Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Supporting the Families of Wrongful Death Victims in Pennsylvania Since 1993

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness is one of life’s most devastating experiences. If you’re facing this kind of tragedy, you need a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyer to help guide you through the process.

We are the team to help you. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our Pittsburgh attorneys use integrity and honor to assist the loved ones of wrongful death victims. Our team is standing by, ready to guide you through Pennsylvania’s complicated legal system so you can pursue justice. We understand the nuances of wrongful death laws, and we’ve been holding negligent perpetrators accountable since 1993.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Scenarios We Handle

In 2023, over 222,500 deaths were caused by preventable injuries. Wrongful death can occur across a wide range of everyday situations where someone’s carelessness, poor decisions, or failure to follow safety rules leads to a fatal outcome. Understanding these common case types can help families recognize when they might be dealing with a preventable death. Some of the most common types of wrongful death cases we handle include:

• Car accidents
• Commercial truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Nursing home negligence
• Medical malpractice
• Construction industry accidents
• Unsafe premises leading to fatal falls or accidents
• Defective products that cause deadly injuries
• Workplace and industrial deaths

Although we can be aggressive when fighting for the compensation you should receive, we always treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve. Having handled countless severe injury cases, our lawyers understand what you’re going through. You can rely on us for the service you need throughout the legal process.

How to Prove a Wrongful Death Claim in Pittsburgh

To bring a successful wrongful death case in Pennsylvania, it’s not enough to show that a tragic loss occurred. The law requires you to prove specific elements in order to hold another party legally responsible for the death. Understanding these requirements can help families see how fault is established and why careful investigation and evidence are so important in these cases.

In Pennsylvania, you need to prove:

• Duty of care. This means that the defendant had a legal responsibility or obligation to act with reasonable care toward the deceased, like following safety protocols, obeying the law, or taking steps to prevent harm.
• Breach. The defendant failed to uphold that duty by acting carelessly, recklessly, or by not acting when action was required.
• Causation. The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the death.
• Damages. The death resulted in real, measurable losses to the surviving family, including financial harm and emotional impact.

Every wrongful death case is different, and the circumstances behind a loss are rarely simple. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we know how to gather the proof you need, present a clear case, and fight for accountability on behalf of families who’ve suffered unimaginable heartache.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in PA?

After losing a loved one, many families are left wondering who actually has the legal right to take legal action. Pennsylvania law is very specific about who can bring a wrongful death claim, and understanding these rules can help prevent delays, confusion, or disputes during an already difficult time. Some key points to remember include:

• The beneficiaries are the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.
• The person who needs to file the claim on behalf of the beneficiaries is the personal representative of the estate.
• The six-month rule dictates that a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative within the first six months after the death. If the personal representative fails to file within the first six months, a beneficiary can file as a trustee ad litem on behalf of all other beneficiaries.
• If there are no eligible beneficiaries, the personal representative can still file a claim to recoup limited expenses in some circumstances.

Because these cases involve strict legal requirements and timelines, making sure the right person files the claim is imperative, as mistakes can affect the entire case. The attorneys at Ainsman Levine, LLC, can help families navigate these rules, ensure the proper parties are represented, and move the case forward as smoothly as possible while you focus on grieving.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled To

Families who choose to pursue a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania could be entitled to a range of damages to cover their losses. While no amount of money can undo the tragedy, compensation can help you stabilize your financial situation so you don’t have to worry about expenses as you mourn your loss. Depending on the circumstances, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical and funeral expenses incurred from the death
• Loss of financial support and benefits that the deceased would have provided
• Loss of consortium, which is the loss of emotional and relationship support that the deceased would have otherwise provided
• Pain and suffering for the mental and emotional toll on the family

Every case is different, and the damages that are available depend on the specific facts surrounding the death and the losses you’ve suffered. The attorneys at Ainsman Levine, LLC, can evaluate your situation, explain what compensation could be available, and work to pursue the full recovery your family is entitled to under the law.

Prepared to Go to Trial in Pennsylvania

Generally, our experience with negotiation allows us to recover compensation without setting foot in a courtroom. This saves you extensive time and stress. However, if the insurance company or individual defendant does not offer the amount you need, our lawyers are ready to go to trial.

As a renowned, local litigation law firm, we’re ready to represent you with tenacity at the Allegheny County Courthouse, the Westmoreland County Courthouse, and the Washington County Courthouse, where our familiarity with local procedures and expectations can help achieve a fair and just award.

FAQs

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim usually must be filed within two years from the date of the death. If you try to file after this deadline, you give up your legal rights to pursue a wrongful death claim. These deadlines are strictly enforced, and an experienced Pittsburgh wrongful death attorney from Ainsman Levine, LLC, can help make sure everything is submitted on time.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if the Deceased Had a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes, you could file a wrongful death claim if the deceased had a pre-existing condition, as the existence of a pre-existing condition doesn’t prevent you from filing. Pennsylvania law is clear, and it allows you to recover damages so long as another person’s wrongful act, neglect, or negligence contributed to the death. Our team can analyze the medical records and accident reports to demonstrate liability.

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take to Resolve in Pennsylvania?

A: The length of time it takes to resolve a wrongful death case in Pennsylvania depends on different factors, including how complicated the case is, the number of parties involved, and how willing or reluctant the insurance company is to negotiate. Some cases can settle in months, while other cases could take a year or more if litigation becomes necessary.

What Happens if the At-Fault Party Is Facing Criminal Charges?

A: If the at-fault party is facing criminal charges, it shouldn’t affect your wrongful death claim. Criminal proceedings focus on punishment, while a wrongful death claim seeks to secure financial compensation for the family. The two types of cases are handled separately, and they have different standards of proof. In some situations, evidence from a criminal case can support a civil wrongful death claim.

Seek Justice and Compensation for Your Loved One’s Death

In the wake of your loved one’s tragic death, our team of wrongful death lawyers is here to assist you. We work on a contingency basis, so you do not need to worry about how to pay for our services.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call us at 412-338-9030 or send us an email.