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Norristown Wrongful Death Lawyer

The unexpected death of a family member can be devastating. When this death results from another person’s careless, reckless, or intentional behavior, family members may be able to take legal action to recoup their losses.

If you lost you a loved one in a fatal accident, a Norristown wrongful death lawyer could help you file an insurance claim or bring a lawsuit against the liable party. Additionally, a personal injury attorney could deal with any legal challenges that may arise so that you can focus on healing from your loss.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

The state’s Wrongful Death Act allows for specific individuals to bring a lawsuit for the wrongful, negligent, or violent unlawful acts committed against the deceased. This law’s purpose is to compensate family members for the financial losses they have incurred as a result of their loved one dying.

Under 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §8301, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased may bring a wrongful death action. Relatives who do not fall in these categories are ineligible to file suit. It is important to understand that the plaintiff does not need to live within the state to bring a claim.

Different types of fatal accidents lend themselves to these kinds of claims. A Norristown attorney could guide grieving family members through the wrongful death claim process depending on how their loved one died. Some incidents that may give rise to such lawsuits may include:

  • Vehicle, pedestrian, or cycling accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Violent criminal acts
  • Nursing home abuse
  • Using defective products or consuming unsafe medication
  • Trip and fall accidents
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals or substances

Damages Available in Wrongful Death Actions

A lawyer could help a wrongful death plaintiff in Norristown seek damages for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before they died as well as injury-related damages such as medical bills or care facility expenses. Claimants also may be eligible to recover funeral and estate administration expenses.

Additionally, survivors may be able to claim loss of earning capability from the date of injury to death as well as loss of future earning capacity. This value may be subject to certain adjustments, such as the deceased’s estimated remaining working years.

Action by Spouse

In the event of a spousal wrongful death action, the surviving partner can obtain the monetary value of services provided that they would otherwise have received from the deceased. These damages may include loss of household or domestic contributions, love and affection, and physical companionship.

Action by Child

If a child of the deceased brings a lawsuit, they may be entitled to recover the value of parental guidance, coaching, and moral upbringing. Some of these damages can be hard to quantify and vary case-by-case. A judge or jury determines the award based on the presented evidence presented, as well as other factors.

Call a Norristown Wrongful Death Attorney Today

No one can fully appreciate the extent of you and your family’s loss, and the consequences of losing a loved one can last for the rest of your life. An experienced attorney could offer emotional and legal support during this difficult and tragic time. With a Norristown wrongful death lawyer by your side, you could hold the wrongdoer accountable for their actions and seek compensation for the financial losses and emotional hardship you endured. Speak to an attorney today to start working on your case.

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