Wrongful Death Lawyers

Compassionate Legal Representation for Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

Compassionate Wrongful Death Representation

Losing a loved one is devastating under any circumstances, but when that loss is caused by someone else's negligence or wrongful conduct, the pain is even more profound. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., our compassionate wrongful death attorneys provide sensitive and skilled legal representation to families in Lancaster, PA who have lost loved ones due to another party's negligence.

While no amount of money can replace your loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family and hold negligent parties accountable. We're committed to seeking justice on behalf of your family during this difficult time.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death claim arises when a person dies as a result of another party's negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Wrongful death claims allow the deceased person's family members and estate to seek compensation for their losses.

Pennsylvania's wrongful death statute allows the personal representative of the deceased's estate to bring a claim on behalf of:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children
  • Parents
  • Other dependent family members

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful deaths can result from many types of accidents and incidents, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Workplace accidents
  • Construction site accidents
  • Defective products
  • Premises liability accidents
  • Criminal acts (assault, homicide)
  • Drowning accidents

Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Pennsylvania law allows families to seek compensation for various losses in wrongful death cases:

  • Funeral and Burial Expenses: Costs associated with final arrangements
  • Medical Expenses: Medical bills incurred before death
  • Loss of Financial Support: The income and benefits the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of Companionship: The emotional support, guidance, and companionship lost
  • Loss of Services: Household services and contributions the deceased provided
  • Loss of Inheritance: Money the beneficiaries would have inherited
  • Pain and Suffering: The deceased's pain and suffering before death (survival action)
  • Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious conduct

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action

Pennsylvania law distinguishes between wrongful death claims and survival actions:

  • Wrongful Death Claim: Compensates family members for their losses, such as loss of companionship and financial support
  • Survival Action: Brought on behalf of the deceased's estate for damages the deceased could have recovered if they had survived, including pain and suffering before death

Our attorneys handle both types of claims to ensure your family receives maximum compensation.

Time Limits for Filing

Pennsylvania has strict time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing wrongful death claims:

  • Generally two years from the date of death
  • Certain exceptions may apply in specific circumstances
  • Missing the deadline can bar you from recovering any compensation

It's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your family's legal rights.

Proving a Wrongful Death Claim

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, we must prove:

  • The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased
  • The defendant breached that duty through negligence or wrongful conduct
  • The breach directly caused the death
  • The family members suffered damages as a result

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, work with expert witnesses, and build strong cases to prove liability and maximize your family's compensation.

The Wrongful Death Legal Process

Pursuing a wrongful death claim involves several steps:

  • Initial consultation to review your case
  • Investigation and evidence gathering
  • Filing the wrongful death lawsuit
  • Discovery process
  • Negotiations with defendants and insurers
  • Trial, if necessary

Throughout this process, we handle all legal aspects so you can focus on grieving and healing with your family.

Why Choose Our Wrongful Death Lawyers?

When you choose Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, you benefit from:

  • Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional difficulty of these cases and treat you with sensitivity and respect
  • Extensive Experience: Decades of experience handling complex wrongful death cases
  • Proven Results: We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for grieving families
  • No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation
  • Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in building your case
  • 24/7 Availability: We're here when you need us, day or night

Contact Our Lancaster Wrongful Death Attorneys

If you've lost a loved one due to another party's negligence, contact Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. today for a free, confidential consultation. We'll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. While we can't bring back your loved one, we can help secure your family's financial future and ensure justice is served. Learn more about our wrongful death legal services.