The Basics of Wrongful Death Lawsuits

September 18, 2019

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

When someone’s life is cut short either intentionally or due to the negligence of someone else, quantifying the losses seems impossible. Despite that, survivors can seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses they’ve suffered. Below, we’ll discuss the types of accidents or incidents that could lead to a wrongful death lawsuit, the typical damages recovered and how to get started on your claim. 

Wrongful Death Accidents

Wrongful death lawsuits could arise from a number of situations. In each of the scenarios, a person’s life is lost, and surviving family members are left devastated. Here are a few situations that give a survivor grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit:

• When the victim was intentionally killed
• Fatal motor vehicle accidents involving negligence
• Medical malpractice claims
• Personal injury situations where negligence led to death
• Products liability

As a survivor, understand that the burden of evidence in civil court is substantially lower than in criminal court. If the perpetrator gets away with his crime in criminal court, then there’s still an opportunity to recover financially in civil court. One of the most infamous situations like this was when OJ Simpson was found not guilty for murdering his ex-wife, but he was held liable for her death in civil court. 

Common Damages Awarded in Wrongful Death Lawsuits

What could you possibly seek to recover after the unimaginable loss of your loved one? No monetary sum could ever compensate you for your loved one’s life, but it can help you move forward financially. Here are the damages that are commonly awarded in wrongful death lawsuits: 

• Funeral and burial costs
• The deceased person’s pain and suffering prior to passing away
• The loss of inheritance
• The loss of the person’s expected income
• Loss of love and companionship
• Loss of care and guidance from the deceased
• Value of the services provided by the deceased

Punitive damages are usually reserved for extreme situations, but the loss of a loved on often warrants such awards. 

How to Proceed After the Loss of a Loved One

It’s overwhelming to deal with the consequences of a wrongful death situation. Considering how to move forward is crucial, and you likely don’t have the time or energy to put together a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. Let our attorneys help you carry this burden so you can focus on you and your family during this difficult time. 

Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Case in Pennsylvania

Has a loved one died due to negligence in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Quinn & Logue represent family members of victims of wrongful death in Pittsburgh, Scranton, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (412) 765-3800 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 200 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 as well as offices in Scranton, PA.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.