Wrongful Death
When the Worst Happens, You Need a Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a family member is all the more heartbreaking when the negligence of another party is to blame. If your loved one was the family’s primary breadwinner, financial uncertainty could complicate matters even further. At McKinney Law, we offer legal support in difficult situations and we will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
We understand the sensitive nature of wrongful death claims and are respectful of families who are coping with grief. If you have questions regarding your legal rights to compensation, we have answers. It costs nothing to discuss your case with Attorney Randall H. McKinney, an experience Pittsburgh wrongful death attorney. We are dedicated to achieving justice for our clients and have obtained outstanding results in wrongful death claims arising from all types of situations including motor vehicle accidents, truck, motorcycle and bicycle crashes, construction accidents, product defects, premises liability, trip and fall cases, and OSHA violations.
What is Considered a Wrongful Death Claim?
When the death of an individual is caused by a wrongful act, negligence, or recklessness towards another, this constitutes “wrongful death” in Pennsylvania. The state laws allow eligible beneficiaries to seek monetary damages for the repercussions of a loved one’s death.
Types of Wrongful Death Claims in Pennsylvania
Under Pa.C.S. § 8301, wrongful death lawsuits are warranted in several situations where victims lose their lives due to a defendant’s negligence.
Some common scenarios that lead to wrongful death claims include:
- Vehicle, truck, bicycle and motorcycle accidents caused by negligent, distracted, reckless or drunk drivers
- Workplace accidents stemming from OSHA violations, defective equipment, and machinery malfunctions
- Medical malpractice, including errors in medication, surgery, and diagnoses
- Construction site accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Swimming pool drownings
- Unlawful acts of violence
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law allows the decedent’s beneficiaries two years from the date of death to file suit. Once this statute of limitations expires, any claim for wrongful death will likely be barred by the courts.
Because every case is unique, it’s best to immediately speak with a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer Attorney Randall H. McKinney about applicable deadlines.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Survival Lawsuits
Wrongful death and Survival actions give rise to a number of damages that are meant to compensate the surviving families. In Pennsylvania, there are no caps on economic and non-economic damages awarded in wrongful death lawsuits.
Families can sue for a breadth of losses, including:
- Conscious pain & suffering
- Mental anguish
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical and hospital expenses for the decedent before death
- Lost wages and income potential for the decedent
- Loss of inheritance
- Estate administration costs
- Loss of the decedent’s love, guidance, support, and comfort
- Loss of the decedent’s household services
Who can recover proceeds in a wrongful death case?
The Wrongful Death Act provides that the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the individual who died are eligible for wrongful death damages. Any settlement or court award obtained is distributed in accordance with Pennsylvania statutes or the decedent’s will.
If you would like to learn more about wrongful death compensation, contact Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer Randall H. McKinney today.
Consult a Trusted Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Attorney
A successful wrongful death claim can provide grieving family members some measure of closure, financial stability, and justice after losing a loved one. At McKinney Law, our veteran legal team has advocated for Pennsylvania families’ rights for decades. We understand the sorrow of an unexpected loss and can determine whether legal action is right for your situation. We will make every effort to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Discuss your case with a wrongful death attorney in Pittsburgh who will go the extra mile. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.