Losing a loved one is a profound and life-altering experience. When that loss is caused by another person or entity’s careless, negligent, or intentional actions, the grief can be compounded by feelings of injustice. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we are here to help you seek the justice and compensation your family deserves. Our experienced Pittsburgh wrongful death attorneys are committed to investigating your case with diligence and securing the financial support you need to move forward.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim allows the surviving family members of someone who has died due to another’s wrongful actions to seek compensation. These claims can result from negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm caused by individuals, businesses, or other entities.
Unlike criminal cases, wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits. It’s important to note that wrongful death claims can proceed regardless of whether a related criminal case exists. While the criminal justice system seeks to punish wrongdoers, a wrongful death suit focuses on recovering damages for the family’s loss.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases arise in diverse ways, often under tragic and preventable circumstances. Below are some of the more common causes, though this is by no means an exhaustive list. We encourage you to speak with a Pittsburgh wrongful death attorney to address the specifics of your case.
Vehicle Accidents
Each year, hundreds of lives are lost in Pennsylvania due to car accidents caused by negligence. Impaired driving, distracted driving, and reckless driving behavior often play contributing roles in these tragedies.
Product Liability
Faulty or dangerous products can lead to fatal accidents. Manufacturers and companies have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are safe, but design defects, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warning labels can put consumers at serious risk. Product liability laws exist to hold manufacturers responsible for these failures.
Medical Mistakes
Medical errors are among the leading causes of death in the United States. Mistakes such as misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or improper treatment can have devastating consequences and may warrant legal action against healthcare providers.
Criminal Acts
Fatalities that occur during the commission of a crime, whether intentional or accidental, can lead to wrongful death claims in addition to criminal charges. While criminal charges may be pursued, our personal injury law firm focuses on helping families seek compensation through wrongful death lawsuits.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to unsafe working conditions, it's crucial to understand your rights. Premises liability laws may allow you to hold your employer or other responsible parties accountable for the harm caused by workplace accidents.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
If you’ve lost a loved one due to another’s wrongful actions, you may have the right to seek financial compensation. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we approach each wrongful death case with meticulous attention to detail, working to determine the full scope of your family’s losses.
Compensation in these cases may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have provided
- Pre-death medical expenses incurred
- Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Punitive damages aimed at holding the responsible parties accountable
We understand that no monetary award can erase your loss, but pursuing compensation can alleviate the financial burdens associated with a wrongful death and provide a sense of justice.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Pennsylvania law allows wrongful death claims to be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This is typically the individual named in the deceased’s will. If no will exists, the court may appoint a representative for the claim, which is brought on behalf of all surviving beneficiaries.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing?
Pennsylvania law sets a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim. This means that you must initiate your lawsuit within two years of your loved one’s death. For survival actions, which include claims related to the suffering experienced by the deceased before their passing—the two-year timeframe begins on the date of the incident that caused their death. Damages recoverable under a survival action may include things like the decedent’s pain and suffering, medical bills, and past and future wage loss.
It’s critical to act promptly, as missing the deadline could bar your family from recovering compensation. Our attorneys can help you assess your options and ensure legal deadlines are met.
Why Choose Us?
The emotional and financial weight of losing a loved one is already immense. Navigating the complexities of a wrongful death claim shouldn’t add to your burden. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we provide compassionate guidance backed by over five decades of legal experience. Our skilled wrongful death attorneys are unwavering in their commitment to seeking justice and ensuring you receive the maximum compensation allowed under the law.
Justice for Lost Loved Ones: Wrongful Death Attorneys
The loss of a loved one is more than an emotional tragedy—it’s a moment that changes everything for a family. During this trying time, trust Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to be by your side, offering expert legal counsel and unwavering support.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, provide answers, and begin the process of seeking justice for your family. Call us at (412) 391-7610 or reach out online.
