Allentown Wrongful Death Lawyer

Fighting For Those Who Have Lost Loved One Due to Negligence

Unexpectedly losing a loved one is an extremely difficult situation to bear. Knowing that your loss could have been prevented if another person or company had acted with reasonable care only makes the situation more painful. You may want to seek justice but simply do not have the energy to move forward. You may not know what rights and options you have as a family member or loved one, including whether you are entitled to file a lawsuit.

An Allentown wrongful death attorney at Knafo Law Offices can help you understand what you can do and what to expect if you have lost a loved one and want to take legal action. Our compassionate team is available around the clock to tend to your needs and truly support you through every stage of your case so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one.

To learn more, please contact us online or call our office at (610) 756-1098. We provide free, private consultations and do not charge any attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. 

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Our team provides experienced, caring legal counsel for families in the following types of wrongful death claims:

• Car accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bus accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Construction site accidents
• Defective products
• Medical malpractice
• Dog bites/attacks
• Falls

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If your family member was killed or died due to fatal injuries caused by any type of accident or traumatic event, we are here to help. We understand the immense loss you are facing, and we are ready to protect your rights. While no amount of financial compensation can undo what you have been through, a successful claim can provide you and your family with a much-needed sense of justice and offer the monetary resources you need to handle unexpected financial losses and challenges.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand not only who can file a wrongful death lawsuit but also when such legal action can be taken. Pennsylvania defines “wrongful death” as any death that arises from the negligent or wrongful conduct of another person or party. This includes fatal accidents and acts of violence, such as criminal assault, battery, homicide, or murder. Eligible individuals are permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit regardless of whether or not the at-fault person or party is criminally prosecuted and regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings.

Pennsylvania also defines who may file a wrongful death action. Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can bring a claim or file a lawsuit for wrongful death in Pennsylvania. However, while the personal representative must be the actual party to initiate the claim, the action is brought on behalf of the deceased’s heirs and other beneficiaries of the estate. This typically includes the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, parents, and other dependents.

Additionally, if the personal representative of the deceased’s estate does not file a wrongful death claim within six months of the date of death, the beneficiaries of the estate may then initiate a wrongful death action themselves.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Unlike criminal cases, which seek specific criminal penalties against the at-fault person or party, wrongful death lawsuits are meant to financially compensate the deceased’s estate and beneficiaries for damages. These damages can be both economic and non-economic in nature.

Examples of common damages recovered in wrongful death cases include:

• Medical expenses associated with the deceased’s hospitalization or care just prior to death
• Funeral/burial expenses
• Costs associated with estate administration
• Lost income, wages, and benefits the deceased would have reasonably earned
• Value of household services, as well as childcare services, provided by the deceased
• Loss of love, society, comfort, support, and moral guidance
• Pain and suffering

Damages meant to compensate surviving family members for the emotional distress they have endured as a result of the death of their loved one can only be recovered by a surviving spouse, child/children, or parent(s). If no such person exists, these damages will not be recoverable.

Contact Our Allentown Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Knafo Law Offices has been serving families in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the entire Lehigh Valley since 1982. We have more than a century of collective experience amongst our attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. When families lose loved ones, we are there to seek justice on behalf of those who were lost.

With an Allentown wrongful death lawyer by your side, you have the opportunity to hold the responsible party accountable for what they have done. You can also seek financial compensation that can help you face a more stable future, covering medical expenses, funeral costs, lost earnings, loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and more. We know that this could never truly “compensate” you for the loss you have experienced, but it can allow you the ability to handle unexpected new financial challenges and focus on grieving and healing.

Contact Knafo Law Offices at (610) 756-1098 to see how we can help you.