Wrongful Death Lawyers in Erie, PA
Our Erie, PA lawyers can help with your wrongful death claim.
There’s nothing worse in life than losing a loved one. When a family member is killed due the negligence, recklessness, or carelessness of another person or company, you and your family have suffered a wrongful death. Wrongful deaths can be caused by auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, or even work injuries. Our Erie, PA wrongful death lawyers have been helping families bring claims against insurance companies since 1985. We understand what you are your family are going through and we understand that picking the right lawyer can be hard. That’s why we offer free consultations for you and your family and don’t charge any fee without a recovery.
Call 814-452-6232 for a FREE Consultation! No recovery, no fee!
Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
There is no case more serious than a wrongful death. Unfortunately, at the same time you and your family are trying to get your loved one’s affairs in order, the insurance companies will try to take advantage of your emotions and will offer a quick settlement “to put the matter behind you.” Don’t fall victim to these tactics by talking to the insurance company without a lawyer. Our attorneys will help your family get the compensation to which you are entitled under Pennsylvania law:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical Bills
- Estate administration expenses
- Lost earnings and wages
- Lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of the family relationship (consortium)
- Punitive damages
Who can bring a file a Wrongful Death lawsuit in PA?
In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death suit is governed by The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act 42 Pa. C.S. § 8301 et seq. and can be filed by a spouse, a parent, or even a child. If the victim was unmarried and without children, the claim can be brought by the personal representative of the victim’s estate. When a case is brought, it is automatically made on behalf of all beneficiaries. Based on your individual circumstances, we can help determine whether or not you have a right to bring a claim on behalf of your loved one.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations ordinarily requires that a wrongful death suit be filed (or settled with court approval) within two years of a victim’s death. As such, it is important to act quickly and hire an attorney to properly make the claim and file suit if necessary. Don’t try to do everything on your own. Death and catastrophic injury cases are often complex and require expert investigation and testimony by independent specialists. Our lawyers work with a network of the nation’s top neurological experts, medical professionals, and vocational experts to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation your family will need for a lifetime of medical care, financial support for lost income, and social services.
Estate Administration
At Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager, we believe it important that your wrongful death lawyer be capable of handling the entire case—including your loved one’s estate if you so choose. Rather than having to get a separate estate attorney involved, we offer the option of our firm opening and administering your loved one’s estate throughout the entire case. Of course, if you would prefer to use your family’s estate attorney, we’re happy to work with other local professionals as well.
What’s the next step?
If you or a loved one in your family has suffered a catastrophic, life-changing injury, or has been killed in an accident, you already know that things will never be the same. Your entire life will be turned upside down. You will be faced with medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income and support. You need help.
If you or a friend has lost a loved one due to the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of a person or company, please call our Erie, PA Wrongful Death Lawyers at 814-452-6232 for a free consultation. We won’t charge you a fee without a recovery, and we promise to handle your case with the respect and dignity your loved one and family deserve. We understand that this is an emotional time for you and your family and we strive to ensure that we don’t make things more any more difficult. From our offices in Erie, PA, Meadville, PA, and Smethport, PA, we serve families of wrongful death victims throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania.