Justice for Families After a Tragic Loss
Losing someone you love is devastating. But when that loss happens because of someone else’s negligence, the pain is even harder to bear. Whether your loved one died in a car accident, at work, in a hospital, or because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have legal options.
At J. Fine Law, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are here to help grieving families seek justice and financial relief. We represent clients across Pennsylvania who have lost a spouse, parent, or child because of another party’s careless or wrongful actions.
Let us help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation your family needs. There is no cost to speak with us, and we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies because of another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, or intentional behavior. Pennsylvania law allows surviving family members to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages related to their loss.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle or pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Construction or workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Slip and fall injuries
- Fires or explosions
- Assaults due to negligent security
If someone else’s actions (or failure to act) led to your loved one’s death, a wrongful death lawyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at J. Fine Law can help you take the next step.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the wrongful death claim. This is usually a spouse, parent, or adult child, but it can also be someone named in a will or appointed by the court.
If no lawsuit is filed within six months of the date of death, eligible beneficiaries (such as children, parents, or a surviving spouse) may file the claim themselves.
Our team at J. Fine Law will walk you through the legal process and help ensure the correct party files the claim within the required time frame.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death lawsuit in Pennsylvania can help families recover compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future earnings
- Loss of benefits such as pension or health insurance
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members
- Compensation for services the deceased provided (e.g., childcare, household maintenance)
Every case is different, and our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys will carefully evaluate your family’s losses to pursue full and fair compensation.
What Is a Survival Action?
In addition to a wrongful death claim, Pennsylvania law allows the estate to file a survival action. This type of claim is meant to recover damages the deceased person would have been entitled to if they had survived. It covers losses such as:
- Conscious pain and suffering before death
- Medical expenses from the injury
- Lost wages between the time of injury and death
Survival actions and wrongful death claims are often filed together. Our team at J. Fine Law will make sure all eligible claims are pursued properly.
Common Wrongful Death Scenarios in Pennsylvania
Our firm has helped families across the state after a wide range of tragic and preventable losses, including:
- A pedestrian struck and killed by a distracted driver in Philadelphia
- A nursing home resident who died due to untreated infections and neglect
- A construction worker fatally injured on an unsafe job site
- A patient who died due to a surgical error in a hospital
- A shopper killed by falling debris in a poorly maintained retail store
- A child who drowned in an unsupervised pool
Whatever the circumstances, our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are ready to help your family seek justice.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages.
However, there are exceptions. Claims involving minors, government entities, or hidden causes of death may involve different rules. That’s why it’s important to contact a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after your loss.
How J. Fine Law Supports Families After a Wrongful Death
We know that no lawsuit can bring your loved one back. But we also know that holding the responsible party accountable can bring a sense of closure and provide critical financial support for your future.
When you work with J. Fine Law, you can expect:
- A free consultation with a compassionate attorney
- Clear, honest answers about your legal options
- Respectful handling of sensitive family matters
- Thorough investigation of how the death occurred
- Collaboration with medical and accident experts
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Trial-ready representation if necessary
- No fees unless we win your case
We handle every case with the care and attention we would want for our own families.
What Makes J. Fine Law Different?
- Decades of Experience: Our attorneys have handled countless wrongful death and personal injury claims across Pennsylvania.
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions of dollars for grieving families and injury victims.
- Client-Focused Approach: We offer personalized attention and never treat you like just another case.
- Local Insight: Based in Philadelphia, we know the courts, laws, and communities where you live.
We understand that this is likely one of the most difficult times of your life. Let us carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney at J. Fine Law? There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we recover compensation for your family.
How long will my wrongful death case take? Every case is different. Some settle within months, while others may take longer due to investigations, negotiations, or court proceedings. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Do I have to go to court? Many wrongful death claims settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
What if the deceased had no will? You can still file a wrongful death claim. The court may appoint a personal representative to handle the estate and lawsuit.
Who receives the compensation in a wrongful death case? Typically, compensation is distributed to the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents. If none are available, other family members may be eligible.
Real Stories. Real Results.
Over the years, J. Fine Law has helped grieving families hold negligent parties accountable for preventable deaths. Some of our case results include:
- A significant settlement for a family whose loved one died in a fatal truck accident on I-95
- Compensation for a family after a patient died due to delayed emergency room treatment
- A wrongful death award for the parents of a college student who fell from an unsafe balcony
We can’t erase your pain, but we can fight for answers, accountability, and financial relief.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Today
If you lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Let J. Fine Law stand by your side and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate Philadelphia, Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney.