primary measure of damages in a wrongful death action is pecuniary (financial) loss, the death of a child brings up difficulties in arriving at a damage award. When an adult dies, the pecuniary loss to the family is readily quantifiable. When a child dies, the parents' recovery is limited to their pecuniary loss, which is usually quite small.

If a loved one died due to a wrongful death, please fill out the form on your left for a free case review by a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer.

Wrongful Death FAQs

Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Statutes

Wrongful Death - Pain and Suffering

Wrongful Death - Funeral Expenses

Wrongful Death - Loss of Wages

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